KICKSTART THE YEAR: 15 NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS FOR BUSINESS OWNERS

As we look forward to a new year, it’s natural to reflect on the wins and lessons of the past. With each new year, we tend to make the same resolutions—eat better, exercise more, increase sales, and spend more time with family. But let’s face it, how often do these resolutions actually stick?

How do we make real progress and see these changes through?

Here are 15 New Year’s resolutions every business owner should consider adopting:

“When you change one thing, you have the ability to change EVERYTHING.”

1. SET YOUR BOUNDARIES

If you want more family time or to hit the gym more, set clear boundaries. Schedule gym time and decide when to stop working for the day. Studies show productivity increases when we set hard deadlines and non-negotiable boundaries.

2. STICK TO YOUR 4-PART TO-DO LIST

Break your tasks down into four categories:

Block time for each and ask for help when needed.

3. TIME BLOCK WITH A PLANNER

Carve out time in your day for planning. What tasks require focus, and when do you set aside personal time? Make time-blocking a habit. It takes 21 days to form a habit, so stick with it!

4. SET DAILY INTENTIONS

Take control of your emotions and mindset each day. Be intentional about how you want to feel and how you want to impact others. Don’t let external factors dictate your emotional state.

5. ASK FOR MORE HELP

The DIY approach isn’t sustainable when scaling your business. Focus on high-value tasks and outsource the rest. Your business will grow when you ask for help.

6. SCHEDULE REGULAR "DATE NIGHTS" WITH YOUR NUMBERS

Set a weekly date to review your key numbers—track what drives your business. When you know your numbers, you know your business.

7. CHOOSE 3 KEY METRICS TO TRACK WEEKLY

Sales figures don’t tell the full story. Track at least three metrics beyond gross sales: Conversion rate, traffic, and average order value (AOV) are great starting points.

8. GET PERSONAL

Your customers want to connect with a person, not a brand. Show the real face of your business through videos, stories, and personal connections.

9. USE MORE VIDEO

Video is the most engaging format for any platform. Embrace video for content creation, whether it’s a product demo, a behind-the-scenes look, or a live Q&A.

10. BUY WHAT YOUR CUSTOMERS ACTUALLY WANT

Stop following trends and start listening to your audience. Stock your products thoughtfully, and make sure they reflect what your customers truly want.

11. FOCUS ON THE 20% THAT YIELDS 80% OF RESULTS

Instead of reacting to every message or notification, prioritize high-impact tasks. Start with the hardest task, and then handle the rest during your open time blocks.

12. MASTER ONE THING

Don’t try to be everywhere. Focus on perfecting one platform before jumping to others. Master the art of engagement where your audience already is.

13. LAUGH MORE

Running a business can be tough. Make time to laugh every day. It keeps things light and helps you navigate challenges with a positive mindset.

14. STOP THE SCROLL

Set boundaries around your screen time. Create more content than you consume, and start each day without your phone to set a clear and focused tone.

15. CREATE TIME TO LEARN

Successful business owners never stop learning. Set aside time every week to read, listen to podcasts, or attend webinars that help you stay sharp and grow personally and professionally.

MCIVOR MARKETING’S COMMITMENT TO GROWTH

What resolutions are you committing to this year? The key isn’t just in setting goals, but in being committed to them. The difference between “I need to” and “I’m committed to” is the game-changer. Let’s make this year count!

What’s on your New Year’s resolution list?

At McIvor Marketing, we’re passionate about setting new goals every year—both for our business and for ourselves. We believe in continuous growth and striving to be just a little bit better each year. Whether it’s refining our strategies, improving our client relationships, or fostering a supportive environment for our team, we’re always looking for ways to elevate our work and make a greater impact. As we step into the new year, we’re excited for the opportunities ahead and committed to helping our clients do the same—reaching new heights and achieving the success they deserve. Here’s to growth, progress, and a fantastic year ahead!

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