A new year is here, and you’re fired up about it. Nothing’s going to stand in your way, because it’s the year you’re going to grow your business like never before. Then, when the calendar flips, a few days have gone by - maybe a couple of months pass - and you look around to find yourself back in the same, uninspired day-to-day routine.

If this sounds like you in years past, take heart. You’re not alone. According to one study, 60% of New Year’s resolutions fail. Nearly one-third of them won’t make it to Valentine’s Day. So how do you keep the momentum going? Here are a few tasks that will build a foundation to help you keep those promises to yourself:

Clear the deck

Get rid of all the papers on your desk. Yeah, I’m serious. File or scan what you need, and throw away the rest. De-cluttering your workspace automatically helps clear your mind. It allows you to focus on what’s important, and it’s like having a fresh start every day.

Goalsetting

If you haven’t set your goals yet, now is the time. In fact, this is your first goal of the year. Being "too busy" is no excuse. Get it done by the end of this week. For goals to work, they must:

• Be specific
• Be measurable
• Have a time limit
• Be yours
• Be in writing

And goals are not just about business. You need them for every areaof your life. At Ramsey Solutions, we use what Zig Ziglar called The Wheel of Life. Each area of your life is represented by a spoke, and you have to set goals in every area. The spokes include career, financial, spiritual, physical, intellectual, family and social.

Create a calendar

Want to keep that Wheel of Life from having a flat tire? Then you have to put everything on a calendar. Otherwise, you’ll never find the time. My wife and I both live and die by our calendars, and we’re careful to include and be intentional about rest, recreation, exercise, marriage time and kid time.

Get out (of the office)

Schedule a full day on that calendar with key leaders or team members to come up with a game plan to achieve your new goals. And don’t do it at the office! Getting away keeps distractions to a minimum and allows creativity to flow.

Hire only thoroughbreds

Now that you have your goals in place and you’ve come up with a game plan, is your staffing adequate to turn it all into reality? If not, what strategic hires should you make, and who should come on board first?

The reason to start now, even though a project or goal may not begin for many months, is hiring should never be a fast process. At my company, it takes at least a few months with multiple interviews before a candidate joins the team. The result? A building full of thoroughbreds who are passionate, loyal and super-talented.

Remember, your company only grows when you do. Happy New Year and best wishes for a blessed and prosperous 2022!