3 Easy New Year's Resolutions Every Business Owner Should Make in 2023

The opinions expressed by entrepreneurs contributors are their own.

New Year's resolutions are a bit of a joke these days. Let's be honest. To the point that breaking them seems normal for the course. Only 9-12% of the 41% of Americans who make resolutions in the first place keep them.

As business owners, we also face this problem every year. We set goals for our team, or we have growth forecasts to achieve. From the outset, we are committed to delivering a long list of great promises.

And are we okay?

It would be very flippant of me to accuse you of writing checks that your… uh… “low” can't cash. But statistically, that's precisely what you do. In the warm and cozy surroundings of the Christmas holidays and New Year's celebrations, you cook up all these wonderful new milestones for you and your business.

Then reality hits. Day-to-day operational issues, supplier delays and customer requests. They all conspire to slow your progress towards a crawl. Before you know it, you're preparing for Christmas again, having achieved next to nothing!

Related: 10 New Year's Resolutions Entrepreneurs Should Make Every Year

The problem is that you have tried too hard to change!

We're all looking for quick fixes, but your mind just isn't ready for massive, sudden changes. Up to 97% of your decision making happens unconsciously. This means that no matter how strong your intellectual resolve, unless you can internalize your intentions and communicate them favorably to your subconscious, you are unlikely to see them come to fruition.

You might think that working on your subconscious is a personal indulgence you don't have time for, but believe me: you have to. Like it or not, your business is an extension of you. It exists because you created it and gave it a purpose.

If you are locked in a personal battle between your consciously nurtured desires and your subconscious emotional programming, your business will quickly lose direction and focus.

That said, here are three easy New Year's resolutions every business owner should make in 2023.

1. Make “checkups” part of your daily routine

What do I mean by that?

I'm talking about taking five or ten minutes twice a day to retreat to a quiet space and check in.

We can often get derailed during our day. We unknowingly carry the baggage of the various problems we encounter into our subsequent decisions on unrelated matters.

By logging in regularly, you will be able to hear and let go of your frustrations. Your “blocked states” will be released, allowing you to meet your needs with a cool head. Improving your ability to lead and your team's ability to deliver.

Related: This Is Why Entrepreneurs Seriously Need a Break

2. Take regular “VIP days”

I do this at least once or twice a month, but it's crucial for engaging 97% of your brain.

A VIP day involves indulging in your favorite activities. It could be shopping, a spa treatment, going to lunch at your favorite restaurant… anything.

A big part of the reason you face so much internal resistance to change is that you are wired (thanks to millions of years of inherited genetic wisdom) to