The new year offers a fantastic opportunity for a fresh start, and setting new year’s resolutions is a popular tradition for us Brits. In fact, recent research indicates that 3 in 4 of us have set a resolution for 20251. As February approaches, it’s time to refocus and ensure that the intentions set earlier in January don’t fade away.
However, delving a little deeper, another survey reveals a shockingly low percentage of us (1%!) planned to focus our goals for this year on starting or improving a business venture.2 Why is this? Do we prioritise other areas of our life or does it seem to be too much of a daunting task to work on our businesses?
What if there was a way to help those business-related resolutions stick? Could the fear of failure fade? As UK Performance Director of ActionCOACH, the world’s number 1 business coaching firm, James Vincent is willing to wager working with a business coach this year would set you on track to not only achieve your goals for 2025 but smash them, helping you and your business reach new heights. But why is this the case? Well…
Why new year’s resolutions often set business owners up for failure?
Firstly, it’s worth examining why new year’s resolutions often fall short. Setting goals for your business isn’t a bad idea – far from it – but all too often, we approach them incorrectly. Here are some common pitfalls that turn well-intentioned resolutions into frustration rather than fulfilment:
- Unrealistic goals – it’s easy to aim high at the start of the year, but overly ambitious targets quickly can be difficult to sustain, leading to discouragement and the likelihood of giving up all together.
- Lack of specificity – resolutions are frequently too vague – like ‘grow the business’ or ‘improve efficiency’ – so they tend to fall apart, especially without measurable outcomes and clear benchmarks to track success.
- No clear plan – a resolution without actionable, achievable steps is like a map with no directions! Without a concrete plan, even the best intentions can falter.
- Overcommitment and burnout – tackling too many challenges at once can be overwhelming. When focus is spread too thin, the chances of sticking to your goals drop significantly.
- Failure to adapt – resolutions are often not only vague but rigid too. This means they don’t account for unexpected challenges along the way. Without flexibility, these goals can quickly become meaningless and impractical.
By understanding these pitfalls, you can approach your resolutions for the remainder of 2025 more strategically, realistically and effectively. This is where a business coach can make all the difference…
How a business coach helps your resolutions stick
Achieving your business goals is entirely possible – if you set them up for success from the start. Clear goals provide direction, boost motivation and improve decision-making, fostering confidence and resilience within your team. So how does a business coach ensure your resolutions not only stick but take your business to the next level? Here’s how:
- Clarity and focus – a coach helps refine broader resolutions into smaller, actionable goals. By breaking them down into Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-Bound (SMART) goals, they ensure your objectives are clear and attainable.
- Strategic planning – they assist in creating a detailed roadmap to achieve your goals. They work with you to identify key milestones, address potential obstacles and turn your resolutions into an actionable plan.
- An accountability partner – this might be the most crucial role your coach can play. Regular check-ins keep you on track and ensure your progress is monitored. A coach also celebrates your achievements, helping to maintain motivation and momentum.
- Tailored solutions – every business is unique. A coach brings their expertise to identify habits, strategies and solutions designed to address your specific challenges. Their guidance can remove obstacles and smooth the path to success.
- Mindset shifts – business coaches provide you with the tools and techniques to overcome limiting beliefs, procrastination and decision-making fatigue. They help you focus on what truly matters, ensuring your mindset aligns with achieving your goals.
With a business coach by your side, you’ll set realistic goals, build a plan for success and develop the resilience needed to navigate challenges. There are so many benefits to having a business coach help you with your goals this year, but to really make tangible progress, you need to choose a coach who works for you and your business.
Start by evaluating their credentials and experience, especially in your industry. A coach who has worked with businesses like yours will be better equipped to offer relevant, tailored advice. However, credentials aren’t everything – the chemistry between you and your coach is vital. Look for someone whose communication style resonates with you and who inspires trust, especially during tough times.
Finally, do your research. Read testimonials, explore success stories, or even attend trial sessions to see how they work. This effort will ensure you find a coach whose approach aligns with your needs, helping you make tangible progress in smashing your business goals for 2025.
Don’t let another year go by without unlocking your full potential. Business coaching is your chance to make 2025 your most impactful year yet! To get going on achieving your 2025 goals, register your interest for ActionCOACH’s latest webinar, which includes advice on business planning for 2025, by clicking here.
1 Finder, What goals are Brits setting for 2025? Dec 2024
2 YouGov, New year’s resolutions 2025, Dec 2024
