How Are Those Resolutions Going? A Quick Check-In for Startup Founders
- rbshuchat5
- Jan 29
- 3 min read
Let’s be clear – I don’t believe in New Year’s resolutions. I do believe in SMART goals that move you from ‘ideas to action’. For Startup Founders, the activity that defined the beginning of the year can easily lead those optimistic New Year's resolutions to slip through the cracks. Our resolutions can over promise and under deliver. This, in and of itself can set us up for disappointment, increase negative self-talk and hold us back from achieving our stated goals. One month into the New Year is the perfect time to pause and reflect on the goals you set just a few weeks ago. Here is a guide to help you conduct a meaningful review of your New Year's resolutions.
Check In
Whether it’s securing funding, launching a new product, expanding your team, or just getting off the couch, it’s crucial to make sure that we have started. We need to determine if we have moved from the ‘ideas stage’ to the ‘action stage’. Reflecting on these early days can help to provide some motivation or at a minimum, a reality check. Did you start with SMART (Specific, Measureable, Achievable, Relevant, Time Bound) goals? Do they need a rework? If you catch this early, you still have the better part of the year to make things happen.
Reassess Your Goals
Your resolutions may have been influenced by the excitement of the New Year. Take a moment to reassess these goals in the context of your current business landscape. Are they still relevant and achievable? Circumstances change, and it is okay to adjust your resolutions (SMART Goals) to better align with your startup’s trajectory.
Identify Obstacles
Understanding what has hindered your progress is key to devising a plan for the rest of the year. Identify tangible obstacles like market shifts, resource limitations, or unforeseen challenges, as well as intangible barriers like mindset or focus issues. Knowing what stands in your way is the first step toward overcoming it.
Revise Your Action Plan
With a clearer understanding of your current position and potential roadblocks you can revise your action plan. Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks. Assign timelines and responsibilities to each task, ensuring accountability within yourself and your team.
Foster Accountability
Whether it's through a mentor, your team, or a peer network, creating accountability can keep you on track. Share your revised goals and action plans with someone who can offer support and hold you accountable for progress. Regular check-ins can provide the encouragement and perspective needed to stay motivated.
Embrace Adaptability
The startup world is known for rapid change and unpredictability.
Cultivate a mindset of adaptability, allowing yourself the flexibility to pivot when necessary. Treat your resolution as a guiding star rather than a rigid framework, and be prepared to adjust as circumstances evolve.
Prioritize Well-being
Burnout is a common challenge for founders, and ambitious resolutions/goals can sometimes exacerbate it. As you recommit to your goals, make sure that your well-being remains a priority. Balance work with personal time to ensure that you have the energy and clarity to drive your startup forward.
New Year's resolutions/goals can be powerful tools for personal and professional growth. For startup founders, these resolutions can set the course for another year of innovation and achievement. Alternatively, if not managed, can be a source of anxiety and disappointment. By taking the time to reflect, reassess, and revitalize your goals, you can ensure that your resolutions are delivering a positive message, moving you forward with productive actions.
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