It’s that time of year where we all look at ourselves and our accomplishments (or missteps) and resign ourselves to another year of weight loss, promises to do better and knocking things off our bucket list. This year, doing some research on resolutions, I came across the resolution generator (http://www.moninavelarde.com/newyears/) where every time you click the button it gives you a new resolution – I guess that’s one way to do it. I also came across various lists of resolutions – popular resolutions, parent resolutions, kid resolutions, business resolutions, etc. All interesting, most expected, but all in all a list of things we all aspire to do better.

Having a purpose

While it’s important to make personal and professional resolutions it is also important to make business resolutions as well. Being in the profession of branding organizations I run across a lot of companies that don’t plan effectively. They do spread sheets, charts and budgets. They set financial goals and objectives, but they’re not really planning – they’re making lists. It’s important to understand the difference: lists don’t motivate, they’re just a list. In many cases, leaders don’t determine the purpose for their goals and objectives. It’s one thing to set an expected outcome of revenue growth but it’s a wholly different thing to understand the purpose for what you’re planning. In speaking with one of my mentors, Bill Boyar, he discussed the Purpose > Method > Outcome way of approaching business problems.

Taking off 10 pounds

Like New Year’s resolutions people always discuss the outcomes (lose 10 pounds) and the methods (running or working out) but rarely do they address the purpose. If weight loss isn’t the goal, it’s the outcome. Why does the person making the resolution want to lose the weight? Is it to have more energy to spend time with their kids? Isn’t that a better focus than the weight loss or the amount of pounds? This thinking in turn helps you to fully understand the problem your trying to solve and actually be motivated to solve it. Don’t get me wrong, the number goals and the methods are critical but understanding your purpose gives your resolutions real drive. This drive or purpose leads to commitment and ultimately a higher probability of success.

Creating a “fit” business

Last year I named 2011 “The Year of No Excuses” for a simple purpose. After having navigated the various financial crises, weather calamities and battling the emotional challenges that came from it we as a company resolved not to make excuses and work toward goals and objectives that made us a better company and better professionals. The outcome was a slimmer, trimmer business with more profit and improved service. The methods were hard work, motivated professionals and better processes. But, we focused on the purpose, growing our business the right way so that it can provide better options for our partners, people and clients. This has led to increased benefits, happier clients and a healthier business.

Be Resolute

So, when you’re thinking about your New Year’s resolutions think about the purpose. Not what you’re going to do or how you’re going to do it but why you’re going to resolve to improve. Personally, I’m back on the weight loss bandwagon but I’m focused on the purpose – to have the energy to lead our people, the stamina to keep up with my growing family and the longevity to build a business that provides great options to the people it impacts.