4 Entrepreneurs Get Honest About New Year’s Resolutions
Personally, I don’t like calling them “New Year’s Resolutions.” It’s much more effective if you set an intention and goal for the new year, giving yourself the space to make it happen instead of feeling like you are hitting the ground running January 1 without a plan.
The new year is the perfect time to set goals, both for your business and for yourself. With the start of a new decade just around the corner, it a good time to look back on the lessons you’ve learned and consider what themes to incorporate into your 2020 resolutions. At the same time, some people have ambivalent feelings about the concept of New Year's resolutions in general.
I asked four entrepreneurs about their resolutions and what advice they have for other entrepreneurs looking to make pledges in the new year, too.
Cathryn Lavery
Co-founder & CEO of productivity planner brand BestSelf Co.
Thank you for joining us Cathryn! Do you usually participate in setting New Year’s Resolutions in your personal life?
Personally, I don’t like calling them “New Year’s Resolutions.” It’s much more effective if you set an intention and goal for the new year, giving yourself the space to make it happen instead of feeling like you are hitting the ground running January 1 without a plan.
As a founder, what goal are you setting for your business in the new year?
In 2019, we focused on expanding our product line at BestSelf Co. to extend beyond just journals and planners. In 2020, we’re looking forward to now expanding our relationship with each customer by creating a deeper sense of community. Our resolution as a company is to help customers keep their resolutions by being a consistent source of motivation, inspiration and accountability. As a founder, our community will be my biggest focus in the new year.
Evan Mendelsohn
Co-founder & co-CEO of holiday apparel company Tipsy Elves
Thank you for joining us Evan! What do you see as a popular theme for 2020 resolutions?
As a founder of a company or as a business leader, 2020 will be the year to make a pledge of sustainability. You can’t not think about the planet. At Tipsy Elves, for example, we believe in making quality products that last as opposed to “fast fashion” but we can always do better. We can all do our part, whether it’s a big leap like moving to using recycled materials or a small step like choosing a more green partner in your supply chain.
Do you have a personal resolution for the new year?
My New Year’s Resolution is to create a bucket list. Most people have one already and are always trying to check things off, but I realized this past year that I’ve never formally made one. I love to travel and am always up for an adventure so in 2020, I’ll be making a list with my top places to go and things to do — and hopefully start checking off a few. That, in addition to a more conscious effort to avoid eating meat.
Danh Tran
Founder & CEO of menswear brand Buttercloth
Thank you for joining us Danh! Do you have a business-related New Year’s Resolution?
My New Year’s Resolution as a founder is to celebrate the small moments more. As a startup team, my employees work so hard everyday and have to wear many hats. I appreciate them so much and we always celebrate the big wins together, so in 2020 I want to incorporate more day-to-day recognition to start off the new decade of growth on a positive note.
What New Year’s Resolution advice do you have for other entrepreneurs?
Every entrepreneur should resolve to dream bigger in 2020. It might sound cliche, but we’re at the start of a new decade which is really exciting. Think about the next 10 years. What do you want to achieve? Where do you want to be in 2030? Dream big, and start chasing those goals as soon as possible.
Sara Schaer
Co-founder & CEO of rides-for-kids service Kango
Thank you for joining us Sara! What goal are you setting for your company in 2020?
My New Year’s Resolution is to prioritize our employees’ professional and personal development as the company continues to grow. As an entrepreneur, I am fortunate to have developed a supportive network of mentors and advisors over time. I want to encourage and help our team members to formulate their own goals, develop resources to support their journey, and achieve their aspirations. As a leader, once you know about someone’s goal, you are in a position to help them achieve it. I want to help Kango’s employees thrive in the New Year and beyond.
What do you want to accomplish in your personal life next year?
I want to travel more with my kids. With my oldest going off to college in the next year, I want to spend time exploring new places together. Once he’s out of the house, scheduling trips will get harder so I want to travel as a family as much as possible in 2020.
