How To Start 2022 Off Strong

“The future depends on what you do today.” —Mahatma Gandhi

A new year inspires renewed energy and excitement for what could happen. It’s a fresh start and the perfect time to reflect on the past and plan for the future—to set goals and figure out how to meet them.

I know that it feels like we just barely escaped 2020 by the skin of our teeth, yet here we are - at the end of 2021 and realizing that this year went by way too fast and we didn’t get nearly enough done.

While there will always be things that come up throughout the year to derail our plans, there’s a good chance that our plans weren’t so solid and strong when we created them.  There are so many things that can sabotage our goals throughout the year but the stronger our plan is, to begin with, the easier it will be to stay on track or get back on track when we are forced to divert.

If you want to start 2022 off with a bang, follow these 6 steps to streamline, organize and set your business on the fast track.

Clean Up Your Act 

Go through all your files - old and new, both digital and paper. Archive what you need to save and trash what you don’t. Don’t forget about your physical workspace too. This is a great time to revamp and organize your surroundings.

You will feel lighter and more energized to tackle the rest of the organizational tasks ahead.

Revisit Your Plan From the Past Year

When 2021 started, what goals did you set for yourself and your business? What did you achieve? What do you still want to pursue? 

Dig into why you didn’t accomplish all you set out to do.  It always helps to understand the origins of why things didn’t go as planned and what you can do to prevent that from happening again this year.

Simplify Your Process

How many apps and subscriptions do you have that you barely use or don’t use at all? What about where you can streamline your everyday processes?  There are software and services out there that are built to make almost everything you do as easy as pushing a button. Or better yet, you don’t even have to push a button.  What if most or all your tasks happened without you having to be there at all?

Think about that!

Reconnect and Network

It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day of your business, but there should always be a desire to prioritize your business contacts and key relationships. 

Reach out to your best relationships.  Maybe it’s a collaborative colleague that you want to partner with or someone you’ve recently met in a complementary business to yours.  Make a plan to reach out and develop those relationships, you always need allies!

Commit to Learning

We all need to work harder on this. Commit to staying on top of your industry’s news and trends in the coming year.  Find a new blog, newsletter, or publication to follow, sign up for expert advice, or a new learning module. Maybe even look at industry conferences or events and commit yourself to attend.

Set Goals for 2022

Last but not least, plan for 2022! Where do you think your business can go? Maybe your goals are sales-oriented or maybe building your email list or social media following.

Whatever your goals are, get detailed and set a timeline so that you meet each milestone and stay on track. Hire employees or set up systems to support your new goals and get ready for the clock to strike midnight cause you are ready to roll!