7 Tips to Stay Focused on Your Business Planning for 2024

Routines help us to stay focused and consistent on moving our businesses closer to achieving those 2024 goals.

As we move into the second half of January, how are you feeling about your business goals? Do you still have that feeling of excitement and go-getter attitude that often comes with the start of a new year? Or is it starting to wane?

If you are struggling with staying focused on working towards the goals you’ve set for 2024, you are not alone. Research in the United States shows that 43% of goal-setters quit working towards their goals by the end of January and only 8% will actually meet their goals for the year. Yes, this research is more geared towards setting life goals and not solely business goals. However, as an entrepreneur, our business goals should also take into consideration our personal and lifestyle goals.

As a mom to two young kids, I understand the challenge of balancing my responsibilities as a mother, wife, business owner, home maker, and the many other demands at this time of year. And to add in the time to work on my business planning for the year often feels like a struggle.

Yet, rather than becoming overwhelmed and allowing anxiousness to take over, there are some practices that I try to prioritize in my life to help me keep moving forward one step at a time.

Today, I would like to share with you seven tips that I find helpful for staying focused on moving your yearly goals forward, no matter what is happening in the different facets of your life.

Stay Focused On Your Business Goals With These 7 Tips

1. Permission to Reset

Sometimes, the first thing that we need to do is to allow ourselves to reset. Yes, we are still in January and have only begun the first quarter but often we are coming into January from a crazy busy December! If you are already feeling overwhelmed with your yearly or quarterly plans (or lack thereof), then give yourself permission to hit that reset button and start fresh from today. You don’t have to wait until the start of the second quarter. It’s okay to acknowledge that you need to reset and start fresh. Reset your week, or even your day, and move forward not holding onto the past.

2. Take Time to Journal

This is a practice that I am not always consistent with, but when I do take the time to sit and write down all the thoughts running through my mind, I find it so beneficial. This process of putting pen to paper allows me to brain dump everything in my mind, opens up space for the most important items to remember, and gives me the confidence to know that I’m not forgetting anything. Sometimes the things I write down are not important or don’t require any action, and other times they get added to my to-do list to work on later.

3. Morning Routine

If I don’t prioritize my morning routine, it makes the rest of my day feel off-kilter. Currently, my morning routine consists of getting up before the rest of my household to enjoy the peaceful quietness of the morning. I love starting my day with a Pilates workout, quiet time in God’s Word, and updating my daily planner with my to-do list for the day. In my to-do list I include both work and personal tasks, including the top three things that I absolutely have to accomplish today. Following a morning routine helps me to focus my mind and set my thoughts on the tasks at hand. Remember that it’s okay for your daily routines to change as the seasons and demands in your life change.

“Your rituals will hold you when your willpower gives way.” ~ Mary Welch

4. Block Time to Work on Your Business

I truly believe that the only way that you will be able to consistently work on your business is to schedule the time into your calendar and to keep those appointments to yourself. Just like you schedule meetings with clients (and wouldn’t dare to just not show up), you may need to schedule time with yourself. Whether setting aside a specific day each week or blocking off a full day or weekend every couple of months, find a time that works for you to stick with consistently.

5. Surround Yourself with a Support Network

As human beings, we are not meant to live life all alone, and that includes us entrepreneurs and small business owners. Find yourself an accountability partner, a business coach, and/or a group coaching program. These can be a big support to you in your business growth and keep you accountable in moving toward your quarterly and yearly goals. Having a support network that you can lean on during challenging times that will come can make all the difference in moving through them quicker and coming out stronger.

6. Remember Your Why

When we are overwhelmed, tired, or experiencing any of the negative emotions that can come with running your own business, it’s important to remind ourselves of the ‘big why’. Why did you start your business? What is your motivation for helping your clients? Remembering the ‘why’ behind your goals and plans for the year can help you to refocus and keep moving forward.

7. Move Your Body

It’s amazing how sometimes we just need to remind ourselves to stand up, take a break and move our bodies to help clear our mind. When we walk away from our desks and give ourselves permission to take a break by doing something different, it can help to clear our minds. We will often return to our work refreshed and with more creativity.

There you have it – seven tips to help you stay focused, move forward and do your best in reaching those goals for 2024. And remember, your best is what’s best for you, for your mental health, and for your family. It isn’t what you see your colleagues, competitors, or fellow entrepreneurs doing.

If doing your best means adapting and shifting your direction for 2024, that’s okay. Give yourself permission not only to reset but to do your best!

Are you ready to propel your business to new heights?

Let us help you stand out online, build authentic connections and create a lasting impact in this world – without the marketing or tech overwhelm.

Check out our current services here and book a quick teatime chat with Natashia to learn how we can support you and your business.