Year-end business growth reflections are essential as we wrap up 2012 and prepare for a successful 2013. Many of us feel that familiar “Christmas hangover,” with holiday expenses looming, family members heading back home, and a blank calendar awaiting new goals. Amidst this, the latest year’s possibilities sparkle on the horizon, promising improvement and growth.
For the third consecutive year, we’ve approached year-end wrap-ups and New Year’s resolutions differently, and it’s made a tremendous impact on our business. Here are the Top 3 lessons we learned this year that can help you start 2013 with determination, focus, and a clear path forward.
The Top 3 Lessons We Learned About Year-End Business Growth in 2012
1. Less is More
We dedicated a day in October to focus on our 2013 business plan. We set a “Top 10” goal list in previous years, but we quickly realised that tackling ten objectives could deplete us before February without making us wiser or wealthier. So, we permitted ourselves to create “4 Power Projects,” refining our priorities to tasks that ignite our passions and align with our strengths.
With this approach, we felt energized rather than weighed down. For example, Molly tackled public speaking, and Laney committed to reshaping her work-life balance in anticipation of a new baby. The result? We can focus on projects that make us feel valued, appreciated, and ready for growth.
2. We Quit the School of “Shoulda”
In the past, we’d let critical emails shake our confidence, filling us with regret and self-doubt. By 2010, we stopped allowing negative feedback to control us, deciding instead to work only with clients who fit our values and vision. 2012, we finally found our unfiltered and authentic voice addressing real business challenges. Sometimes, people were grateful for our honesty; sometimes, they weren’t. However, we know what our “soulful client” looks like and are committed to working only with those who align with our mission.
This clarity helps us avoid the “Shoulda” trap, where regret whispers doubts. Instead, we confidently prioritize our purpose and message, which we believe can make a meaningful impact.
3. Permission to Grow
This year, we’ve learned to stand firm for ourselves as we do for others. We often encourage others to share their gifts and strengths; now, we’ve granted ourselves that same permission to grow. Through sharing our stories, we connected with our audience on deeper levels, addressing fears around business, team dynamics, and personal growth.
Allowing ourselves to listen, empathise, and grow with our clients has been transformative, reminding us of our role in returning their trust to a better shape than it arrived. This has been the essence of actual growth for us.
Looking Ahead: Embrace Year-End Business Growth in 2013
If you’re seeking a launchpad for the new year, we highly recommend John C. Maxwell’s book Failing Forward: Turning Mistakes into Stepping Stones for Success. Maxwell emphasizes that average and high achievers differ in how they perceive and respond to failure. His insights have helped us—and can help you—reframe failure, transforming it into a powerful ally.
Access Free Resources for More Tips
Explore our free resources at fire.h50.us/~hrgnmpwr/dev2/ for valuable insights and practical strategies to set you up for a successful year.
