20 Ways to Make THIS Year Your Best Year Ever: A Random List of Tips for Entrepreneurs

Success is not a single step, but a journey of many. Meaning it’s not what we do in one single magical moment of brilliance, but what we do day in, day out. Success is the result of our daily habits, our focus, our dedication.

And yes, sometimes our efforts result in a giant leap forward and we are tempted to think of it as the result of that single moment, a particular decision, random luck, but if you trace it to its root cause, you will undoubtedly see that it was the result of many smaller steps.

That’s why in celebration of the New Year, we have pulled together a list of ideas to help you make this year your best year ever, not from big ideas or bold moves, but the cumulative effect of many smaller steps.

Happy New Year!

A List of Random Tips for Entrepreneurs

(As always, in no particular order)

#1: Start Organized – Playing catch-up is nearly impossible. Instead of leaving the paperwork, the email overload, the desk clutter until tomorrow, tackle it now before it builds up!

#2: Hold Yourself Accountable – Make a promise to yourself and NEVER ever break it because when you do, it’s a slippery slope straight to procrastination land!

#3: Know Your Why – Post visual reminders to remind you why you do what you do and use them to stay focused and motivated.

#4: Seek Out Synergies – Foster win-win strategic relationships with peers, industry partners and other small business owners.

#5: Be in Your Happy – If it isn’t your bliss, don’t do it.

#6: Focus on Finishing – Get in the habit of finishing a project before moving onto the next. Enough said.

#7: Watch for Red Flags – Pay attention to what your intuition is telling you. Every problem started with a warning.

#8: Know Where to Grow – Not all growth increases your profitability or personal satisfaction. Decide how (and in which direction) you want to grow and use that as the basis of all decision-making.

#9: Streamline and Optimize – Look for ways to cut unnecessary expenses, streamline time and optimize processes. It all adds up!

#10: Avoid Fake Work – There’s busy and busy-work. Only one gets you closer to your goal. Learn what activities you use to avoid tackling a dreaded to-do and avoid them at all costs!

#11: Own Your Time – Avoid time-wasters by establishing (and enforcing) clear boundaries. It’s okay to make it tough to get on your calendar.

#12: Say YES! – Give yourself permission to be great, to step beyond your comfort zone, to try something new.

#13: Feed Your Creativity – Surround yourself with creative inspiration!

#14: Start Monday, Finish Friday – Find ways to start and complete projects within a single week. Not only does it give you additional motivation to finish your project, but it gives you your weekend to enjoy free and clear!

#15: Learn the Shortcuts – Take the time to learn how to use your technology tools efficiently.

#16: Become a Task Master – Get in the habit of tackling 2 to 3 core to-do’s per day. The trick is always finishing what you start in a single session!

#17: Go Above and Beyond – Thanks to social media, astounding customer service is the best form of advertising. Find creative ways to surprise and delight your customers.

#18: Do Good – Pay it forward whenever and however you can.

#19: Turn to Tech – Got a problem? Turn to technology to find a simple solution.

#20: Take Care of You! – Put your health, your fitness, your personal growth first every day. It doesn’t take much to do a quick lap around the block, take a morning coffee break or relax in a tub full of bubbles, but what it returns you is so much more.