Usually at this time of year we’re talking to business owners about their goals for the year. Usually there’s plenty lined up. Lots of things they want to achieve in the business. Lots of benchmarks to be set and exceeded. There’s excitement and anticipation of a brilliant year ahead. They can’t wait to get on with it.
This year it’s different. This year business owners are reserved. They don’t quite have the energy to set lofty goals. They don’t quite have the enthusiasm to achieve them either. The hunger has left them. Business owners are not only tired, but are steeling themselves for what’s next in 2022.
A Different Mindset
Attitudes and values have changed. Business owners will be satisfied with less than before. They’ll be happy with a good year that sees them making a profit, but not an earth-shattering one. They’re not keen on pressing against the ceiling. Rather they are solidifying and settling into a year that is do-able. They don’t want the push or pressure that comes with making ground-breaking results.
They are looking at their business this year in a measured way. They have their eyes wide open, prepared and ready to pivot should the need arise. Which it undoubtedly will. If the last 2 years has taught us anything it’s to prepare for the unexpected and be ready to respond to it. Business owners have their minds on the wellbeing of not only their business, but also of their people, their families and themselves. What’s wrong with that? Nothing. Absolutely nothing.
Even-Keel Vs Gut-Busting
Maybe 2022 is the year we take it easy on ourselves. Maybe we just keep our businesses going even-keel and look to solidify our efforts to date. Maybe we can take a break from setting targets and aspirations that push us to the limits. Maybe we can be happy with just a “good” year. But this does not mean we don’t need to set goals or to plan. In fact, it may be even more critical than in the past. It’s just that our focus may have shifted a bit.
Having a business plan is still elemental. It must be well defined and above all it will need to be agile so that you can pivot as and when needed. And most importantly, there must be space for wellbeing. This is one of the lessons the last two years has taught us. One that will be vital this year. So whatever else we do, as well as making sure our businesses are OK, we must make plenty of room to ensure our people are OK. Our families are OK. And we are OK. Isn’t that what it’s really all about?