Steve Marr Business Proverbs

Every year, many of us make New Year’s resolutions — promises of what we will do better in our businesses. The reality often is, nothing changes. We end up making no real progress and nothing happens to expand our business.
The gym is a busy place in early January, treadmills are filled and weight machines may have a line. By early February, the volume is usually back to normal. Only a few will keep their new commitments, but most will fall away.
 

Scripture does mention vows often. Moses wrote, “If a man makes a vow to the Lord, or takes an oath to bind himself with a binding obligation, he shall not violate his word…” (Numbers 30:2 NASB). We are under no obligation or requirement to make resolutions or vows, but if we do, we have voluntarily created an obligation before the Lord, an obligation we should not causally toss aside.

All of us are a work in progress. We all need improvement. Establishing commitment to bring about the needed changes in our businesses can help move us forward. Following a process in establishing and following through on these resolutions will keep us on the right path.
 
Steps to keeping promises

First, ask for the Lord’s guidance in prayer as to what resolutions you should establish and then verify your thoughts with your spouse and business counselors. Avoid overly gargantuan strokes, while focusing on what is important and something you can likely accomplish. Resolving to increase business 25% by making 15 additional sales calls each week won’t work if you are already working 50 hours a week.

Second, write down your resolutions. When we see our goal in writing, we can believe in that purpose. Place your written resolution where you will see it, and review it every day.

Third, count the cost of each pledge. Jesus instructed us to carefully count the cost (see Luke 14:28-32). If your resolution requires money, have you budgeted the funds? A resolution to clean up your business premises may require money for painting, additional janitorial services, or new carpeting. If carrying out the vow requires cooperation from others, you need to communicate that need to colleagues. Will you need to adjust your schedule to find the time for the new commitment? Will you get up earlier to get to the gym or arrive at work later?

One year, I resolved to improve my timeliness with appointments and asked my administrative assistant to aggressively remind me when I was on a call or otherwise occupied with a task. That assistance was a critical link in my improvement.
Fourth, make a roadmap of how you intend to achieve each goal, step by step. The Lord spoke to Jeremiah and said, “Set up for yourselves roadmarks, place for yourself guideposts; Direct your mind to the highway” (Jeremiah 31:21 NASB). If backing up your computer is your resolution, than install automatic backup equipment, hire an outside service, or write your backup dates into your planner or electronic calendar, and than do it when prompted. Even small victories will help us build enthusiasm and resilience as we go forward.

Fifth, if you fall short, confess to the Lord and others (if necessary) that you missed the mark. Figure out what went wrong and why, make any necessary corrections to hit the mark next time, and then move on. Habits take about 90 days to be established into a lifestyle. When you make those changes and discipline yourself with structure, those positive changes become far easier to maintain long term, providing a new avenue of growth for you on the job and in your business. Better a few restarts and still reaching your goal than forgetting the whole thing at your first slip. It’s still January, so by following this process, you can make great strides this year.