Strategic Resolutions for 2024: 10 Approaches to Bridge the Gap Between Aspirations and Action

With every start of a new year we have a moment to reassess our journey, refine objectives or adjust strategic choices. Although resolutions are often quickly made, their realization is not always as straightforward. Mike Tyson summarized it nicely: "Everyone has a plan: until they get punched in the face”.

But before we dismiss the idea of setting resolutions - due to past struggles with turning them into reality - let us reflect on the power that resolution setting may hold when done effectively. The idea of this article is to showcase ten different approaches to seize the potential of strategic resolutions. If even one of the following approaches helps you to better capture your aspirations this year, it will already be a success.

1. Theme-Based Resolution

Imagine painting a picture of your year in broad strokes, capturing its essence with a single word or theme that aligns with your company's aspirations. By formulating a cohesive theme for the year, you create a strategic anchor that guides key decisions and actions. Examples could be "Growth”, “Portfolio Re-fresh” or “Getting Better”.

2. Resolution Picture Board

The power of pictures underlines the old proverb: "A picture is worth a thousand words". Visual representation has a way of capturing our desires and energizing our aspirations. You can create a simple resolution board as a collage of images that represent your desired achievements and new approaches for the year. This approach is also effective when defining long-term strategic visions.

 3. Activity Mind-Map

Strategic activities are the building blocks of progress and success. Yet, in a sea of possibilities, it's essential to discern the essential from the non-essential. By articulating and organizing strategic activities through an activity mind-map (Wharton Business School calls this Activity Systems), you connect the dots and create a roadmap that ensures every action complements and reinforces one another. This approach helps in saying no to distractions and creating a focused set of activities around strategic choices.

4. Reverse Goal Setting

Steven Covey once said, "Begin with the end in mind." Envision the objectives and key results for 2024 by engaging in a reverse goal-setting exercise. By starting with the clear end in sight, you'll be able to map out the necessary steps, measure your progress, and ensure a clear progression towards your goals. For instance, you can ask the simple question: How should the company look like 12 month from now? Then, proceed by planning in reverse from that point.

5. The 12-Month Challenge

Break the year down into bite-sized, manageable monthly pieces. Dedicate each month to a specific aspect of your resolution. By embracing a 12-month challenge, you create focused periods, allowing you to dive deep into each cornerstone of your strategy. Imagine the impact that focused efforts (monthly sprints) can have over the span of a year. For example, January could be for customer outreach, February for partner activation, and so on.

6. Micro-Goals

The road to success is paved with milestones. Break down your annual ambitions into achievable micro-goals. For instance, you might set more than 40 micro-goals. By doing so, you transform daunting targets into manageable tasks. Celebrate the small wins along the way, fueling motivation and building momentum. From the creation of micro goals, implicit overarching aspirations and goals may also become more transparent as a result - something that may have been less clear at the outset.

7. Habit Integration

Resolutions often involve building new habits and practices that drive success. Consider focusing on key habits you want to establish as daily or weekly practices, in addition to goals. Embrace practical tips, such as incorporating them into your daily routines and utilizing calendars for reminders and journaling for keeping your top of mind. Through habit integration, your resolutions become ingrained in your daily life.

8. Public Accountability

Transparency can be a catalyst for success. Consider publicly committing to your resolutions. For business leaders this could be shareholders, employees or other stakeholders. However, exercise caution and set realistic expectations to avoid disappointing yourself and others. By harnessing the power of public accountability, you invite support, encouragement, and the potential for collaborative growth.

9. Resolution Partners

Two heads are better than one, they say. Seek out a resolution partner, be it a peer, mentor, or fellow leader. Together, set and pursue a common resolution, leveraging shared resources, ideas, and accountability. As an example, a regional managing director could partner with a peer regional managing director on a joint growth journey for their regions through the year. With a resolution partner by your side, you amplify your potential for success and enrich your journey with strategic insights and support.

10. Quarterly Resolution Refresh

Resolutions are not carved in stone; they evolve, adapt, and grow with you. Embrace the concept of setting quarterly goals that align with your overarching aspirations. This agile practice enables regular reflection, adaptation, and renewal of commitment. By refreshing your resolutions each quarter, you ensure their relevance and set yourself up for achievable success.

Do what works for you

It's my hope that you've found inspiration and guidance to approach the new year with renewed vigor and clarity. You don't need to follow all of these approaches. Try out what works for you.

Wishing you a year filled with achievements, winning strategies, and captured growth. Heyd Strategy is here to support you on your journey, so feel free to reach out if you'd like to discuss these approaches further or explore strategic solutions tailored to your unique needs.

Best wishes for a remarkable and fulfilling year ahead!