The Hardware Man - New Year Resolutions

Howdy Folks,

Here is your token message about New Year resolutions and how they are never able to be kept.

Now that that awkwardness is out of the way, let’s consider why we make resolutions this time of year from a business perspective.

As many businesses have their fiscal year end with the calendar year, they normally will review what was accomplished during the year as they plan and budget for the next. In my situation, we review our revenues, expenses, projects accomplished and what our forecast for next year will be. I usually find this exercise to be satisfying and exciting as we focus on possibilities for the future.

Perhaps the biggest motivator for the future is a review of our past successes. Reviewing what happened during the year reminds us of what we are capable of and the cumulative result of steady work and diligence. Much like the question of “how do you eat an elephant? - one bite at a time”, we are able to pace ourselves to maintain regular revenue without burning out. Sure, we get stressed, both emotionally and financially, but the confidence we’ve gained with each small win gives us assurance that we’ll get through that current struggle and come out ahead.

Being a business owner is not for everyone. It’s a grind and a challenge with no safety nets. Despite the perceived negatives, it is the most rewarding feeling when sales are made, when a customer is helped or a project is finalized and the money makes it into the bank. This is why we do it. We celebrate the small wins which energize us to the next goal.

So now as we finalize our financials in preparation for tax season, we linger on the memory of those wins, reflect on what we did well, on what we learned and savor the success of a job well done. Then, as crazy as a small business owner’s mind is, we begin considering what the new year has in store for us. We follow up on conversations we’ve had with clients, we prepare estimates and contracts, we research options and ideas for growth. Or we resolve to just do better at the small things – customer service, a cleaner shop, more civic engagement or better social media and marketing focus.

Well, the phone is ringing again. Time to move on from planning and back to the grind of another work day. To all my fellow small business owners, I wish you a few moments of satisfying peace as you reflect and clarity as you plan for a prosperous 2026!

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Daniel Karns and his wife own Clintonville Hardware & Rental along with other businesses. Join the discussion by contacting him at info@clintonvillehardware.com.