December can be a tough month for the home business. We’re occupied with family and friends, travel away and/or company at home, etc. On top of that, few people spend money on non-Christmas-related items, so our business is slow. No need to fear or panic, though: this season, too, shall pass. And while we’re here, let’s make the most of it. Review how well your business did this year, considering both the good and the bad. Then...get ahead of the pack and be ready to hit the ground running. Give the future some thought while you’re in the car traveling or sitting around the fire and resolve to get seriously back to work when January rolls around. Here are some resolutions to make now...so you’re ready then...

10 – This year, I will make some Resolutions! “Those who fail to plan, plan to fail.” And failure is not an option in my life. Most importantly, I will write them down so I can review, revisit and revamp them (if necessary) throughout the year.

9 – I will spend some time to create a vision for my business. Is this the sole way I support my family financially? Is this a supplement to my spouse’s income? Is this a way I use, develop, or build an interest or talent I have that also brings in some money? Take some time to think about how your business fits into the big picture of your family-life.

8 – I will develop a plan of action. What business goals do I have? This includes administrative, financial, creative, productive, etc. depending on what your business is. What will I have to do to reach those goals? Then break it down into monthly, weekly and (if you’re really compulsive!) daily goals.

7 – I will get a handle on finances. Take some time to keep track of your money! Set up a simple filing system...establish a spreadsheet...whatever it takes that will make it easy for you to keep track of things. And definitely keep your checkbook balanced!

6 – I will take some time to continue my education. The recipe for success is “brains and motivation”. Motivation comes from completing #9, but our brains always need to be developing as well. Are there 2 or 3 areas that would help your business grow by knowing a bit more about? Website development? Keywords? Generating leads? Time-management? Copywriting? There’s always lots of potential for improvement in anyone’s business. CAUTION: even if you can come up with a list of a dozen items, only pick 2 or 3 to start the year. It is SO easy to get frozen with information-overload – I’ve been there!!

5 – I will develop an organization system that works for me. Perhaps you’re not the “organized type”. What does that mean...really? Don't use "sloppines" as an excuse for being lazy... Being organized just means 2 things: you can find what you want when you want it, and you can meet deadlines (like bills J). My husband loves his piles, but is very organized. There’s tons of help out there (websites and books) to help you “get organized”, so you really have no excuse!

4 – I will put together a realistic work schedule. This is related to #8, but is much more detailed, and not something you would necessarily do just because you’ve got a “big-picture” plan of action. Get out a piece of paper and think about all the daily responsibilities you have. Write them all down and block out time for your business as well. Then talk it over with your family, tweak and review, and when you’ve completed it...post it somewhere that you’ll see it!

3 – I will find someone to be accountable to regarding my resolutions. This could be your spouse or other family member, but it could also be a business coach or colleague. And sometimes it’s easier to be accountable to someone with whom you have no other relationship, because when you’re not quite working “up to speed” it’s possible that your business issues can get in the way of those other relationships.

2 – I will try something new in my business. Start a new (free) blog; establish some new business relationships; learn a new skill (article marketing?); start a newsletter; get started on social marketing...the possibilities are endless. Just make sure that your new venture stays in-sync with your big picture (see #9).

1 – I will do a daily attitude check! There is nothing so attractive to people than gratitude. I always say “If you don’t know what to say, say “Thank you”!” – you can’t lose. And in this hurry-up society we live in, gratitude and conveyed appreciation is usually the first thing to go. So an attitude of gratitude will definitely make you stand out. If necessary, keep an often-updated list for yourself of what you can be thankful for – people, situations, successes as well as challenges, perceived failures and difficult situations or people in your life. We can learn and grow from everything that’s put before us – if we allow ourselves to!