Looking at the calendar, I realize it’s now February, which means we’re well into 2025. This also means this blog may seem a bit outdated; however, writing it gave me a reason to reflect on some thoughts I had toward the end of 2024. I’ve never been one for New Year’s resolutions. I honestly can’t tell you why; it’s just something I’ve never done. So, as the new year approached, I strongly considered adopting a resolution. Guess what — I didn’t. Again.

That said, I gave it thought and actually made the decision not to do one instead of just watching time roll into the new year with an “I’ll do it next year” shrug. This year, it was a calculated, intentional decision, and I like where I landed. 

If you haven’t read it, I’d encourage you to pick up a book called “The Slight Edge,” by Jeff Olson. It’s my favorite read, and having reread it recently, it’s the basis of why I chose not to do a New Year’s resolution. Instead, I’m trying to implement some of the teachings from that book. I’ve outlined just a few of them, and after you’re done reading, I’m curious if any will resonate with you.

Creating ‘New’ Habits

“Trying to get rid of an unwanted habit is a bit like trying not to think about an elephant. That’s because what you focus on, grows.”

To me, this is saying we should focus on what we want to accomplish, meaning the “new” habit, versus the old/unwanted habit. 

I’m as guilty as anyone with this. Instead of focusing on eating healthier, I focus on not eating certain foods. Instead of focusing on getting into the office early, I focus on not being late. To me, it’s the switch to the positive outlook versus the negative. Trying to avoid something versus trying to do something. “There are two types of habits: those that serve you, and those that don’t.” Focus on the habit that serves you.

Embracing Failure

“In the process of learning to walk, did you spend more time falling down or standing up?”

I think we can all agree on the answer, and it translates to many aspects of our lives. We are going to fail in life, and the harder the challenge, the more often and harder we might fail. For me, this quote is about embracing the failure knowing that I am learning from it. This applies to my sales calls, parenting my kids, public speaking, and the list goes on. How can I expect to be successful if I’m worried about failure? Throw the thought of embarrassment out the window and focus on the emotion of succeeding when it happens.

Remaining Consistent

“If you aim for consistency, the numbers will be there at the end.”

Being in a sales role and leading a team of people in this area, consistency has to be our focus. We have to be consistent on the number of calls we make, the revenue that’s in our pipeline, and how we interact with our clients and prospective clients. If we focus on the inputs to the system, the outputs will take care of themselves. That said, the minute we stop being consistent with our input, I guarantee our results fall off. 

Choosing Happiness

“Remember: Success does not lead to happiness — it’s the other way around.”

If you were to ask me to define success, I’d say “happiness.” It’s not money, achievements, awards, beauty — none of that. It’s being happy. I am a work in progress on this, but what I learned from “The Slight Edge” is that if you can bring a positive attitude and happiness to your daily life, you’re going to be in a better spot.  

We are all going to face frustrating situations or have difficult meetings/encounters, but why not approach them with a positive attitude? Why go through life angry or frustrated? Our attitude and emotions are one thing we can control, and I think we’ll experience success a lot more quickly if we have a smile on our face throughout the process.

Finding Your Own Type of Inspiration

Now, I realize these little nuggets I found inspiration in aren’t for everyone. In fact, they might be me trying to justify to myself why I didn’t do a New Year’s resolution! That said, I’ll quote my New Year’s resolution from the book’s author, Jeff Olson:

“A positive philosophy turns into a positive attitude, which turns into positive actions, which turns into positive results, which turns into a positive lifestyle. A positive life.”

Cheers to the year ahead and to focusing on what matters most to you!