If the "New Year, New Me" mantra feels overwhelming or unsustainable, this episode is your antidote. In this episode, CEO and founder of Kickstart Accounting, Inc., Danielle Hayden, dives into a fresh, intentional approach to the new year, replacing lofty resolutions with strategic, habit-based goal setting. Say goodbye to the all-or-nothing mindset and hello to a year grounded in clarity, purpose, and realistic growth.

Key Takeaways: 

• Forget Resolutions – Choose Intention: Danielle encourages you to ditch the pressure of creating a "new you" and instead focus on setting an intention or theme for the year that aligns with the life and business you want to build.

• Build Sustainable Habits: Use strategic, habit-based planning inspired by books like Atomic Habits by James Clear. It’s about the small, consistent actions that build momentum.

• Use Data to Plan Realistically: Rely on your financials and historical data to map out goals. Dream big, but let your numbers guide the path.

• Create a Roadmap with a Budget: A budget isn’t about restriction; it’s your clarity and direction. Danielle explains how to make it measurable and actionable.

• Accountability is Key: Whether it’s a coach, peer group, or the Kickstart Accounting team, surround yourself with people who will hold you accountable to your goals.

• Embrace Flexibility: Life happens! Falling off track doesn’t mean failure. Check in quarterly, adjust your plans, and give yourself the grace to adapt.

Action Steps

1. Set your intention or word of the year. Let it anchor your decisions and habits.

2. Map out the daily habits, systems, and team support you’ll need to achieve your theme.

3. Use your financial data to set realistic growth goals for the year.

4. Build a budget as your roadmap to guide decision-making throughout the year.

5. Find an accountability partner or coach to help you stay on track and adjust as needed.

6. Schedule quarterly check-ins to review your financials, re-forecast your goals, and course correct.

Topics Discussed: 

Why New Year's Resolutions Fail (00:00:24 - 00:02:21)

A Habit-Based Approach to Goal Setting (00:02:58 - 00:05:11)

Mapping Out Habits, Systems, and Support (00:05:11 - 00:06:30) 

Using Financial Data to Set Realistic Goals (00:06:30 - 00:08:11)

Accountability and Adapting to Change (00:09:01 - 00:11:21)

 

Resources:

Build a Budget Series

CFO Services | kickstartaccountinginc.com/cfo 

Book Recommendation | James Clear’s Atomic Habits 

Free Money Personality Quiz | kickstartaccountinginc.com/quiz 

 

Book a Call with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.:

https://www.kickstartaccountinginc.com/book 

 

Connect with Kickstart Accounting, Inc.:

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/Kickstartaccounting

YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@businessbythebooks 

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/kickstartaccountinginc