Why You Shouldn’t Make Major Changes to Your Business in January
As the calendar flips to January, many business owners feel a strong urge to reevaluate everything: systems, processes, products, pricing, and even the core of their business. If you’ve felt this way, you’re not alone. January often sparks an existential crisis in businesses of all sizes. But before you start burning it all down and rebuilding, let’s pause and talk strategy.
Why January Feels Like a Time for Change
After the holiday season, it’s natural to return to work feeling refreshed and full of ideas. This energy can quickly morph into a critical lens on everything your business does. Add to that the slower pace of January, and you have the perfect storm for over-analysis and impulsive decisions.
But here’s the catch: January is the worst time to make major changes. Why? Because the start of the year brings what I like to call “business amnesia.” You either romanticize the past year or catastrophize it. Neither mindset is ideal for making sound business decisions.
The Importance of Planning, Not Changing
The better strategy? Use January as a time to reflect and plan—not to act impulsively. Businesses that thrive have a clear understanding of what worked in the past and what didn’t. That’s why I always recommend completing your annual planning in November or early December. If you missed that window, January can serve as your fallback planning month.
Use the Growth Formula Framework
Step one of my Growth Formula Framework is reflection. Take the time to:
Look back at your successes and failures from the previous year.
Identify what worked and why.
Pinpoint areas of improvement using data and evidence.
This reflective process is akin to backing out of a parking space. You check your mirrors, look over your shoulder, and assess your surroundings before moving forward. Skipping this step could lead to hasty decisions that undermine your progress.
Why Consistency Matters in January
Your customers are also undergoing their own change management. Many are focused on personal goals, resolutions, or navigating the complexities of the new year. The last thing they need is a business that’s also in a state of flux.
Customers value stability, predictability, and consistency. When your business provides that, it becomes their north star amid chaos. Dramatic changes in January could alienate your audience, erode trust, and disrupt the customer experience.
A Roadmap for the First Quarter
If you’re eager to make changes, here’s a more strategic approach:
January: Plan and Reflect
Evaluate what’s working and what isn’t using your data.
Develop a clear plan for changes you want to implement.
February: Implement
Roll out changes gradually and ensure your team is aligned.
Communicate updates to your customers with clarity and transparency.
March: Measure and Adjust
Track the performance of your changes.
Make data-driven tweaks to optimize results.
This stepped approach ensures that you maintain consistency while testing new ideas in a controlled manner.
Final Thoughts: Boring Builds Billionaires
It’s tempting to jump on the “New Year, New You” bandwagon, but the truth is, boring builds billionaires. Consistency, intentionality, and informed decision-making will always win over flashy, impulsive moves. Spend January looking backward to understand what worked, and use that knowledge to create a roadmap for the months ahead.
By the time February rolls around, you’ll be ready to take action with confidence and clarity. And that’s how you set the stage for a successful year—without burning it all down.
