As we turn the page to a new year, many of us embrace the tradition of making New Year’s resolutions.
Whether it’s promising to hit the gym, eat healthier, or achieve ambitious business goals, the start of a new year feels like the perfect time for a fresh start.
Yet, research consistently shows that around 80% of resolutions fail by February.
For hospitality professionals, juggling demanding schedules, unpredictable challenges, and personal ambitions can make sticking to resolutions even more daunting.
So, why do most resolutions fail, and how can you as a hospitality leader or professional set yourself up for success in 2025? Let’s dig in.
Why New Year’s Resolutions Often Fail
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Unrealistic Expectations Setting resolutions that are too ambitious—like overhauling your business model or aiming for unattainable personal goals—can lead to burnout and frustration.
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Lack of a Clear Plan Resolutions often lack a roadmap. "I want to be a better manager" sounds great, but without specific actions or benchmarks, it’s hard to know if you’re succeeding.
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All-or-Nothing Thinking One slip-up, like missing a workout or falling short of a weekly target, can lead to abandoning the goal entirely.
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External Pressure Resolutions motivated by societal trends rather than genuine personal or professional desires rarely stand the test of time.
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Neglecting Your Why Without understanding the purpose behind a goal—whether it’s professional growth, improving your team’s morale, or achieving work-life balance—it’s easy to lose motivation.
A Better Approach: Building Sustainable Habits for 2025
Hospitality is all about consistency and adaptability. Instead of aiming for big, sweeping changes, focus on habits and systems that drive long-term success. Here’s how:
1. Think Small to Achieve Big
Rather than declaring a bold resolution like “completely eliminate employee turnover,” focus on incremental changes. For instance, commit to having weekly one-on-one check-ins with team members to understand their needs and foster better communication.
2. Tie Goals to Your Values
Hospitality leaders thrive when their actions align with their core values. If customer satisfaction is your top priority, focus on systems that improve the guest experience, such as investing in staff training or gathering more detailed feedback.
3. Make It Measurable
A vague resolution like “become more efficient” is hard to track. Instead, create measurable objectives: “Reduce table turnover time by 10% within three months” or “Attend two industry networking events each quarter.”
4. Celebrate Milestones
The hospitality industry thrives on positivity, and that includes acknowledging small wins. Whether it’s recognizing team achievements or treating yourself for sticking to a goal, celebrating milestones keeps motivation high.
5. Create Accountability
Share your goals with trusted colleagues, mentors, or even your team. Knowing someone else is rooting for you—or counting on you—adds a layer of accountability that can be highly motivating.
6. Focus on the Journey, Not Just the Outcome
While it’s tempting to fixate on the end goal, progress often lies in the process. For example, instead of obsessing over profit margins, focus on the systems and daily practices that improve them, such as better inventory management or fostering staff loyalty.
Hospitality-Specific Resolutions That Work
Here are some actionable and achievable ideas tailored to the hospitality sector:
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Boost Mental Health Awareness: Commit to prioritizing mental well-being for yourself and your team. Introduce flexible scheduling or partner with organizations like Hospitality Action for support programs.
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Go Green: Make 2025 the year you step up your sustainability efforts. Start small, such as eliminating single-use plastics or reducing food waste through partnerships with local charities.
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Invest in Technology: Whether it’s upgrading your booking system or introducing digital menus, focus on tech solutions that streamline operations and enhance the customer experience.
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Foster a Culture of Learning: Dedicate time and resources to training and development. Platforms like Educating Hospitality offer e-learning courses to upskill your team.
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Reconnect with Your Purpose: Hospitality is about people. Make time to listen to your staff and guests, and use their feedback to shape meaningful goals.
Let’s Make 2025 Count
Resolutions don’t fail because we lack willpower—they fail because we often set ourselves up for disappointment. In the fast-paced world of hospitality, change is inevitable, but real progress comes from focusing on habits and systems rather than sweeping declarations.
As you step into the new year, shift your mindset. Instead of aiming to "fix" everything, focus on building sustainable practices that improve your business, your team, and yourself. After all, hospitality is about creating experiences that matter—and that includes your own journey.
So here’s to a 2025 filled with growth, resilience, and success! What will you tackle first?
