I have never liked New Year’s resolutions. In fact, I despise them. 

Okay, I may be a *bit* aggressive with that last statement, but the truth is the psychology behind resolutions is faulty at best. Jumping headfirst into oftentimes over-ambitious goals has left me feeling behind before I’ve ever started. And, the most detrimental effect of the “new year, new me” mentality? Convincing myself that careless change is the solution.

Sure, shedding a few pounds or getting my inbox to zero may feel great in the moment, but breaking and forming new habits is not an instantaneous thing. It takes months of evaluating your previous efforts, forming a plan, testing that plan, and tweaking it to fit your lifestyle and goals. 

If you aren’t doing that? Well, the harsh reality is that 80% of New Year’s resolutions are abandoned before February.

Now for the kicker.

Social media marketing is just like those New Year’s resolutions.

You could wake up one day and say, “my business needs to be on Instagram.” And that’s great! But that’s a goal not a plan.

Going viral with your first Instagram Reel is not a long-term solution. Gaining followers that you aren’t providing value to won’t lead to sales. Comparing your business to other businesses who have a different strategy and different goals won’t help you tell your brand’s story authentically. 

So, my advice? Think of social media marketing as a new book, not just a new chapter for your business. Start from scratch by taking the time to reflect on what values your business provides, who your customers are, and what the two are able to create when they come together. Don’t rush into posting just to “stay relevant.” Think of what relevance your content will have to others, and how you can create it in a sustainable and measurable way. 

After all, “new year” doesn’t have to mean “new me” but rather a new way to share what you’ve already been doing and what is yet to come!