December 2019 was a busy one for my family, so busy that we didn’t get a holiday card out until the beginning of January.
I had a friend take the photo and design the card, with what I thought at the time, was a great message — “Best Year Ever!” it read loud and proud at the top.
That’s right, I declared 2020, the Best Year Ever. To be fair, there were many reasons to believe that at the time. I was clearly very wrong, but I stand by the sentiment.
As an eternally optimistic person, I go into each new year thinking it’ll be the best. This optimistic attitude is also why I set resolutions each year, despite most research saying only about 8% of people keep their resolutions.
If you’re reading this column I have a feeling you’re part of that 8%. An inc.com article on the topic found that the elite group who keep their resolutions have a few things in common. From the article, “Research found that when people (set) specific and challenging goals — it led to higher performance 90% of the time. The more specific and challenging your goals, the higher your motivation toward hitting them.”
The other sure way to success, says the article, is to set goals you want to pursue with relentless drive and passion. “The 8% of successful goal-setters want it, and badly.” 
As I’ve done in this space for a number of years, I reached out to area business professionals and asked them to share their New Year’s Business Resolution.

Reading these resolutions each year always inspires me, and I know it’ll do the same for you. Happy New Year!

Mike Burke, President ChoiceOne Bank
In 2024 I’m really hoping to get back to more in-person interactions both personally and at work. I think that the move to virtual contact during COVID has stuck around in a way that I would like to see changed to some degree. People in general thrive with person-to-person interactions, and I worry we’re missing really connecting when we use digital means to primarily communicate. I know community banking is based on that idea; banking is a personal relationship. While it’s possible to have a great relationship that is primarily digital or virtual, in person is best.

Janet Engelman, Owner Kapala Heating & Air Conditioning
Inflation and rising costs made for a difficult 2023 for families in our community. As a business owner in the community, I feel it is important to share success and give back in whatever way we can. In 2024 our goal is to raise awareness and support our local organizations by helping to educate and fundraise for their programs and services.

Pete Clinton, Advertising Director View Newspaper Group
To improve on our storytelling. We are a growing community newspaper group now with 14 publications that has been able to grow because of our local commitment, readers, advertising partners and our awesome team. That is a great story to tell! For us to continue to grow, we as a team need to do a better job of sharing our story of what we are doing in all of our communities. We have so many amazing stories to share.

Jim Fish, Superintendent North Branch Schools

I have been reading about how time seems to fly by quickly as we get older. Most of the advice given is to be present in the moment and really enjoy each day and what it brings. That is my goal for the next few weeks with my family and every day in 2024. While challenges are always on the horizon, the 2023 year has been memorable for me. I am blessed to work in an amazing school district with dedicated and committed colleagues. Our school district is thriving and I am thankful for our community, board of education, leadership team, teachers, support staff, and our students. This is a great place to be! Over the next two weeks, I hope you have the opportunity to slow down a bit and that you are present in the moment.

While it’s not as specific as research shows I need to be, my New Year’s Business Resolution is to manifest great things. I want — no, I need — 2024 to be a great year. I’ve never wanted something so badly. Making the year great will take hard work, dedication and also the belief that this year will be great. Maybe not the Best Year Ever, but close.
What’s your New Year’s Business Resolution? Email me at ecaswell@mihomepaper.com.
Emily Caswell is the Brand Manager for VIEW Group, the branding division of View Newspaper Group.