“During this new year I resolve to begin a new life. I do not know what will happen to me during this year. But I abandon myself entirely to you, my God. And my aspirations and all my affections will be for You. I feel so weak, dear Jesus, but with Your help I hope and resolve to live a different life, that is, a life closer to You” (St. Gemma Galgani, New Year’s Eve 1895).

New Year’s resolutions are a wonderful idea. New year (in our case, new decade), new goals, new life. Many gyms report large numbers of new memberships in January each year. We buy journals, hoping to record our progress. We even share our resolutions with our loved ones, hoping for some shared accountability. But, often, we fail to keep the resolutions.

As Catholics, we know that certain resolutions must be made each day. In fact, practices such as Marian consecration encourage a daily renewal. Daily prayer, daily service … these are all important parts of the Christian life. They can also help us keep up with those New Year’s resolutions we make at the start of the year.

New Year’s Resolutions can be helpful in our professional lives. I asked members of the Catholic Women in Business community what their New Year’s Resolutions were. Here’s what they said:

Listing Accomplishments, Not Tasks

“Rather than living by my to do list (which is mostly in my head) I’m going to start writing out what I accomplished at the end of the work day. Who I met with, what we discussed, etc etc.” (Margaret Perry, Northern Virginia Sales Rep, Williams Corner Wines).

Business Growth

“My business launched in September, so my 2020 resolutions are largely focused on growth … [including supporting] at least 2 Catholic organizations each quarter through co-branding, donations, etc.” (Anna Camacho, Owner and Maker, CORDA Candles).

“I am finally going to define a specific niche for my business instead of being a generalist. (My niche being home organizing service for busy moms, especially those with young kids and babies). I am going to rework my brand and messaging, and create a marketing plan to reach this population. I already have three speaking engagements booked in January with [a] local Catholic Mother’s group as a first step” (Karen Salinetti, Owner, Visitation Organization).

Joy and Self-care

“I am going back to joy! I am a personal brand photographer — which is a niche-down from a general people photographer. I am going back to shooting something every day to simply give me joy and gratitude. Photography can be cyclic so I don’t want the slower season to rob my joy!” (Maria Kurmlavage, Luminous 5 Photography).

“My resolution is to make my health a top priority — mind, body, and soul. As a full-time working mom with young children, there are always people and activities that want my time and attention. I also get joy and fulfillment from my daily work, but there’s also only so much time in a day! I’ve learned self-care is the most important when it seems hardest to do. To be the woman, wife, mother, and leader I’m called to be in 2020, I am prioritizing regular exercise, sacraments, rest, counseling, and FUN!” (Emma Moran, Co-president and Co-founder, Catholic Women in Business, and Sales and Marketing Operations, Sprintwell).

Focus on Others

“I am going to do intentional networking. In the past my network has mostly been built by being in the right place at the right time. I will be reaching out to specific people who I want to connect with to schedule a short meeting — once per month is my goal. At the end of the year I hope to have gained 12 more amazing people into my circle” (Cathi Kennedy, CWIB Program Manager, Mentorships, and Assistant Director of Recruiting and Admissions, Notre Dame).

My own New Year’s resolution is really a decade resolution. I turned 30 in August and, upon reflecting, realized that while my 20s were really about my own growth, my 30s should be about channeling that growth into service. I’m getting married in 2020, so as I become a wife and start a family, that will be my primary focus. As I continue to grow my business, I hope to serve Catholic women through content that inspires and supports them.

What’s your resolution for 2020? Join the conversation in our Facebook group to share!

Taryn Oesch is the managing editor of Catholic Women in Business, a contributing writer and assistant editor at FemCatholic.com, and a fertility educator in training. An active volunteer, Taryn is the board secretary and communications chair at The Power of the Dream, a head coach at Miracle League of the Triangle, and a volunteer at Birthchoice of Wake County. You can follow Taryn on Twitter; on Instagram; on Facebook; and on her blog, Everyday Roses.