JAN 1 - CHOMP
JAN 1: Starting the Year with Momentum
The phrase "chomping at the bit" originates from the world of horse riding and training. It describes horses that are impatient or eager, often chewing or biting on the metal bit in their bridle. The bit, part of the horse's tack, helps guide and control the animal. When a horse "chomps" (or "champs") at the bit, it signals restlessness or eagerness to move forward.
Over time, this phrase has become a metaphor for people who are excited, impatient, or determined to get started on something. And that’s exactly how I feel every single January 1.
January 1: A Day Off? Not for Me!
Every. Single. Year. I find myself chomping at the bit to dive back into business and hit the ground running. And yet, the calendar insists that January 1 is a day off. For me, this always feels counterproductive—a lazy start to the year. I understand the tradition of New Year’s resolutions, but the idea of making big plans only to begin with a day off? It just doesn’t sit right.
In business, momentum matters. January 1 is a symbolic reset: the books are closed on the previous year, and a fresh new start begins. But that reset comes with its own challenges. After a stellar 2024, we’re staring down some ambitious targets and steep hills to climb in 2025. While we’re confident in the foundation we laid last year, the reality is our wholesale team will begin Q1 in a deficit thanks to some massive orders we closed in Q4 2024.
Why Q1 Sets the Tone
In my experience, a strong Q1 is essential to building success throughout the year. If you start with a weak Q1, you spend the remaining months chasing numbers—a stressful and often frustrating position. For 2025, we need to hit our growth targets to support the significant investments we’ve made in inventory, systems, and infrastructure.
This principle isn’t unique to my business. Companies across industries feel the same pressure to start strong.
- Amazon experiences a similar urgency coming off its peak Q4 holiday season. By January, its teams are focused on logistics and inventory planning to maintain the momentum into the new year.
- Tesla places immense emphasis on Q1 deliveries to set the pace for annual growth, especially with new production targets for innovative models.
- Nike often highlights the importance of early product launches and marketing campaigns in Q1 to gain traction for the year ahead.
Looking Forward to 2025
For businesses like mine, every January feels like a pivotal moment. The goals are set, the foundation is laid, and the pressure is on to execute. While the world might see January 1 as a day to relax, for me—and many others—it’s a day of excitement, focus, and readiness to tackle the challenges and opportunities ahead.
So, as the calendar turns to 2025, I’m not just chomping at the bit—I’m ready to charge forward. Let’s make it a year to remember.
- Ben
