How to maintain your January motivation throughout the year
January motivation is good. Whole-year motivation is better.
January. Plans have been made, calendars are fresh, resolutions are ambitious. Teams return from the Christmas break, often with renewed energy – ready to change the world. But most of the time, it doesn’t last long. By mid-February at the latest, it’s clear in many companies that the drive is waning. New Year’s motivation is gone.
Why is that – and how can you not only maintain this momentum, but also anchor it for the long term?
January is not a sprint, but a kick-off.
Studies on team dynamics show that motivation after breaks arises primarily from a feeling of new beginnings. Harnessing this momentum means turning a short impulse into a long-term system.
An example: In a tech company, January 2025 was kicked off with a joint workshop – not to define goals, but to connect them: Why do we want to achieve this? Who contributes what? The team developed common guiding principles, visualised them – and incorporated them into meetings. The result: Performance remained at a consistently high level for months.
5 ideas that can prolong the motivation boost:
- Make successes visible – not just at the end of the year, but on an ongoing basis.
- Rotate responsibilities – new perspectives create energy.
- Make motivation measurable – through short mood barometers in the team.
- Promote connection – through cross-departmental mini-projects.
- Get external inspiration – e.g. through speakers, coaches or workshops.
This is where LEADING MINDS comes in.
Because this is precisely where the added value of external inspiration comes into play. A powerful presentation or workshop can not only motivate, but also change perspectives – and initiate lasting change. External perspectives in particular can be real motivation boosters.
These speakers are the perfect choice to accompany your team into the new year with energy, focus and enthusiasm for change:
- Dominik Neidhart – The America’s Cup winner impressively demonstrates how genuine team spirit is created and has a lasting effect. His experiences at the highest sporting level can be directly transferred to everyday business life.
- Monika Sattler – The extreme cyclist and motivational speaker is an expert in self-motivation and mental strength. She inspires people to question their personal limits and surpass themselves – ideal for the start of the year.
- Philip Semmelroth – Sales begins with clarity, energy and motivation. Philip shows how to set and achieve goals without ever losing sight of the customer. A must for sales teams at the start of the year.
- Sebastian Wächter – As an expert in change processes and mindset transformation, he knows that change begins in the mind. His presentation not only motivates, but also changes the way you think and act.
- Caroline von Kretschmann – The managing director of the Europäischer Hof Heidelberg stands for a value-based, empathetic and at the same time performance-oriented corporate culture. She impressively demonstrates how motivation arises from meaning, trust and attitude – and why this is precisely the key to long-term success.
At LEADING MINDS, you will find these and many other experts who not only motivate, but also initiate real transformation. For a start to the year that doesn’t end in February – but continues to have an impact until December.
Our highly motivated team looks forward to your enquiry: +49 (0)30 640 777 42 or contact@leading-minds.com