I wrote an article a few years back that’s due for a refresh. It’s a new year, and we need something to look forward to. Even if that something is rehashed content from Philip.
Millions of people are either actively writing their resolutions for the year, or they’ve already broken those resolutions and are waiting for the end of 2026 so they can try again in 2027. This article is for all of you who have not set resolutions, and don’t really love the whole process of writing down “things I can’t do”, or “stuff I can’t eat”, or “to-do list items that will never get to-done”.
Instead of lofty, hard-to-achieve resolutions, I propose we start the year with one or two aspirational goals. Most people struggle with how to set goals because they focus on what they want, without giving enough thought to how they’ll get there or what might get in the way.
Without clarity around the What, How, and When, you’re often left asking, “What am I supposed to do now?”
How To Set Goals With WOOP
Let me introduce you to Gabriele Oettingen and the process she developed called WOOP. WOOP stands for Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, and Plan. To oversimplify: you wish for something, then imagine how the outcome would impact you, then imagine a potential obstacle, and then create a plan to get around the obstacle.
The concept is great since it’s user-friendly and you don’t need to think about your metrics like when you have to write SMART goals. WOOP isn’t about wishing to win the lottery when you blow out birthday candles. It’s about realistic improvement: getting promoted, improving sales performance, or strengthening your business development strategies.
WOOP works like a targeted wish, focusing on a specific improvement in your life. You think of the thing you want, imagine yourself already having it, and planning what to do if something gets in your way. I should rephrase; planning something non-violent to do if something gets in your way. You can’t be too careful given the personality types of people who read articles for fun on LinkedIn.
What Goal-Setting Looks Like For Philip
(Join me on my train of thought. Please keep your arms and legs inside the car at all times.)
Wish: This is the thing I want to achieve, become, demonstrate, or have by the end of my planned timeline. The more specific I can be, the more likely it is that my plan will work.
Outcome: What does success look like at the end of the process? Again, specificity is my friend, vagueness is a frenemy who will tell others I look hideous in my favorite sweater.
Obstacle: The hurdles or roadblocks that might get in my way. Hurdles would be preferred. They’re something athletes jump over all the time. I’m sure I could do the same with a series of strategically placed stepladders.
Plan: This is how I’m going to make things happen when I get stuck. If the hurdle occurs, then I’ll do this other path instead.
Why Goal-Setting Is Key For Business Development Strategies
Goal-setting forces you to think about what the future would hold if you actually got your wish, which isn’t always as nice as it first seems.
There’s nearly always a cost to get a benefit. Getting promoted usually gets you a little more money and a lot more work. Doubling your sales from last year could mean doubling or tripling the amount of time you spend prospecting each day. Make sure you are comfortable with the tradeoffs before you spend significant time on your planning phase.
.Reaching the end of a journey becomes easy with a good start. The best way to move towards success is to follow through. The second-best way is to have a coach beside you to cheer you on (or kick your backside) when you need some external motivation.
If you need help staying on track in 2026, drop me a line. Especially if your wish includes increasing your sales results and your comedic wit at the same time. I’d be happy to have you at my next goal setting workshop Texas sales leaders actually enjoy.
