The arrival of a new year brings with it the promise of fresh beginnings, renewed energy, and the opportunity to set meaningful goals. For Sales Professionals and Leaders, New Year’s resolutions can serve as a powerful tool to focus your intentions and inspire change. However, setting resolutions is just the first step—the key lies in making them achievable and sustainable. Odds are not in your favor that you’ll be able to sustain a high level of energy and optimism over the full year.
The world of business development is a contact sport and one could say, an emotionally violent sport at that. Here are Rick McDermott’s 3 ways to beat the odds and sustain your energy throughout the year.
Habit Stack
Find 3 or 4 new habits, productive habits, that will provide exponential benefit as the year progresses. Implement only one at time until the habit becomes mindless activity, then add another. For example, right-sizing your calendar every Sunday night in order to jump start your work week instead of waiting until Monday morning (when the bullets start flying). Nothing big, small habits when stacked with other small habits create a productive environment.
Automation
There is so much technology coming at us, it’s hard to figure out just what tools to use. It can almost be paralyzing at times. Like habits, automation doesn’t have to be massive, just large enough to be powerful. For instance, find yourself slaving through countless emails every minute of every day? Set up email rules in Microsoft Outlook that automatically help sort emails into separate folders so you can focus appropriately.
Appreciate the Wins
Acknowledging your progress, no matter how small, can boost your confidence and keep you motivated. Treat yourself when you reach a milestone and use these moments as a reminder of how far you’ve come. Pro Tip: Write down 3 wins in your notebook or journal every day, no matter how small those wins are.
Final Thoughts
New Year’s resolutions are a powerful way to align your actions with your aspirations. By setting thoughtful, realistic goals and staying committed to them, you can make meaningful progress in the coming year. In the words of Vince Lombardi, “Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence". Here’s to a fulfilling and successful year ahead!
Bonus Sandler Resource: Why Sales Leaders Fail