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“5 Tips For Setting Goals That Work For You” by Bob Phibbs via The Retail Doctor Blog

“5 Tips For Setting Goals That Work For You” by Bob Phibbs via The Retail Doctor Blog

The start of a new year is a great time to set a new direction. Whether you had a 🔥 or 🌡️ year, prepare yourself for 2023.

Do you dread the pressure of setting goals, only to feel like you failed when they’re not achieved? Many of us would rather outsource effective goal-setting to someone else than sit down and plan what we desire.

There’s a risk when you set goals; you might fail.

And while most of us hope for a sure thing, if there’s a chance of failure, we avoid it. But what if you succeed? How would that change your life? What other things could you accomplish if you were brave? Read on…

What I’m hearing

My larger accounts are being coached to expect a 10-15% drop in sales at some point in 2023. 

Not unreasonable, considering many had great numbers this past year – but also no reason to panic.

By setting goals, maintaining a positive mindset, and creating achievable steps to success, you give yourself confidence as you chart your course.

This process isn’t about your ego; it’s about opening your mind to what could be and focusing your attention and acting.

The big picture

In one study, people who repeated something daily or almost daily turned that thing into a habit in about 66 days. To change the outcome, you must make it a part of your daily routine.

I’ve put together five tips designed specifically for the busy retail owner: these guidelines will help ensure your goals become attainable and enjoyable.

1. Identify how you want to feel and set your intentions.

It is important to think about how you want to feel and how you will feel after you reach your goal. We call them goal outcomes. Doing this will help you stay motivated and focused when the going gets tough.

But you also have to change your self-talk. Much of what we say to ourselves is shaming which shuts us down. Frame your thinking like these examples:

FROM: I need to lose 10 pounds
TO: I am the type of person who doesn’t miss a workout

FROM: I need to make the bed because someone said so
TO: I am the type of person who makes the bed


FROM: I need to follow up
TO: I am the type of person who follows up with everyone on time

2. Break it down into smaller, achievable pieces

The best way to reach any goal is by breaking it down into manageable chunks. This allows us to progress without overwhelming ourselves with too much at once.

While Google pioneered the Big, Hairy, Audacious Goal (BHAG), most of us dream too small.

To create a goal that you’ll not only think is doable but also energizing, ask yourself better questions.

  • What if…? is a great way to start.
  • What if I could? What if x happened?
  • How would I feel?

Then start to work backward on the steps you’d need to do.

You should start with big dreams and break them down into smaller steps. Not the other way around.

For any of you feeling sketchy about even trying this, big things happen from the actions you take daily.

3. Set deadlines

Give yourself a due date for each step toward reaching your goal. Break down larger goals into multiple parts with separate deadlines. Know that even if you miss a deadline, you can start again. 

This will help keep you accountable and on track for achieving success.

Time is the enemy when you’re not held accountable. And it is the Achilles heel of most retailers for inaction who:

  • Stay busy like an employee
  • Are eager to tell others how busy they are
  • Don’t hold themselves accountable. 

4. Create an action plan

You’ve probably been doing this as part of your Sales Strategy, breaking down yearly sales goals.

Once your goal is broken down into smaller, achievable pieces, write down a plan of action for how you’ll tackle each step. I use Monday.com to help me to create a 1, 3, 5 list.

Each work day, I have to select one thing I can/must accomplish that day. Then I select three things to do the next day and five for the week. I have a bucket of other things I would like to do that I draw from to create this list of five.

Because it is online, I just have to put it in my calendar to go there each morning.

A written plan will help keep you focused and motivated to reach the desired result because you are driving your success.

5. Celebrate each accomplishment

It’s important to give yourself credit for every little victory along the way. You put something in your phone’s calendar – great. You scheduled 30 minutes to make a plan – great. 

Glenn Close, then starring in the Broadway musical Sunset Boulevard, treated herself to an Oreo after each performance. She said, “I love matinee days because I get two.”

Taking time to celebrate achievements, large and small, is key to maintaining motivation in pursuing our goals. So go ahead—pat yourself on the back! You’ve earned it! 

The bottom line

With inflation waning and interest rates rising, planning, personal growth, and employee development will be key. 

To help reach your sales goals, there’s nothing like getting everyone on the same page, knowing how to interact with shoppers, and closing more sales. That comes from training. 


We are pleased to mention that the author Bob Phibbs aka the Retail Doctor (who has contributed to BRA with outstanding articles like this one and so many others that we have reposted over the past couple of years) has also contributed to BRA monetarily. We value his relevant retail insight and encourage you to learn more about his offerings by clicking on the following link to his website: www.retaildoc.com

– Doug Works, Executive Director BRA


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