5 Ways Salespeople Fail Miserably at Achieving Their Goals
Want success? Set goals! It’s that simple, right? Wrong.
Setting a goal is the easy part. Achieving the goal is where it gets tricky.
To achieve our goals, we need to know the watch-outs, the pitfalls, the goal killers.
Here are the five main reasons we fail at achieving our goals:
1. Lack of Motivation.
Any goal worth achieving requires perseverance because true success-defining goals take time to accomplish. This means that we are crystal clear about our “why’s.”
“Why” am I doing this? What is my internal motivation? What makes this so important to me? Without a clear, strong “why,” advancement towards the goal will cease at the slightest obstacle.
2. Lack of Clear Plan.
A goal without a plan is merely a wish. If you’re going to set a goal, you must also plan the steps for achieving that goal.
A strong plan starts with a high-level strategy. Then it outlines tactical steps to support that strategy. And finally, it identifies a clear first step.
3. Distractions Overwhelm You.
Once you set your goals and set off on your plan to achieve them, prepare for distractions. The world will not stop moving because you set a goal. You will get pulled in directions that will challenge you to take your focus off achieving your goal and maintain your motivation to keep moving forward.
The best way to combat distractions is calendar blocking. Have designated times on your calendar for goal progression. Be super vigilant on protecting these “appointments.” These activities are set-in-stone and non-negotiable.
4. You Hit a Roadblock.
BHAGs (big, hairy, audacious goals) will prove challenging. You will fail along the way. You will hit roadblocks. But as the Zen proverb says, “The obstacle is the path.”
You must learn to embrace these roadblocks as the path to success and not abandon your journey the first time, or the second time or the twenty-third time you find your path obstructed. Push through and march on!
5. Believing the Doubters.
People will discourage your goals. Ignore them. Some will mock your goals. Cover your ears.
Many will tell you that you aren’t good enough, smart enough, capable enough, talented enough. Prove them wrong. Your goals are yours, and you alone are responsible for their fruition.
Goal achievement isn’t easy. It usually isn’t fun. And it’s definitely not fast. But it is rewarding. And it does bring you closer to your own success.
Fight fiercely for your goals, avoid these pitfalls, and you might be surprised at what you are able to accomplish.
