It’s that time of year again.
The time when we all set big, shiny New Year’s resolutions…
Only to abandon most of them by February.
Sound familiar?
The truth is, most resolutions fail because they’re too vague, too numerous, or lack a clear plan.
So, if we’re tired of setting goals that don’t stick, here’s a radical idea:
Fewer resolutions.
Instead of trying to overhaul our entire sales strategy in one go, focus on one or two goals that truly matter.
Then, do the hard work of setting yourself up for success.
Here’s how:
- Make Them Measurable
“Close more deals” isn’t a goal. It’s a wish.
“Increase close rate from 20% to 25% by the end of Q1” is a goal.
Why? Because it’s specific, clear, and measurable.
If resolutions can’t be tracked, we won’t know whether progress is being made—and we’ll lose momentum. Fast.
- Get Accountability
We’re great at letting ourselves off the hook.
But when someone else is watching? The game changes.
Find a colleague, manager, or mentor to help hold you accountable.
Share the resolution, the plan, and your progress.
Better yet, schedule regular check-ins…
Because a little external pressure can go a long way.
- Create a Specific Plan
Vague goals lead to vague results.
Break resolutions down into actionable steps.
If the goal is to book more meetings, don’t just say, “I’ll prospect more this year.”
Decide how many calls or emails will be sent daily and when. For example: “Make 20 outbound calls between 9:00 and 10:00 AM every weekday.”
This level of detail makes it easier to follow through—and harder to avoid.
- Track Progress
What gets measured gets managed.
Whether it’s a CRM, a spreadsheet, or a simple whiteboard…
Seeing how far we’ve come is incredibly motivating—and it helps us course-correct if things start slipping.
- Start Small
Don’t aim to double revenue in January if the pipeline is still growing.
Instead, set a small, achievable milestone.
Add one new qualified lead per day.
Schedule one extra demo each week.
Build momentum gradually…
And don’t forget to celebrate those small wins.
They fuel confidence and keep things moving forward.
In Conclusion…
This year, let’s skip the vague laundry list of goals.
Instead, pick one or two specific resolutions.
Make them count.
And watch what happens when you give them your full focus.
I look forward to hearing from you 12 months from now on how you did!
-John
