“Some goals, particularly those well within our comfort zone and areas of expertise, are easy to plan. But of course, for exceptional results we need to set goals outside that comfort zone – and that means we don’t always know where to start.”
Phil Jackson, Build Your Salon.
Lacking a little motivation lately? It’s incredibly common to get caught up in thinking about the future as opposed to actively building toward it, and is a trap that many a salon owner get caught in.
We have had to get to grips with the business side of salons,” says Build Your Salon’s Phil Jackson. “The competitive market is too fierce and our finances too precarious to leave these things to chance.”
“As much as I welcome seeing owners taking their business goals seriously, that has brought a huge amount of overwhelm. The danger is that we still don’t make the progress we need to for our businesses to thrive – not for want of planning, but for want of a meaningful way to implement those plans.”
Looking to turn your goals into actions? We’ve got Phil’s top tips for getting the most of your business goals right here.
GET CLEAR ON WHY
“It’s perfectly natural for your enthusiasm to wane a little over time. That’s when you need to get back to why this goal is important to you. Spend some time journaling what your life or business will look like if you hit that goal. Will you have more time? Money? Freedom? The more emotionally bought into this picture you are, the more effective the exercise will be, so focus on how you will feel once this goal is achieved.”
“The second half of this exercise is less pleasant. Spend some time exploring what happens if you don’t achieve the goal you have set yourself? Really connect with the emotion behind this exercise. It may not feel pleasant, but turning back to these thoughts will help you keep going if your commitment or enthusiasm starts to wane.”
THREE QUESTIONS TO GET YOU UNSTUCK
“Occasionally when we’re setting a goal which is outside our comfort zone, it can be hard to get started. We get past the initial excitement of stretching ourselves and succeeding in a way we haven’t before, then hit a wall because it’s not immediately clear what we need to do next – how we can break that big, exciting goal into tangible action.
Asking these three simple questions in relation to your goal have helped me and my coaching clients immensely over the years:
First, what do I need to START in order to hit this goal?
What do I need to STOP in order to hit this goal?
What do I need to CONTINUE in order to hit this goal?
A MID GOAL SANITY CHECK
“With goals you are trying to turn into habits, or where bigger shifts in your routines and behaviours are needed, it can be handy to stop and take stock of what you’re doing in the moment.
“Try to get into the habit of bringing your attention to what you’re doing in the moment at regular intervals throughout the day. You can even set a reminder or alarm on your watch or phone to make checking in a part of your daily routine.”
IS WHAT I’M DOING RIGHT NOW HELPING ME ACHIEVE MY GOAL?
“If you check in and you’re sat binge-watching Netflix or opening a second bottle of wine, stop and replace the behaviour with something that is more helpful. Take the dog for a quick walk, fix yourself something healthy to eat or switch off the TV and take 10 minutes to meditate instead.”
“If, of course, you catch yourself in the moment doing something that will help you towards your goals, congratulate yourself and wear a cheeky, smug grin. You’re doing great!”