Sales Strategy
Jimmy DeGroot: Embrace Your Business As It Is January 18, 2024 (0 comments)
Green Bay, WI--So you didn’t hit your 2023 annual goal. Most stores didn’t. It’s because we’ve all been setting our annual goals based on our Covid years, which ironically were the best years for most jewelers. I’ve seen it happen before, catastrophe for the world equals pretty good jewelry sales. So why do we worry, get anxious and fear the future rather than have a grateful attitude about our successful stores and be at peace with each day?
One of the most famous quotes on the importance of enjoying work comes from Steve Jobs, "Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do." Isn’t that lovely? Do you enjoy coming into the store every day? Do you enjoy the folks you work with? Do you take time for yourself to live a balanced life
It's essential to understand that success does not equate to constant struggle or relentless ambition. In fact, many leaders in business have recognized the value of balancing ambition with the joy of the journey. Richard Branson famously stated, "My interest in life comes from setting myself huge, apparently unachievable challenges and trying to rise above them... from the perspective of wanting to live life to the full, I felt that I had to attempt it."
The Paradox of Constant Striving
Constantly striving for more can paradoxically hinder your progress. Anxiety about the future can cloud your judgment, hinder creativity, and even harm your overall well-being. Elon Musk spoke about this when he said, "If you get up in the morning and think the future is going to be better, it is a bright day. Otherwise, it's not." This tells me that you CAN maintain a positive outlook on the future while not allowing it to become a source of perpetual anxiety.
The Role of Mindfulness
I’m trying to involve more mindfulness in my life. This is the practice of being fully present in the moment. I’ve found this plays a crucial role in enjoying your work and finding success without excessive worry. Jon Kabat-Zinn, the founder of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), noted, "You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf." I’ve learned through this practice to observe what’s going on rather than to emotionally react to it. In other words, RELAX.
Some tips to achieve balance
Set Clear Goals: Define your long-term goals and objectives, but break them down into manageable steps. This will help you stay focused on the present while working towards your lofty aspirations.
Practice Gratitude: Take time each day to reflect on what you're grateful for in your work and personal life. Gratitude can shift your perspective and enhance your overall happiness. If you need a little help, just start thinking in terms of people.
Delegate Responsibility: Don't try to do everything yourself. I see it every day with jewelers. Delegate tasks and responsibilities to trusted team members or employees, allowing you to focus on what you do best. One little hint: Allow them to screw up. You did it hundreds of times. Don’t expect them to be perfect the first time either.
Take Breaks: Regular breaks during the workday can improve productivity and reduce stress. Use this time to recharge and regain perspective.
Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. If Carrie sold the oldest piece in the store, celebrate with cupcakes. Recognizing progress can boost motivation and satisfaction.
In the pursuit of business success, it's essential to remember that enjoying your work and reducing anxiety about the future are not signs of complacency or laziness but rather strategies for sustainable success. As Steve Jobs, Richard Branson, Elon Musk, and Jon Kabat-Zinn have shown through their wisdom, the key to thriving in your career is finding a balance between ambition and mindfulness. So, embrace the present, savor the journey, and let success follow naturally as a result of your dedication and joy in what you do.