Loud Conversations About Sales, Edition No. 4

Reflections + Goals

Yesterday, we did a very cool exercise at the office as part of a class we’re taking together. The focus was reflecting on 2025 to gain clarity and intentionally set goals for 2026.

Like many of you, I had already started goal-setting for 2026. But I really loved the structure of this exercise, and I wanted to share it for anyone who hasn’t started yet—or who has struggled to define their goals clearly.

The premise is simple:

How do I reflect on 2025 in a way that helps me move forward into 2026?

Step One: Reflect on 2025

(Order matters.)

Ask yourself the following questions:

• What was my biggest business accomplishment in 2025—and why?
• What was my biggest personal accomplishment in 2025—and why?
• What was my biggest business disappointment in 2025—and why?
• What was my biggest personal disappointment in 2025—and why?
• What lessons did I learn in 2025?
• What am I most grateful for from 2025?

Step Two: Shift Into Goal-Setting for 2026

(Again, order matters.)

Now, using your reflections, ask yourself:

• What are my key business goals for 2026?
• What are my key personal goals for 2026?
• What obstacles might get in the way of my business goals in 2026?
• What obstacles might get in the way of my personal goals in 2026?
• What support do I need to achieve my business goals in 2026?
• What support do I need to achieve my personal goals in 2026?
• What action commitments will I make to achieve my business goals in 2026?
• What action commitments will I make to achieve my personal goals in 2026?

I found this exercise to be very impactful. Even though I already had my goals set, writing them down with intention gave me greater clarity and focus on how I plan to achieve them.

As the saying goes:

“Wisdom only comes from evaluated experience.”

Until the next loud conversation—let’s keep it real.

❤️ J