Have you ever found yourself endlessly planning, tweaking, and strategizing without actually taking action? Many retailers (and entrepreneurs in general) fall into the comfort zone of strategy, where everything is safe and full of potential… until it’s not.
Recently, I had a wake-up call. My coach asked how my new team member was doing, and I enthusiastically said, “Great!” But then came the follow-up: “What are the results?”
Oof. That hit me hard. I had been so caught up in the feeling of progress that I hadn’t looked at actual numbers. It made me realize how easy it is to get stuck in the idea of success rather than the action that creates it. Sound familiar?
Step 1: Recognize When You’re Stuck in Strategy
Strategy is a powerful tool, but it’s not the goal—it’s the starting point. If you find yourself constantly refining plans, waiting for the perfect moment, or saying, “I just need to figure out a few more details,” you might be trapped in strategy mode.
Here’s the truth: Strategy without action is just wishful thinking. The longer you stay stuck, the more opportunities pass you by.
Step 2: Take Imperfect Action
Stephen Covey famously said, “Begin with the end in mind.” Notice he didn’t say, “Begin only when you have every detail figured out.” Progress happens through action, not perfection.
Taking action can feel scary because it opens the door to judgment. An idea in your head is flawless. But once you take action, real results appear—and that’s a good thing!
Not sure where to start? Ask yourself:
- What’s one small step I can take today?
- What’s stopping me from moving forward right now?
- Am I waiting for permission… from myself?
Step 3: Focus on Real Results, Not Just Feelings
It’s tempting to measure success by how we feel about our work. But real success in retail (and life!) comes from measurable results. Instead of asking, “Does this feel good?” start asking, “What are the actual results?”
If you’re onboarding a new team member, monitor their performance with actual numbers. Feelings can be misleading—data tells the truth.
Step 4: Find Fun to Keep Going
Taking action requires energy, and energy needs fuel. That’s where dopamine comes in! Dopamine is the “feel-good” chemical that keeps you motivated. But here’s the catch: if you’re not intentionally creating fun, your brain will find cheap dopamine elsewhere (hello, social media scrolling and binge-watching TV!).
So, ask yourself: What activities give me real joy and recharge my energy?
Some of my favorites include:
- Blasting music on a walk
- Exercising (Peloton, yoga, lifting weights)
- Spending time with loved ones
- Reading fiction (bonus: it boosts creativity!)
- Journaling for clarity and fresh ideas
Action + Fun = Success
Success isn’t just about working hard it’s about working smart and staying energized. When you take action and measure real results, you move forward. When you add fun into the mix, you stay motivated and avoid burnout.
So, what’s one action you’ll take today? And what’s one fun thing you’ll do to keep your energy high? I’d love to hear! DM me or join the conversation in our Richer Retailer group.
Let’s take action and build success together!
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Happy Retailing!