How many years have you chased the idea of success, hoping that the next quick fix will be the one that works? Slogging long hours, working on back-to-back projects, and saying yes to every opportunity that comes your way.
We’ve all been there, and it works to an extent. My business expanded, my reputation grew, and my income increased. But at what cost? When I reflect on the days when I ran Truly Madly Baby and won investment from Peter Jones on Dragons’ Den, one word comes to mind – whirlwind!
I was exhausted, stretched too thin, and constantly feeling like I was running on a treadmill with no way to stop. The PR around that time was overwhelming with interviews, TV appearances, and radio shows, but the business was a huge success.
In 2008, I lost that fantastic business, which was devastating. I was left with a million questions – what did I want to do or, more importantly, what did I love doing?
With the need to bring in money to pay my bills, I went back to work and worked for several corporate businesses, building my skill set and learning more about sales. Finally, in 2017, after a redundancy, with over 30 years of experience under my belt, I launched my coaching business and began working for myself again.
Nothing I did was a quick fix. I took time to think about what I wanted and why. I’m using this same strategy to help me with my next bold decision – to sell up and move.
I want to create a life where I don’t have to work harder to keep up with my lifestyle. I’m relocating ‘up north’ to give myself more breathing space, less financial pressure, and more control over how I spend my time. Everything I want for my long-term business goals.
The problem with quick fixes in business.
You only need to scroll through your feed and be bombarded with messages of overnight success, life and business hacks, and six-figure launches, but this way of working comes at a cost – burnout, unsustainable growth, and a disconnect from your long-term stability. Plus, you may often be doing things that are not aligned to your values.
Are we trying to cut too many corners, or do we really find fast success appealing? Surely, this way of working means you are constantly reacting rather than being in control, and the reality is it takes time to build a solid business.
The power of long-term business goals.
Deciding to sell my home, move to a different county, and leave the city I have lived in for 25 years, has forced me to review my life, slow down, and think about what truly matters for me and my business. I no longer want to constantly hustle for growth, not at the expense of my health and well-being. I want to create something sustainable that gives me the freedom to work how and when I want.
If you want to see the power of long-term goals, then you need to start by thinking differently:
- Focus on steady growth – Instead of aiming for overnight success, I set realistic, long-term goals to build stability. I made small, consistent improvements rather than big, exhausting changes.
- Prioritise financial freedom – I structured my business in a way that allows for flexibility. By reducing unnecessary expenses, I wasn’t relying on highly stressful sources, plus it has always been a business I could move to anywhere.
- Be intentional with your time – I stopped saying yes to everything. Instead, I focus on the projects that I am passionate about. This shift not only made my work more enjoyable but also more impactful.
Why being in control of your goals is more fulfilling.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned as I navigate the process of selling my home, decluttering, and relocating is that success feels different when you’re the one defining it.
I hear lots of people talk about ‘never making it’ because they’re always chasing the next shiny thing. You’ll feel more successful than ever by setting goals that align with what you want, be it freedom, balance, or more engaging work.
Slowing down doesn’t mean giving up! It means you are choosing how you live and grow and what’s right for you, your family, and your business.
My decision will not only be the right move for me, but it will also serve my coaching clients as I show them what is possible. When you understand how emotions influence your target audience, you can positively influence them. By selling up and moving, I’m showing my audience that setting long-term goals and living a life you love matters.
Are you ready to set long-term business goals and avoid the quick fixes in your business?
The Sales Day Trip is a new way for us to work together. We spend a full day covering lots of things, including peeling back your business to discover your ideal client and UHP® and building a sales strategy that will be life-changing for anyone who doesn’t like or know how to sell. This training day shares one simple message: ‘Sales is human, and you are unique’.
“Since reading Jules’ book my life has changed direction. I subsequently did a road sales trip day with her where we developed my business idea, Connect -Clarify – Create. She has been an inspiration to me! Her positivity, compassion and understanding approach are a joy to work with. Although Sales is her thing she is generous with all of her vast knowledge and experience of business and life. I feel honoured to work with Jules.” Jean Fleming
If you want to ‘Discover your UHP®’ with me, book a 1-hour personal coaching session HERE.
“Jules is a fantastic coach, approaching sales with energy and empathy. A trusted acquaintance introduced me to Jules after hearing I was looking for help developing my LinkedIn messaging. To say that working with Jules has been an inspiration is an understatement rather than an exaggeration! She’s helped me feel more comfortable ‘selling’ and our work together has impacted all aspects of my company’s communications.” Richard Banyard, Op-Tec Systems
Want to find out more? Schedule a virtual cuppa with me, and we can have a chat about my coaching services.
Are you seeking an experienced and inspiring Keynote Speaker ready to captivate and entertain the audience at your next event? Get in touch to discover more.