Setting Powerful Business Goals in 2026

This webinar (which IPIA members can view for free) talks about setting and achieving your business goals with Seonaidah Jamieson, who specializes in working with ADHD business owners to achieve their dreams. The webinar also comes with a handy workbook to help you organize your thoughts and set your goals.

Seonaidah uses her background in neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) and project management to help her clients reach their goals.

This post reflects her methods.

Reviewing Your Progress So Far

Seonaidah recommends starting with a check on your business journey to this point using a 3-2-1 approach:

• Three Achievements: What are three things you’ve accomplished that make you proud? These might include launching a new program, building a team, or simply surviving challenging times.
• Two Lessons: What have you learned that will help you moving forward? Perhaps you’ve discovered the importance of simplicity or recognized when you’re not being authentic to yourself.
• One Change: What single change will you make because of your experiences? This might involve trusting yourself more, prioritizing self-care, or following a path that feels right rather than what you “should” do.

Know Your Numbers

Once you’ve done your reflection, it’s time to figure out your baseline.

Understanding your current position is essential for effective goal setting. Seonaidah emphasizes tracking relevant metrics like:

• Membership numbers
• Email list size
• Client retention rates
• Website visits
• Social media engagement*
• Revenue and profit margins
• Personal metrics (days off, work hours).

*While social media metrics can be useful, Seonaidah (and IPIA) recommend focusing on building assets you own, like your email list, given the unpredictability of social media platforms. Especially given the history of social media in the pole industry including (but not limited to) shadow-banning accounts and the unpredictable future of social media platforms, it’s better to focus on metrics you own, like an email list or client list.

Beyond SMART Goals: The WHOOP Method

Perhaps you read our two-part resource post on SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound), and decided they weren’t your style. Seonaidah introduces an alternative framework called WHOOP:

1. Wish: What is your specific goal?
2. Outcome: Visualize achieving your goal using all your senses—what does success look, feel, and sound like?
3. Obstacles: Visualize overcoming potential challenges.
4. Plan: Create an actionable first step with “if-then” contingencies.

The use of if-then contingencies can really help those who don’t like the feeling of being “boxed-in” by a plan.

Changing Your Language, Changing Your Mindset

One simple neuro-linguistic processing (NLP) technique Seonaidah shared involves replacing “should” with “could” in your internal dialogue. This small shift changes external pressure into internal choice, empowering you to make decisions that serve you best.

Final Thoughts

Sometimes we get so caught up in the details of where we are that we lose sight of where we want to go. By using these more intuitive goal-setting techniques, you can maintain both strategic vision and practical implementation in your pole business.

Whether you’re launching a new studio, expanding your online presence, or simply seeking more balance, these techniques offer a framework for setting goals that truly reflect your values and set you up for sustainable success.