With a steady drumbeat of negativity and business challenges, even the best salespeople sometimes struggle to stay focused and motivated.  From motivational sales books and podcasts to daily meditation, we have seen salespeople try any and all techniques imaginable. Whatever the strategy, self-motivation is always more long lasting and sustainable than external motivation.

Unfortunately, there is no formula to ensure salespeople can stay motivated. With change always being a constant, salespeople must stay motivated, embrace it, and forge ahead to success.

The same can be said about the Astros. With a bold entrance into the 2018 season against the Rangers, the Houston Astros could be leading the chase to a consecutive championship.  Although a few teams lead the pack going into this season (Los Angeles Dodgers, Washington Nationals & Chicago Cubs), the Astros are primed to dominate again.

The Astros return almost all of their starters on both sides of the ball, and in George Springer (my fav) they have an athletic playmaker who can wreak havoc on opposing defenses.

Let’s talk about the other points to this team. They feature two other elite hitters, two of the better starting pitchers in the game, plus depth in both the lineup and rotation through the final rounds. Oh, and they traded for Gerrit Cole without losing much from the major-league roster… not to mention they have Justin Verlander for a full season.

As a rising salesperson, how can you learn from the Astros tactics to stay on top and turn them into your own sales motivation? Here are quick three tips:

First, find passion in your product: Be motivated by the product and sell the product on what the prospect will love about it. Chances are, what you’re most enthusiastic about won’t be the same as what excites your customer. If you find yourself delivering the same pitch to each prospect, you’re doing it wrong. Use a Dallas Keuchel-like approach and have up to five interchangeable pitches ready for a potential client.

Second, have top of the line service: If you want to continue to be a great salesperson you must be finely attuned to the importance of giving and receiving premier service. If you can’t provide the best service, they will find someone who will. Please realize that the Astros rode the enthusiasm of their fans as well as their own talent. Similarly to sales service, the organization will continue to spend on campaigns that make their fans happy. Keep your customer satisfied past the sale.

Third, be consistent and ride the momentum: Against the Rangers this week George Springer became the first MLB player with consecutive leadoff home runs. As a salesperson, sometimes you will click and sometimes you won’t.  A collection of small victories can often lead to your largest successes. Don’t get caught up in the celebration of a sale or homerun, your next at-bat will be here before you know it.

Just like the Astros, you have to be focused and set yourself on a course to have a consuming desire for your goal.  With top-notch service and a keen eye for customer’s challenges, your sales motivation will stem from growing success.