‘Tis the Season
It’s that time of year when many of us are setting New Year’s Resolutions for positive changes we’d like to make. A perfect time to remind you that I’m convinced that, “the New Year’s Resolution approach to change” doesn’t work.
If you’ve read my book or taken the eLearning program, Coach Your Self Up you know that making lasting behavior changes takes time and attention—AND is completely doable. I’m also a fan of James Clear’s Atomic Habits and BJ Fogg’s Tiny Habits. While our approaches vary, the points of overlap are clues to what really works: the importance of 1) clarifying your aspiration; 2) understanding the underlying patterns/stories behind your current behavior; and 3) making small shifts.
I invite you to be mindful of your approach to tackling your New Year’s Resolutions this year. (And if you have more than one, tackle them one at a time.)
Instead of emphasizing speed and surface level changes (common characteristics of the “New Year’s Resolution” approach), use a proven process for making change. Sure, it may take longer, which can be frustrating. That said, six months from now, would you rather be well on your way to making your desired change or look back with nothing to show for it?