Don’t Settle For Less

The Ongoing Challenge

As the year comes to a close, we are filled with optimism about the possibilities of the upcoming year. We dream about how much we can accomplish and we set ambitious goals for ourselves ranging from shedding a few pounds to reducing stress and prioritizing personal time. We set these goals with good intentions. However, as the luster of the holidays fades and we fall back into the routine of our daily lives, our New Year’s resolutions often fall off or fail. It begs the question; How effective are New Year’s resolutions? It turns out that it is not the idea of change that is flawed; rather, it’s our approach that needs refinement.

Key Success Factors

Drawing from 30 years of adult developmental research, scholars Robert Kegan and Lisa Lahey reveal that the failure to change often results from an exclusive focus on behavior. Successful change requires a dual transformation of both skill set and mindset. Therefore, an approach to resolutions, solely centered on behavior, is destined to fall short.

Diving Into Motivation

To triumph in your New Year’s resolutions, understanding the significance and motivation behind your goals is crucial. For instance, if the resolution involves carving out more “me time,” identifying the motivation, such as setting an example for family or work colleagues, solidifies your commitment. Clarifying your motivation serves as a strong foundation for sustained change.

Equipping Yourself

While clarity and commitment are important, they alone are not enough. Moving beyond intentions, acquiring the necessary skills becomes crucial. For instance, if your goal is to incorporate more personal time, but you find yourself regularly working late and taking on additional responsibilities, honing time management and delegation skills becomes necessary to support achieving your goal.

The Mindset Shift

Completing the framework for success involves addressing your mindset—examining the thoughts and beliefs surrounding your resolution. Through exploration, you can uncover potential inhibitors, such as a belief that prioritizing self-care is selfish. Shifting this mindset, perhaps with the help of a coach, can align your beliefs with your resolutions, significantly boosting your chances of success.

Conclusion

Fulfilling your New Year’s resolution requires more than good intentions; it calls for a holistic approach. Understand the significance of your goals, invest in essential skills, and explore and reshape the mindsets that impact your motivation. This comprehensive strategy markedly increases the likelihood of achieving lasting change. As the new year approaches, what steps will you need to take to equip yourself with the framework to implement lasting change and achieve your resolutions?

Take It Further

To observe these skills in action, listen to Lisa Lahey take Brene Brown through the Immunity to Change process on the Dare to Lead Podcast. For additional insights, explore Robert Kegan and Lisa Lahey’s book “Immunity to Change: How to Overcome It and Unlock the Potential in Yourself and Your Organization.” If you prefer a quicker format, check out the audiobook version.