Happy New Year! Did you know that only 41% of us make New Year’s Resolutions?
Earlier this month, I led a group of leaders through a workshop on what it means to lead change. I kicked off the time by taking quickly surveying how many in the group had made New Year's resolutions. You may not be surprised to learn – the number was low. Between personal experience and existing studies, research shows that less than half of us make resolutions, and for those that do – around 91% don’t achieve those resolutions. What stood out to me for this group of leaders was the discussion we had with the group of individuals who DO make resolutions and keep them.
What’s the difference maker?
Their commitment was firmly grounded in why they were making that commitment.
In James Clear’s book Atomic Habits, he says it this way:
“Your actions reveal how badly you want something. If you keep saying something is a priority but you never act on it, then you don’t really want it. It’s time to have an honest conversation with yourself. Your actions reveal your true motivations.”
A recent Inc. article identifies behaviors that, when practiced consistently, help you stay connected to the “why” of any habit you want to change or build in the coming year.
Set goals you are passionate about! We don’t stick with things that we really don’t want to do. A TED Talk by researcher and professor Angela Duckworth explains the connection between the power of our passion and our ability to persevere. She calls it “grit.”
Break down your goals into smaller goals. When we set a big goal for ourselves, it can feel overwhelming. Spend time figuring out what 4-5 smaller goals within that larger goal can serve as milestones toward that bigger goal.
Are you interested in hearing more about the workshop mentioned on leading change? If so, click here to learn more.