New Year, Same Story 

Every year, around 40% of the United States population makes New Year’s resolutions, and this year was no different. Before the calendar flipped to 2023, more than one-third of Americans surveyed (37%) said they had a resolution or goal they wanted to accomplish in 2023. That brings us to today, where we expect as many as 80% of New Year’s resolutions are already ditched or will be by February 1 based on numerous studies. 

That may not seem like a big deal, but here’s what most Americans have given up on or are about to (based on studies of the most common resolutions):

• Improving their physical health (e.g., lose weight, exercise more) 
• Improving their financial condition (e.g., save money, pay debts) 
• Improving their relationship with self and others (e.g., improve mental health, spend more time with family & friends, be more spiritual)

All of this makes us wonder – when was the last time you quit chasing a goal that would add value to you, your family, and/or your organization when things got difficult (e.g., too busy, other priorities, bad timing)? We know it’s challenging to make meaningful change, so we want to offer some insights that may help leaders stay in the 20% of people who keep their resolutions and achieve their goals.

Overcoming Roadblocks to Change: Tips for Life and Leadership 
In their book, Immunity to Change: How to Overcome It and Unlock the Potential in Yourself and Your Organization, Robert Kegan and Lisa Lahey dive into the psychological obstacles, or “immunities to change,” that prevent individuals and organizations from reaching their goals. These immunities often stem from unconscious “competing commitments.” For example, a manager named Dawn wants to be a more direct communicator; that’s her goal. But when we talk with Dawn, she shares that she wants to be well-liked by her peers and is uncomfortable with the tension of verbal disagreements. Can you see where Dawn’s competing commitments may cause a breakdown? Dawn may have all the skills needed to be a more direct communicator but making that behavioral change will be difficult because her mind is divided. This is what often sabotages change initiatives both personally and organizationally. Our mind has one foot on the gas while another part of us is simultaneously slamming on the brake.

A Place to Start 
So, where do we go from here? A great place to start is by expanding our awareness of what might be competing with our goals. For a person who is stuck in the “one foot on the gas, one foot on the brake” moment, one of the most powerful exercises they can do is take 10-30 minutes to explore this question:

• What mental commitments or constructs could be sabotaging or undermining the change that I would like to see?

This week, carve out some time to think deeply about what beliefs, thoughts, and emotions might be impairing the change you would like to see. Then use the insight to plan a path forward.

Offer: Still Stuck? We would love to listen to the challenges that you’re facing and partner with you to help. Reach out to us at [email protected].