New Start & Old Realities

The start of the new year always seems to present new possibilities for a new direction. We’re inundated with advice on resolutions. goal setting and strategies to implement new beginnings. Of course, in the real world, there are enduring responsibilities, distractions and delays which can represent a stark contrast to the ability or inclination to adopt new steps or take giant leaps on a transformation journey.

In organisational terms, when a stated commitment to change is beset by the same leadership practices, the same culture and apparently intractable problems, it can create such cognitive dissonance that people lose interest, confidence and hope.

For individuals seeking to change, unfinished business from the previous year, even exhaustion and unforeseen challenges might derail an intention to embark on a change project.

Here are 3 things to consider if change seems desirable but unobtainable.

1. Focus on intention

Intention is a focus on the desire which can keep momentum even where there are delays.

If you have plans with targets and milestones and can’t see these materialising, keep the overall intention in mind as this keeps the inspiration going. It's also a reminder of the desire for the intended outcomes. Whilst doing this take opportunities to deal with the delay and distractions but resist being drawn into negative discussions.

2. Reprioritise

If you had a plan to change and the dates look more at what needs to happen now.

Sometimes the focus needs to be on creating the conditions for change rather than implementing change. Again, this requires an agile mindset which has in mind the end goal with a focus on immediate priorities. It may well be that problem resolution and well being may need to trump goal realisation in the short term.

3. Reset the mindset

Too often delay is seen as failure. This can set in train self-sabotaging thoughts which kill confidence. Remind yourself that change is possible and will happen.

Resetting how progress is conceptualised is very important for individuals and groups. It can take one defeatist thought or constant naysayer to create uncertainty and doubt which can ripple through an entire team.

Being committed to development is so much more about long term and individual milestones. It involves taking into account the realities of individual situations. The steps above can help avoid overwhelm, negative comparisons and self doubt. Some people give up on plans in January, because they feel ground down by existing problems which leave them feeling jaded. With all the rhetoric about new starts, and big plans, it's understandable that January can be depressing for some. If rather than embarking on a huge multi step plan you are dealing with issues from the previous year. January can feel highly pressurised. Try and resist the pressure and enjoy the development journey. If on the hand you are feeling rejuvenated in January, it is a great time to plan and plough on.