Navigating Change and Self-Improvement for the New Year

This is my last episode of 2024. I’m a huge fan of evaluating what went right and what didn’t – and what changes you want to make for 2025.

The point I want to make, loud and clear, is that change doesn’t have to be massive. Incremental change can be highly effective – and more achievable.

I’ve used this framework on the podcast before, but it’s still great so I’m using it again. I first learned it from my first coach, Denise Hedges. She recently made reference to this 4-step change model in a recent newsletter, which reminded me that I wanted to do this exercise during my planning retreat for next quarter.

Here it goes:

STOP … START … CONTINUE … CHANGE.

What do you need to STOP doing? Maybe it’s something you can delegate. Maybe no one needs to do it anymore.

What do you need to START doing? What is a habit, practice, or activity you want to begin to do? Perhaps you want to commit to a walking program or go back to school for an advanced degree. It could be something simple like intentionally greeting everyone you see on your way into the office every morning.

What do you need to CONTINUE doing? Make sure that, in your efforts to make some changes, you don’t throw the good out. Keep engaging in the activities and behaviors that have worked for you this year.

And what do you need to CHANGE about how you’re operating? Maybe it is an activity you must do every day, every week, or every month…and you hate it. Is it possible that changing HOW you do the thing could make it less unbearable…or even enjoyable? OR is there a way you could do something more efficiently?

As Denise goes on to say, “Most people go at the change process piecemeal, addressing one or two things at a time in isolation vs. looking systematically at everything that’s susceptible to improvement.

“And that’s not where the gold is. Especially since the things that likely garner most of your attention are problems … things that need fixing … vs. opportunities and enhancements you may be overlooking.”

“Stop, start, and change are about doing things differently. It’s easy to focus on what needs to be fixed.

“Continue” is just as important. Make sure to give yourself credit and acknowledge what’s working. Recognize and appreciate what’s made you successful and valued by those you serve. Don’t concentrate solely on how you can do better.

“You’re undoubtedly doing a lot of “right” things and doing a lot of things well.”

STOP … START … CONTINUE … CHANGE. Ask yourself these four simple questions and journal your answers. Then come up with a plan to achieve each.

As I wrap up the podcast for 2024, here are mine for you:

STOP trying to make other people happy at your own expense. You can’t control other people’s thoughts or feelings, so focus on your own happiness.

START questioning your beliefs. A belief is a thought you keep thinking…and many of us choose to think thoughts that don’t serve us. Even if the belief is true: Does it benefit you to think it?

CONTINUE self-improvement. Never stop learning, growing, and evolving. The opposite of this isn’t stagnation, because if you aren’t moving forward, you’re moving backward.

CHANGE an activity or habit that no longer services you. Bored with your workouts? Take up pickleball. Change the way you go to work every day…or the first five things you do when you get there. Commit to changing your relationship with your boss or a co-worker.

You are brilliant! I know this because you are choosing to listen to my podcast instead of something that doesn’t help you grow. I wish you for the happiest of holidays and a wonderful start to 2025.

I’ll be here with you every step of the way!

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