by Justin Standfield
As the clock struck midnight on 31st December, I found myself swept up in the excitement of a new year (no, I wasn’t out celebrating in a pub or on the streets of an English city with hundreds of others – I was at home with my family…I’m an introvert, remember!). We avoided the slightly smug TV show with you-know-who and instead watched a film and some sitcom reruns, drinks in hand ready for the chimes of Big Ben at midnight. The following day, my assorted social media timelines – but especially LinkedIn – were flooded with declarations of ambitious New Year’s resolutions ranging from hitting the gym daily to learning a new language. While the prospect of a fresh start can be invigorating, I wonder if the pressure to have a comprehensive plan in place from the very first day of the year can sometimes do more harm than good.
The truth is, not everyone thrives under the weight of high stakes, time-bound goals. In fact, various pieces of research have shown that the vast majority of New Year’s resolutions fail within the first few weeks or months.
I suspect this phenomenon is often driven by FOMO, the feeling that we must keep up with the seemingly effortless progress of others. I’ve certainly been caught up in this in the past, for example during the first COVID lockdown of 2020 when everyone seemed to be churning out loaves of perfect sourdough and learning to speak Japanese. I looked around me and frequently wondered why I was the only person that was just muddling along with life rather than finding joy through exhilarating new pastimes. That said, I instinctively know that what works for one person may not necessarily work for another (me).
Rather than rushing headlong into 2025 with a daunting to-do list, I’d like to encourage you to consider a more gradual, self-compassionate approach to personal and professional development. After all, lasting change is rarely the result of a single, dramatic shift; usually it involves a series of small, sustainable steps. Here are my thoughts on how to complete those steps well.
You could begin by taking the time to reflect on the past year. What worked well for you? What areas do you feel could do with some improvement? Rather than fixating on specific, measurable targets straight way, you could focus on identifying broader themes or areas of focus that align with your values and long-term aspirations. I’ve used this process of self-reflection before and it’s always helped me to gain clarity on the direction I’d like to take, without the pressure of a rigid plan at the outset. Once you’ve identified your areas of focus, you can start to explore ways to incorporate small, manageable changes into your daily routine.
As you navigate the new year, be prepared to adapt and adjust your approach as needed. Life is inherently unpredictable and rigid goals can quickly become a source of frustration and disappointment. Instead, embrace a flexible mindset that allows you to pivot and course-correct as circumstances change. I spent most of 2024 adapting to a healthier way of eating and cooking, which I’m pleased to say has yielded the desired results. However, I discovered early on that that progress isn’t always linear, and setbacks are a natural part of the journey – whether the goal is to lose weight, develop high performance in a team, reconnect with a hobby or sell more widgets. By approaching your goals with patience and adaptability, you’ll be better equipped to weather the inevitable ups and downs.
Embarking on a journey of personal or professional development can be challenging, but you don’t have to go it alone. Consider engaging the services of a coach or mentor who can provide guidance, accountability and a fresh perspective. At Incendo, our team of experienced coaches specialises in helping individuals and organisations work with the complexities of career and personal growth. Through our tailored coaching programmes, we can support you in identifying your unique strengths and developing strategies to overcome any obstacles. Whether you’re looking to enhance your leadership skills, explore a career transition, or simply find more fulfilment in your work, our coaches can provide the tools and support you need to make meaningful progress.
As I return to work next week and move forward into the new year at Incendo with some business projects, I will consciously remind myself that true transformation is often the result of consistent, steady progress, rather than a sudden, dramatic change. By embracing a gentler and more flexible approach, I believe people can cultivate lasting improvement without the burden of unrealistic expectations. If you’re intending to make changes or improve something for yourself in 2025, focus on building sustainable habits and celebrating small wins along the way. This will not only help you maintain momentum but also develop a greater sense of self-compassion and resilience.
Remember, the saying that “the journey can be just as important as the destination”. Enjoy the process, and trust that with patience and perseverance, you’ll continue to grow and evolve in the ways that matter most to you.
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