Eve's BrainBits: Unlocking successful resolutions

We will open the book. It's pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called opportunity and it's first chapter is New Year's Day. What are you writing in your book 2024?

Hi BrainBitters,

Welcome to the last episode of 2023!

As the new year approaches, it’s that time when we craft resolutions only to find our good intentions fading away in January.

Vague dreams and aspirations dissipate, failing to materialize and leaving behind a sense of disappointment.

This week we dive into resolutions.

There’s inherent value in dates like January 1st or other fresh beginnings. According to behavioral science these dates inject an extra dose of motivation, symbolizing gateways to new starts and igniting our pursuit of aspirations.

So, all the more reason to harness this momentum.

Understanding why New Year's resolutions often falter:

Our New Year’s resolutions tend to fail due to several common reasons:

1. Vague goals: Resolutions are often too broad or lack specificity, making them challenging to act upon.
2. Lack of planning: Many resolutions lack a well-defined execution plan or actionable steps, mirroring challenges in the business realm.
3. Overambitious targets: Setting exceedingly ambitious goals without realistic timelines or necessary resources can lead to frustration and abandonment.
4. Lack of accountability: Without support or accountability systems, sustaining motivation becomes difficult.
5. Failure to address habits: Attempting to change ingrained habits without understanding behavioral patterns often results in setbacks. Merely knowing healthy living principles isn't enough to prompt action; understanding why we fall short holds the key to transformative change.

The challenges lies not only in ‘knowing’ what we ‘should’ be doing (more on that in another BrainBits) because most of the time, we ‘know’ it all too well and fail to do so regardless.

Understanding these challenges can serve as stepping stones rather than roadblocks.

Start with “why”. ?

Before delving into action plans, let’s begin with the cornerstone of success: the crucial ‘why.’

In both business and personal development, understanding the underlying reasons behind our goals is pivotal. It’s not about meeting societal expectations or fulfilling others' visions. Instead, it’s about uncovering why these objectives deeply matter to us individually. 

Why is this important for you specifically?

It’s a question that warrants exploration. The ‘why’ behind your goals or resolutions is the catalyst that propels you towards your aspirations, fueling your determination and commitment.

Call to Action: Reflect on the "Why" behind your goals or resolutions

Take a moment to ponder:

• Did you set a resolution last year? Did you see it through? If not, what hindered its completion? It’s not about judgment but gaining understanding and insights. How can you overcome that?
• What do you want? Be specific and actionable. For instance if your resolution is related to ‘healthy’ what does that specifically look like for you? Define what it means and more importantly, why it matters to you? Why is this important for you?
• What makes your New Year’s resolution or goal significant to you?
• How does achieving it align with your values, aspirations, or desired lifestyle?
• What does success in achieving this resolution look like for you?
• What might hold you back and why? (again be specific) How can you avoid that?

Share your insights with us in the BrainBitters community or take some time to journal and reflect on your thoughts. Write it down so you can revisit it later and maintain focus.

Stay tuned for next week’s BrainBits, where we’ll (probably) delve deeper into the challenges of sticking to New Year’s resolutions and strategies to overcome them.

But for now, let’s begin with why.

Because it’s the "why" that powers the "how" and the "what."

Keep reflecting, keep growing, and let’s make this year extraordinary ordinary!

Make it count!

Happy Holidays BrainBitters and see you next year.

About me:

Eve Vlemincx, adviser, keynote speaker and driver of positive change.

A message from the author

Thank you for being a part of "Rethink: Eve’s Brainbits." I appreciate your support and enthusiasm. Some of you seem interested in why I am writing it.

During my career as an attorney, I encountered challenges that affect both corporate clients and law firms. These challenges often demand adaptations from organizations and leaders to navigate effectively. Simply acknowledging these challenges isn't enough; finding valuable solutions is crucial.

Taking on this challenge led me on a journey across renowned business schools such as Oxford-Saïd, Harvard Business School, Kellogg, and Stanford GSB, seeking answers and solutions to propel our organizations forward and to drive positive change.

I categorize it all under the overarching labels of leadership, innovation, and transformation.

Currently, I am still affiliated with Stanford as a Course Facilitator and serve on the advisory council for Harvard Business Review and Forbes.

This journey equipped me with a deep understanding of how organizations and leaders can progress.  Armed with a wealth of knowledge, I strive to make a positive impact and drive organizations like yours forward.

My goal is to empower you and your organization to flourish in an ever-evolving landscape. I aim to provide insights and strategies that drive positive change and propel your success forward.

We live in an era of rethinking, precisely the reason why I am doing this.

Rethink, Reflect, Revise.

"We transform, You grow."