Written by: Richard Nicholas, Special Guest Writer and Executive Contributor
New Year is a time for making changes. In particular it can be a good time to work out how to make the next twelve months better than last year.
But to make a significant, lasting, life-changing difference – you’re going to need something more than a set of new-year’s resolutions. You’re going to need an outright revolution.
This is a 5-question template for putting just such a revolution together – so if you’re ready to take on a new cause for the new year then here is where you take a stand:
1. What needs to change next year?
The first step is to work out what your own revolution looks like – 12 months from now what needs to be different?
In 12 months time ………………………………………………………………………………...
2. What does this fight mean to you?
If the word “fight” sounds a little aggressive – it’s simply because any attempt to change long term is (almost) guaranteed to have set-backs. You know this already – most new year’s “resolutions” are abandoned before February comes around. Most lasting, meaningful change requires patience and repetition and frustration and a level of stubborn persistence. To stick with the change that you’ve chosen you’re going to need a reason that’s personal and which remains meaningful when your level of motivation has dropped.
What will it mean to you if you make the change you’ve identified for yourself? What will it mean for the people around you? If you can find this compelling reason “why” you’re committed to the goal that you’ve set for yourself then you’re more likely to keep going when you feel like you’re losing the battle.
What does this change mean to me? ……………………………………………………………..
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3. Who is your enemy?
This makes all the difference. What (or who?) is likely to fight back against you achieving the change you are looking for?. You are going to meet resistance – it might be an unsupportive partner or boss, or your own fears about what might happen.
Right now – before you face your enemy it’s worth picturing what (or who) this is, what they might say and how you might feel. Now – how will you answer them? Get that answer written down before you need to say it out loud (to yourself or someone else).
What resistance will I face? How will I answer? …………………………………………………
4. What’s your battle plan?
Specifically what fo you need to do to achieve the change you’ve identified? What are the first steps and when will you work on them? If you can rehearse in your own mind where you’ll be, when you’ll work on the change you need – when are the critical moments that matter? Then you can start to form a plan.
What specifically do I need to do and when? ……………………………………………………..
5. Who is on your side?
Starting a revolution on your own is difficult (even if you’re just trying to change yourself). Who is on your side in this revolution? Who will help you charge towards the fight (and encourage you even when you’re ready to give up?) A tribe of (other) revolutionaries is a considerably stronger force and can make sure you make the change that you need next year.
Who’s with me? …...…..………………………………………………………………………………….
Once you have all of the answers above you are ready to start your own revolution – grab your flag and let's head for the barricades – I’ve a feeling next year is going to be amazing…
Richard Nicholas, Special Guest Writer and Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Richard Nicholas is a technology lawyer and business coach, helping business leaders use technology & tools to grow their business. As co-founder of “Get Fit For Business Ltd”, Richard offers practical advice and group coaching, alongside AI and a toolkit of different strategies to achieve results faster, better & cheaper (whilst staying the right side of the law).
