Celebrating and reflecting go hand in hand in December. While some people are relieved to reach the finish line, others see the new year as a chance for new beginnings.
I like setting personal or professional objectives for myself. It gives me clarity on my priorities, gives me a sense of ownership, and motivates me to put effort in. So year end is one of those times when the question “Is it time for a change?” comes to my mind.
A question of change
It is a question that is hard to answer because humans are naturally resistant to change in different ways; our brains and bodies are hardwired to crave stability and certainty.
But this default position is not set in concrete. Recall the Beckhard and Harris Change Equation that I wrote about a few weeks ago. People embrace change when (1) they are near breaking point with a current situation, and (2) see a better future, along with (3) practical, viable steps to get there.
This understanding shapes how I work with clients who are in a rut and want to revitalize essential aspects of their lives, such as relationships, work, finances, mental or physical health, family issues, and more.
When the thrill is gone
In many cases, the turbulence and challenges people face stem from the fact that whatever they had and were inspired by in the past has either faded, or they’ve grown out of it. Or perhaps the people, social or organizational setting, or norms surrounding them have moved on. At any rate the thrill has gone, and the flame that once burnt bright is now flickering.
Some things just run their course – that’s a fact of life – but accepting that is hard, and it may get you stuck in the sunk-cost fallacy. That’s when you prefer to stay in a job, relationship or situation because you invested a lot of time and energy in it and dream that things will get better in the long run. And when you fail to realize that your opportunity isn’t in preserving what’s in your past, but maximizing what’s in your future.
I notice this mindset especially among people in challenging personal or work relationships. Quite a few believe that things between their partner or boss and themselves will improve eventually. But once they realize the fallacy and come to the belief that change is the right course for them, that is where I come in, as an independent observer and coach to help effectuate that change.
Focus on what is possible
My role as a coach is to help people evaluate their current situation and self, envision their ideal future, and work out the specific changes that are needed to get there, step by step. I don’t judge, lead or give advice – instead I accompany and support clients in the mental and emotional process of identifying their own goals and their own ways of getting to them. Whether in the near-, mid-, or long-term.
I do this by applying my PIVOT model, that covers five key questions:
- Problem – What isn’t working for you and why? How does that impact you?
- Insight – What are the values, feelings, and perceptions you value most?
- Vision – What is your vision of an inspiring, meaningful future?
- Opportunities – What are the new possibilities and benefits that future holds for you?
- Transition – What are small and realistic steps you can take to move forward with confidence?
While it may sound systematic, this 5-step approach helps because it provides clarity and calm, restores and retains energy, and makes gradual, but tangible impact. If you have earmarked 2026 as a year to bring meaningful change to your life, and want to maximize this opportunity, please don’t hesitate to contact me using the message bubble below, or book a free discovery session here.
