It’s that time of year again—we’re about to transmit our long-held aspirations into dazzling New Year’s Resolutions.
Fueled by the inspiring intentions of our family members, friends, and colleagues, we aim high... just like last year and the year before. Come February, we will realize once again that optimism, resolve, and a few well-meant first attempts alone don’t make change happen. What makes personal change so difficult?
Picture yourself twenty years ago and compare this with the wisdom and competence you have today. Chances are that you have come a long way in your development. At a deep level, life is change. It is the seasons coming and going. It is being born, growing up and growing old. It is distinct events – beautiful and sad ones – that bring an end to life as we knew it. And it is thousands of small, slowly-building shifts of mind, emotion, and behavior that pave the way for a lifelong movement toward greater freedom, fullness, and functioning in every aspect of our lives.
And yet, certain unhelpful, limiting, and painful habits remain.