64% of people quit their new year’s goals in January.
That’s less than 8% into the year. So how do we keep the excitement of new goals without falling off?
First, we must understand the five stages of the “Emotional Cycle of Change.”
1. Uninformed Optimism
The most exciting stage. We imagine all the benefits, but don’t yet experience any of the costs to get there.
This is that brand new running habit and imagining your six-pack abs on the beach.
2. Informed Pessimism
Here’s where reality slaps us in the face.
We learn what it takes to implement the required changes toward the goal. Our emotional state shifts from positive to negative — and we start looking for reasons to quit.
Turns out running every day is quite hard and sit-ups are as appealing as a root canal.
But wait it gets worse…
3. Valley of Despair
This is the lowest point of the emotional cycle. If we haven’t quit yet, now we really might.
The pain of change is real and the benefits seem too insignificant. But if we quit here, we end up back at stage one and have to start all over.
Hmm maybe that great body isn’t actually worth all the work.
4. Informed Optimism
But wait, there’s hope! We stuck it out and things are on the come up.
Our emotions turn positive as we now have real evidence, “hey this might actually be working!” So we keep going…
That first ab shows up. Maybe even two of those puppies. Let’s go baby.
5. Success & Fulfillment
The benefits of the new behavior are now fully experienced. What once was difficult, now is routine.
We did it — and it feels amazing.
Whether it’s the full six-pack or the daily running routine, something much more important has changed: our identity. We now identify as someone who is fit and healthy.
Recap: Consider the “Emotional Cycle of Change” before quitting any goal.
- Uninformed Optimism
- Informed Pessimism
- Valley of Despair
- Informed Optimism
- Success & Fulfillment
Understanding the five stages is fuel for transformation. Reaction is pain. Anticipation is power.