Happy New Year!
As we step into 2025, the desire for growth and renewal often drives us to set ambitious goals. Yet, as many of us have experienced, our lofty goals become giant buckets of shame by about the 3rd week of January.
One of last year's books was James Clear’s book Atomic Habits in which he suggests that significant transformations don’t come from massive overhauls—they come from small, consistent changes. His philosophy is simple: improving by just 1% every day can lead to remarkable growth over time. In fact, he encourages us to make our change laughably small so that our step to growth can be done daily in less than 2 minutes. Neuroscience also supports this approach, showing that small, repeated actions strengthen neural pathways, making new habits easier to sustain. Where our attention goes, our energy flows, and our neural pathways are created by sending energy to an idea in our mind, when we repeated that thought pattern becomes stronger and stronger. Anxiety is a great example of this phenomenon. The more we rehearse and revisit the perceived threat, the bigger and more all consuming it becomes.
The beauty of thinking small is its practicality. Instead of becoming overwhelmed by lofty goals, we can focus on achievable changes. Whether it’s building stronger relationships, enhancing emotional intelligence, or leading with greater impact, incremental progress allows us to stay consistent and maintain momentum increasing our chances of growth and change. Depending on your generation, your approach and needs when it comes to change will be different, but don’t let that stop you. Growth means we are alive!
“Change, if not pursued with intention, becomes an autopilot decision process governed by our comfort, not our values.”
For us as leaders, the power of small changes is particularly impactful. By cultivating micro-skills, leaders can improve their self-awareness, communication, and capacity to inspire others. Here are three examples of small, actionable commitments to kick off 2025 with intention:
Three Commitments for Growth in Leadership and Emotional Intelligence
When I feel defensive during a conversation, Instead of reacting immediately to defend my actions, I will pause, take a deep breath, and ask a clarifying question to better understand what is being said.
When I notice a team member struggling, Instead of assuming they will figure it out on their own, I will check in with empathy and offer my support or guidance.
When I plan my day, Instead of focusing exclusively on my tasks and to do items, I will block 10 minutes to reflect on how I can show up more intentionally for my team and plan these interactions into my day.
By focusing on these small, achievable commitments, we can foster meaningful growth in our leadership and emotional intelligence, one percent at a time. These small changes also have significant ripple effects, impacting how others experience us and demonstrating our commitment to listening and caring for others.
Which one will you practice for the next 30 days?
At Straza Solutions, we believe that small habits become transformative change! In fact our approach to training is rooted in these neuroscience best practices and the changes we see are remarkable. Perhaps, the commitment you need to make for yourself is this:
When I feel overwhelmed at the amount of work to be done in nurturing culture in my business Instead of avoiding and hoping it will resolve itself. I will take 2 minutes and book a free Strategy call with Straza Solutions to see what I could do differently.
Why Wait? Do it now? Whether it is for support for yourself, or strategies for your team, we can help!
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