“Nothing changes - if nothing changes.”

That quote has been attributed to a number of people in different contexts. However, the sentiment expressed is so appropriate in numerous ways in our personal and business lives.

I sometimes find myself wondering, am I, or my business any different to this time last year?

Real, lasting change does not happen just because we want it. Meaningful growth happens slowly, with commitment, perseverance and incremental, small steps. Without daily effort and time, even strong motivation can slowly fade.

So how do we overcome resistance to change?

Create an Improvement Plan. Something detailed but manageable. As with our business, to improve ourselves we need a real, viable plan.

Incrementally, try focusing on one trait that you wish to improve and slowly, very slowly, you should start to notice small changes in the way you think and behave.

Small changes ‘fly under the radar’ of our inner resistance whereas big resolutions get noticed.

Small ones go undetected and that makes them more powerful.

You may be thinking what difference does this small commitment make?

But that is exactly why it works. It is subtle, consistent and sustainable.

Change is not impossible. It just takes a small beginning. You just need to start.

Choose one single area to work on, pick an action so small it almost seems trivial.

Choose a time when success is more likely, not when you are stressed or working on something really important demanding your full concentration, then build from there.

These small successes create new neural pathways in our brain. The goal is not to become different. It is just about becoming better than before.