The Timing of Change

It is always tempting to make changes at the beginning of the year. After all, it seems like a logical time to think about doing something different. But is that really the case? Sure, we can all think of things we would like to change about our lives, but is the beginning of the year the time to make those changes? If it is such a great time to make changes, why do so many people fail to keep the resolutions they make?

The beginning of the New Year comes with a lot of pressure. The let down (or relief) of the Christmas season, the bills that will start coming due, family and friends go home, and, for a lot of people, the reality that the long, cold winter is here. Now may not the best time to be thinking about making major changes, even though we often feel pressured to do something . Give yourself some time to decompress. The beginning of the year may be better time to reflect on the past year, the good, the bad, and the ugly. Maybe the one change you want to make is to start thinking about making changes.

The bottom line is there is no best time to make changes. The best time to make a change is very individual and depends on lots of factors. Sometimes something specific happens in our lives and we realize we should make some changes. Sometimes it is something severe enough that we are forced to make a change. The death of a spouse, an unexpected move, the loss of job—these changes can be life altering. Sometimes we are just entering a new phase of life—the last child is finishing high school, a spouse has taken a job in a new city, retirement.

Whether you decide to make a change at the beginning of the New Year, at the end of the year, or somewhere in between, once you have made the decision to make a change, follow through. Pick a time where you chances of success are maximized. Going on a diet right before Thanksgiving may not be the best choice for everyone, but maybe for you it eliminates just one more time where you might put on a few pounds.

When, where, and what you change is up to you. You can share your plans with someone if you want some accountability or you can keep them to yourself. Whatever change you decide to make, set realistic goals of what you want to accomplish and when. Maybe most importantly, set the ultimate goal—what you really want to achieve and go for it.