Why You Keep Failing at the Same Things

Do you ever wonder why you can be successful at some things, yet you continue to fail at others?

Perhaps it is because the pain of making change in that area is more painful than failing. 

For example, I’m very good at failing to keep a workout schedule. It isn’t that I’m incapable of being more fit or meeting goals. It is simply that my mind has decided the pain of actually going to the gym regularly (i.e., making time, getting dressed in workout gear, driving to the gym, prioritizing over other things, etc.) is greater than the pain of being less fit than I’d like. 

Now, consider this in the context of your organization.

Are there programs, products, services, etc. that aren’t performing? However, the process of making change (e.g., sunsetting them, doing them differently, finding a new audience for them, etc.) seems more painful than the low-to-no ROI you get for them?

So … you just keep doing them.

Is there someone on your team who isn’t performing, yet the process of making change (e.g., coaching, performance improvement actions, termination, recruiting to backfill) seems more painful than picking up their slack?

So … you let them stay and don’t hold them to the same standards of excellence you hold yourself and the rest of your team to.

It isn’t change itself that scares us and paralyzes us. It is the process of change that holds us back.

What would it look like for you and your organization if change could be appropriately initiated, managed and communicated? What might you create, change or stop doing? How might your team thrive?

Change is what keeps your organization successful and relevant. Don’t let the fear of the process hold you back from evaluating your work and adjusting to ensure your success.