Tired of new year's resolutions? Try instead new year solutions

In a year where social distancing has driven us to new ways of connecting, I was eagerly looking forward to the 2020 annual celebrations among colleagues.

The science and art of working with People and Change have always been an integral part of my career and my life, and indeed few conversations can be as transformative as those among fellow People experts!

For obvious reasons, celebrations had to be virtual this year. What appeared less obvious was to celebrate a year like 2020. This was the perfect occasion to put ourselves to the test: could we really see the opportunities beyond (and within) this crisis?

After a few rounds of talk, the results were clear: every single one of us could list several meaningful and impactful achievements, and time ran out rapidly while we were in the flow. Surprising as it seems, the outcome resembles our everyday practice: Solution Focus is simple and brief, but can be impressively effective.

A phrase comes back to my memory, which I've heard many times this year: "Yes, there's also been good things in 2020 for me, but it just doesn't feel right to say it". Colleagues, friends, everyone had something good to tell about their everyday quest. And yet, the choice always seems to be between honoring the pain, or bragging about the gain. Not surprisingly, many choose to keep the good news to themselves. Now, is there any other choice?

As leaders in a world that pursues and fears change, we have the opportunity to offer new perspectives. Views where we can both challenge and respect people in an honest way, where we can choose to empathize with problems, and also help people rise to new solutions. Indeed, the answer is "and & both".

In this year end, find a moment and take a deep breath. Remember all that you have achieved in 2020. Reflect on how much you have grown through this challenge. Realize how much you are capable of achieving in 2021: for you, for others. What possibilities are emerging from here on?

You can try this exercise in your year-end gatherings or by yourself, and find out how this new focus gradually let's you do now what you need next.

Take this as a gift in this festive season, and share it as a gesture of care and growth. After all, it's in the very act of caring for each other that mankind proves its progress.

I wish you all a great, memorable 2021!

All the best,

Juan