I earned over $3.5M in income over the past 3 years. I got there by trusting my system across 5 emotional stages (most people quit at stage 3).

I achieved life-changing income and put myself in the position to retire from the corporate world at age 43 because I got to stage 5 of The Emotional Cycle of Change.

This model was developed by psychologists Don Kelley and Daryl Conner in 1979 and was adapted by Brian Moran in the bestselling book The 12 Week Year. It’s a simple and practical guide to assist you on your pursuit to success and satisfaction. Warning: Most people quit at stage 3.

Now, let’s dive in.

Stage 1: Uninformed Optimism

This is when everything feels exciting (like at the start of Ship 30 for 30).

You’re thinking of all of the benefits, but haven’t experienced any of the costs. You see only the benefits of change, but not any of the downside. Here is when you strategize about your future.

Stage 2: Informed Pessimism

The first stage doesn’t last long.

As you begin to learn the reality of what it truly takes to change, positive emotions quickly tank and pessimism creeps in. Here, the benefits don’t seem as real, important, or immediate, and the cost of the change is clear. You start questioning if it’s worth it…but it gets worse.

Stage 3: Valley of Despair

This is the lowest point of the emotional journey.

Most people quit at this stage because the pain of change is felt and the benefits seem far away and unimportant. The fastest path to end the discomfort is to go back to the way things were before or try a “shiny new toy.” Don’t!

Stage 4: Informed Optimism

The 4th stage is when you get back to positive feelings.

The possibility of success and satisfaction come more into focus. The benefits of your actions and system are starting to bear fruit (using data) and the cost of change is feeling worth it. The key is to keep going!

Stage 5: Success and Satisfaction

The final stage is success and satisfaction.

Here, the benefits of your system are fully experienced and the cost of change is perceived as worth it now. The actions that were once difficult and uncomfortable have become routine. Congratulations!

Remember: Don’t succumb to emotions

Let your system do its work and use this model as your guide. I wish you well on your journey ahead! 🐝

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