Most Performance-Based Knowledge Workers Are Caught in This Vicious Start/Quit Loop. Here’s How to Break Free

I earned $3.5M+ in income over the past 3 years and built a life I want on my terms.

I got there using a personal system and by crossing 5 emotional stages. Most people trying to apply a new system quit at stage 3.

Here’s why:

BACKGROUND

The Emotional Cycle of Change model was developed by two psychologists in 1979 and adapted by Brian Moran into his bestselling book “The 12 Week Year.” It’s a simple and practical guide to assist you on your pursuit to success and satisfaction.

It looks like this…

Stage 1: Uninformed Optimism

This is when everything feels exciting.

You’re thinking of all of the benefits, but haven’t experienced the costs. You see only the benefits of change, but not any of the downside.

This is when you begin to strategize about your future.

Stage 2: Informed Pessimism

The first stage doesn’t last long.

As you begin to realize what it truly takes to change, pessimism creeps in. The benefits don’t seem as real or important, and the costs become clear. You start questioning if it’s worth it.

Then, it gets worse…

Stage 3: Valley of Despair 🚨🚨

This is the low point.

Most people quit here. Why? Because the pain of change is felt and the benefits seem far away. The easiest way to end the discomfort is to go back to the way things were before.

Don’t!

Stage 4: Informed Optimism

This is where you get back to positive feelings.

The possibility of success and satisfaction comes into focus. The benefits of your actions are starting to bear fruit and the cost of change starts to feel worth it.

The key here is to keep going!

Stage 5: Success and Satisfaction

The final stage is success and satisfaction.

Here, the benefits of change are fully experienced. The actions that were once difficult and uncomfortable have become routine.

Congratulations! You did it.

Remember…

Don’t succumb to your emotions. They’re temporary.

Design your system, trust your system, let your system do its work, and use this model as your guide.

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