Failure means changing

8 Questions to Navigate the Uncertainty of Change

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Failure means changing, especially if we want to improve.

As the year draws to a close, we reflect on how we've fallen short-  be it in our health, finances, personal time, or projects. At the following year's starting line, we promise to be better.

We commit to a gym membership, commission a logo for our future business, or toss out every pack of cigarettes we own.

Then, we fail spectacularly. We never set foot in the gym again, shelve our business ideas, or buy more cigarette packs. We end up frustrated, saying, "I just couldn't do it" or "I'm incapable".

‍Wehear countless stories of change in our public orcorporate events. But almost always involuntary. From one moment to the next, it's time to change strategy, partners, investors, business line, dreams and even expectations.

Planned or not, change pulls us out of our comfort zone. Like failure, it can be terrifying, exciting, frustrating, and full of lessons. It demands heaps of willpower and unwavering motivation that lasts beyond the first few months of a new year.

Change—whether sought or needed—is challenging. We're hardwired to cling to certainty and familiarity. But it's necessary. So, how can we hack our psychology to stay consistent? Can we achieve any change we set our minds to?

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8 Questions to Start Changing

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Change is a long journey filled with ups and downs (mostly downs), but there are many ways to stay focused on the urgent renewal we seek in our lives.

Using the Health Behavior Change Model, we've created a simple guide with 8 questions to help you navigate any process of change:

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1- What do I need to change?

Reflect on the behavior or situation you want to alter and why it dissatisfies you. Consider its current and long-term impact. Having clear reasons will guide and motivate you when discipline wanes.

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2- Why do I need this change?

Acknowledge that obstacles will arise, and that change brings both challenges and benefits. Ask yourself: What's holding me back? and What will help me succeed? Answering these will confirm your readiness to take the first step.

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3- How can I change?

Define your goals and create a time-bound action plan. Celebrate small victories, and include motivators to keep you going. Lean on trusted individuals who can encourage you and hold you accountable.

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4- What's stopping me from changing?

Identify harmful habits blocking your progress and find effective strategies to replace or avoid them. To manage bad habits:

• Hide the cues (e.g., hide cigarette packs).
• Make them unappealing (think about the consequences of smoking).
• Make them hard to access (store cigarettes in a locked box).

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5- What am I learning along the way?

The most valuable lessons often come from the process itself, not just the end result . Recognized and rewarded that occurs during the journey.

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6- Am I taking on too much?

Avoid the "all or nothing" mindset. Break your goal into small, achievable milestones with realistic deadlines. These incremental steps, over time, will lead to meaningful, lasting change—like improving  1% every day .

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7- Am I on the right track?

If your goal feels too ambitious, pause and reassess. Be flexible enough to adjust your metrics or even redefine your goal altogether.

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8- How am I feeling?

Regularly check in on your mental state. At times, motivation may wane, or doubts may creep in. When this happens, ask yourself: What triggered this? How can I prevent it from happening again? Practice self-compassion to make the process more manageable and free of guilt.

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Perhaps the most challenging part of change isn't the uncertainty but maintaining the consistency to adapt and master it. Whether we seek change or it finds us in a crisis, it's better to face it head-on and embrace it. Like failure, change offers extraordinary opportunities to become 1% better every day.‍Forwardthis message to anyone you think might find it useful.

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Teams Unafraid of Change

In 2025, adaptability will be a key quality in the workplace.

‍Teamsthat excel at navigating uncertainty and crises will be more resilient, innovative, and capable of generating new knowledge.

Our corporate Fuckup Nights experiences include workshops, diagnostic surveys and strorytelling events about failure. These are designed to strengthen the muscle of adaptability and foster acceptance of setbacks and challenges.

Learn how Fuckup Nights can tailor its approach to your industry, company size, or organizational culture to drive meaningful change this 2025.

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‍ Discover more about FUN for Companies