Are you ready for change?

New Year’s resolutions are notoriously tough to keep, but this year could be different. I found a quiz created by the psychologists at the Center for Motivation and Change that helps you better understand how you develop new habits.

There are three essential elements for creating long-lasting change: a strong sense of self-awareness, a strategic approach to the challenge, and a good perspective on the difficulties involved.

There are a total of 12 questions that I will share with you over the next few days.  On the last day, I will share the answers from the Center for Motivation and Change with you so keep track of your answers! It’s a fun way to learn new things about yourself!

1.       When you consider your goal, what else do you automatically think of?

a.)    The sacrifices I’ll have to make.

b.)    All the great things that will come of it.

c.)     I actually try not to think about it too much. “Just do it” is my motto.

d.)    Both the costs and the benefits. I can’t help feeling a little hesitant.

2.       How important is this goal to your happiness?

a.)    This is it! If I meet my goal, I will finally be happy.

b.)    It’s a pretty big deal, but I realize it’s not the answer to all my problems.

c.)     It doesn’t seem crucial to me-though I feel like it should.

d.)    It’s a small but important step for me.

3.       What is inspiring you to try to make this change?

a.)    A suggestion from a loved one.

b.)    My own desire.

c.)     Societal pressure.

d.)    At least two of the above.


4.       Do you expect to encounter any obstacles on your path?

a.)    Yes, my path is a minefield!

b.)    I certainly imagine I will, though I don’t know exactly what they will be.

c.)     Not really. Once I decide to do something, nothing can stand in my way.

d.)    I can think of a few. But I have some ideas about how to get past them.

5. If you were to start making the change today, what would you do first?


a.) I don’t have a plan per se. Determination is all I really need.

b.) I’d talk to a friend about my expectations. I want to be sure they’re realistic.

c.) I have no clue. I get overwhelmed just thinking about it.

d.) I’d make a rough list of the steps I need to take.

6. Say a few weeks down the road you slip back into old behaviors. Which scenario is most likely?


a.) I’d feel very discouraged and probably give up, at least temporarily.

b.) I’d try to figure out what went wrong and fix the problem.

c.) I can’t even entertain that possibility now. It would be like giving myself permission to fail.

d.) I’d look back to the success I had early on and use it as inspiration to keep going.

7. Imagine that before you meet your goal, you start feeling worse rather than better. What would be your first impulse?


a.) There must be something wrong with me.

b.) It’s too soon to quit. I need to keep pushing myself.

c.) This is a sign. I’m not ready to change.

d.) I need to revisit my goal to see if it’s still what I really want.

8. Which best describes your attitude toward challenges?


a.) I embrace them, but I get impatient when I’m not successful right off the bat.

b.) It depends on the challenge. Sometimes I’m motivated; sometimes not so much.

c.) I have to admit I don’t love them. I prefer to stick with what’s familiar.

d.) When I commit to something. I’m committed 100 percent.

This content was provided by Jessica Walker Galland, DeskOfJess.com.  Desk Of Jess provides copyediting services and Organizational Therapy for entrepreneurs in overwhelm.  Visit her at www.deskofjess.com