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Podcast: My Favorite Mistake: Learning Without Blame in Business and Leadership
Episode: Why New Year’s Resolutions Fail: Willpower vs. System Design
Description: Why do New Year’s resolutions fail so predictably—and what does that teach us about change at work? In this Mistake of the Week, Mark Graban explores why treating change as a test of willpower is a reliable setup for frustration, both personally and in organizations.
Drawing on behavioral psychology and leadership examples, the episode connects failed personal resolutions to common organizational mistakes: big announcements, ambitious targets, and too little attention to system design and psychological safety.
The takeaway is practical and actionable: instead of trying to boost motivation or eliminate human error, leaders shou...