Doom and Growth

This is the Doom Loop - a diagram that explains why we fail to keep New Years Resolutions or to make progress throughout the year.

Passivity = learned helplessness. I give up. This is as good as it gets. I'll do something later (procrastination)

Shaming = Blaming yourself and saying things like "I should be able to do this"

Resolution = fresh starts (eg: New Years Resolutions) which last for a few days but fizzle quickly

Investment = buying something to prove to yourself you're serious (new running shoes, or a book on change)

Resignation = I tried. Its not happening. It'll never happen..... Defeatist attitude that leads to more passivity.

This is the Growth Trajectory - a diagram that explains an alternative approach to change and making progress.

Agency = Vote for your future self every day.

Aspirations = Ask and answer "What do I really want?"

SMART Goals = Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Timely. Instead of "trying harder," plan with more clarity.

Daily Strategy = Commit to daily activities, habits etc. that over long period of time will generate results.

Confidence = As you do the daily work, your confidence grows And increases your sense of agency (not sure why Michael didn't draw this diagram as a spiral too?).

Compare how these two differrent ways of operating sound in conversation with oneself (see above). Which one do you recognize? Finally, consider a third model (below) which is essentially Model B but with a few tweaks.

Model C

Agency = The things I do every day matter to God and actually shape my life

Aspirations = I want to receive God's promises of abundant fruit in my life for me and for others

Smart Goals = I'm committed to growing

Daily Strategy = I'll take my life step by step

Confidence = I can do hard things through Christ who strengthens me.

What the wicked dreads will over take him;
What the righteous desires will be granted.
Proverbs 10:24