Winter Blues & Change Fatigue: How Future-Focused Thinking Can Help

February can feel like the longest month of the year, even though the calendar insists otherwise. The cold lingers, the days are still short, and spring feels just out of reach. It’s the point in winter when the excitement of the first snowfall is long gone, but the warmth of sunshine and blooming flowers isn’t quite here yet.

In many ways, the middle of a long winter mirrors the middle of a change process. The initial energy has worn off, and the finish line still feels distant. Employees and leaders alike can experience change fatigue, questioning whether the effort is worth it or whether things will ever feel stable again.

But just as we get through winter by focusing on the promise of spring, we can get through difficult transitions by keeping our eyes on the future state.

The Fatigue of the Middle

Change professionals know that one of the most challenging moments in any transformation is the middle. Enthusiasm has faded, resistance lingers, and momentum feels sluggish. At this point, people start to doubt whether the change will really happen or if it’s just another initiative that will fizzle out. This is the time when leaders need to reignite motivation, reaffirm progress, and remind people what they’re working toward. Here are a few ways to help make it through the middle:

• Future focus can help people stay engaged and resilient. How do I know this? I live in Michigan and winter can be long. Just as I have learned to push through winter, because I know spring is coming, leaders can help people push through change when they believe in the outcome.
• Create small milestones to make it through the midway point. In my workout I frequently count to myself as I work through a difficult activity, somehow making it to 100 is helpful. Celebrating small changes, such as seeing daylight until 6pm or making it through business process review can provide a sense of movement and revitalization.
• Develop a compelling vision. Our fear or uncertainty can wear us down and change fatigue sets in. By clearly articulating the future vision and what to expect along the way, we can help reduce fear and stress.

What’s Getting You Through? 

Whether it’s the promise of sunshine, a personal goal, or a vision for your team’s success, what’s keeping you motivated right now? Hit reply and share! I’d love to hear what’s getting you through the winter (or the change process you’re navigating)!

Let’s keep looking forward, together.