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104. New Year's Evolution

January 13, 2026 · 19 min

Show notes

How can you use the Working Genius framework to reframe your traditional New Year’s resolutions so that they don’t lead to frustration or shame?

In episode 104 of the Working Genius Podcast, Patrick Lencioni and Cody Thompson introduce the idea of a “New Year’s evolution” instead of a New Year’s resolution. They explain why resolutions built on shame and weakness tend to fail and how understanding your Working Genius creates a healthier, more effective path to growth. By spending more time in your areas of strength, you can create a more energizing and sustainable year.

Topics explored in this episode:

(00:10) Why Resolutions Often Fail

* Traditional resolutions tend to focus on weaknesses and create shame.

* Starting the year by judging yourself usually leads to frustration and burnout.

(03:04) The Cost of Ignoring Your Wiring

* Trying to improve in areas that conflict with your natural wiring can be miserable.

(05:58) Know Yourself First

* The first step of a New Year’s evolution is understanding how you’re wired.

(06:32) Spend More Time in Your Genius

* Increasing time spent in your Working Genius leads to energy and thriving.

(10:00) Applying Working Genius at Work and Home

* Auditing how you spend your time reveals opportunities for meaningful change.

* Using your Working Genius outside of work can strengthen your family life.

This episode of The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group: https://www.tablegroup.com. We teach leaders how to make work more effective and less dysfunctional. We also help their employees be more fulfilled and less miserable.

The Six Types of Working Genius model helps you discover your natural gifts and thrive in your work and life. When you’re able to better understand the types of work that bring you more energy and fulfillment and avoid work that leads to frustration and failure, you can be more self-aware, more productive, and more successful. The Six Types of Working Genius assessment is the fastest and simplest way to discover your natural gifts and thrive at work: https://workinggenius.me/about

Subscribe for more content from Patrick Lencioni @PatrickLencioniOfficial

Stay Connected with Patrick Lencioni

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The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni

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Be sure to check out our other podcast, At The Table with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://tablegroup.me/apple), Spotify (https://tablegroup.me/sptfy), and YouTube (https://tablegroup.me/youtube).

Let us know your feedback via [email protected].

This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.

All episodes of The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni

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