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New Person

People rooting for your success, improvement etc., often distance themselves from you once you have achieved the goal. While this article talks about how not to let that happen in the context of a partner by bringing them the along for the journey, maybe the concept applies to other in the social and professional circle of the person

The researchers found that, when people had lower clarity about their self-concept, they generally were not as supportive of their partner changing. The team concluded that this was because the individuals worried that changes in their partner meant they would have to change, too. Without a solid idea of who they were on their own, they were unsettled not knowing how the partners would redefine them.

There can be a scenario where the person who has set out goals for self-improvement is an introvert and is unable to pull-together a viable support group. So they soldier along on their own and no one knows much about what is going on. Suddenly one day, a new person emerges at the other end. Given that the person is an introvert, chances are they did not see people too often - their social batteries last only so long. 

When on occasion a meeting did happen and the person wanted to share deeper thoughts about what they were doing to improve themselves, chances are their message was not communicated right (if at all).It's no surprise that no one feels comfortable seeing the new and improved person after a long hiatus - its as if they never knew who the person was. They might even feel a bit deceived. You can hardly expect those you've cheated in some sense to be your ardent fans and supporters. 


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