Now that the hustle of the holidays is just about settled, it’s a great time of year for reflection and goal setting. Kicking the year off I’m always super focused on resolutions and goals and planning my year out ahead and then time seems to get the best of me and my attention gets shorter. I know I’m not alone. Research shows us that those who write their goals down accomplish significantly more than those who don’t – and of course we all know this intuitively.

This year will be different. Let’s start 2014 with documenting our goals and focusing our energy on those things that makes us healthier, and in turn, happier. Writing our goals out directs our attention on something tangible and placing them in an area where you can read them often, simply reinforces the promises you made to yourself.

Don’t make it easy 

Goals directly affect our performance by directing attention, increasing persistence and motivating strategy development and when the goals are sufficiently challenging we are more likely to succeed (Locke 1981).

I am a big fan of lists, I don’t go to the market without one, but for me, to be sure that this year is different than last, my list (which I will soon share) outlines my intentions as well as the process that will lead to success.

Goals on their own can be quite ineffective unless you are willing to put forward strategies to help you accomplish them. Writing down specific goals is the first step, it’s a good idea to spend some time thinking about how you are going to achieve these goals. Define a purpose and be clear on intentions and outline daily habits or how you will assess your progress to ensure you are moving in the right direction.

Inside Scoop

What I have learned through my practice is that many of us have a clear vision and direction for our professional lives and are fully committed to its success. However, it always seems to be more of a challenge to commit and work for our personal health. It’s essential to work for a balance.

Let’s build our list of specific goals and visualize how that affects our day-to-day. Do we need to adjust or make changes in order to achieve these goals? Make an execution plan and be sure to review your list and monitor your success. Show yourself some love!

Wishing you a very healthy and prosperous 2014!

In great health & happiness,

Dr. Michelle Peris

Reference

Locke, Edwin A.; Shaw, Karyll N.; Saari, Lise M.; Latham, Gary P. (July 1981). Goal setting and task performance. Psychological Bulletin, Vol 90(1), 125-152.

Doi: 10.1037/0033-2909.90.1.125