New Year, New You? Understanding the Role of Motivation in Goal-Setting
Each year, people make New Year’s resolutions and set goals to improve their health, well-being, and relationships. Yet, despite good intentions, many are unsuccessful, and the goals they set are abandoned by February. This may sound like a good reason to not set goals in the first place, but it’s important to acknowledge that some people actually do achieve their New Year’s goals. So, what exactly differentiates people who achieve their goals, from those who don’t ?
Not surprisingly, motivation plays a key role.
What is motivation and how can we develop more effective forms of motivation to increase our chances of achieving our goals?
Put simply, motivation is the driving force behind our behaviours. Though related, motivation is distinct from other concepts such as self-control, grit, and willpower. Although we often think the amount of motivation we have determines whether we will successfully achieve our goals or not, what is more important in achieving goals, is the type of motivation we cultivate in ourselves.
For example… my New Year’s resolution is to stretch more. When I choose to sit on the couch and watch TV instead, it is easy to blame a lack of motivation. However, my choice to watch TV rather than stretch is not necessarily due to a lack of motivation, but rather, having different types of motivation for watching TV, stretching, and doing other activities. The type of motivation I have that will predict how I engage in a given behaviour or activity.
Broadly speaking, types of motivation come from a range of internal and external sources. These include our own interests, values, societal pressures, as well as the achievements, rewards, or consequences that may result from our actions. By recognizing different types of motivation and where they come from, we can equip ourselves with tools and strategies to:
Set smarter goals that improve the likelihood that we will succeed, both for New Year’s resolutions and other day-to-day goals.
Improve our well-being while striving towards our goals, rather than feeling like we are always struggling or being constantly frustrated with our progress.
Protect our motivation from the obstacles, challenges, and frustrations that inevitably arise during our goal pursuits.
Promote effective forms of motivation in our colleagues, friends, and family to help them reach their goals.
To learn more about motivation, specific types of motivation, and strategies that you can apply in your own goal pursuits, you can book Dr. Myles Maillet as an expert Speaker for your next community or corporate wellness event or training. Dr. Maillet’s goal is to provide people and teams with a foundational knowledge of different types of motivation, their causes and consequences, and how to apply evidence-based methods for promoting effective forms of motivation in ourselves and others. Learn more about this WellIntel Talks Interest, Incentives, and Everything In Between: Understanding Motivation and get started with booking me as your next motivation speaker here.
Written by:
Myles Maillet, PhD., Research Psychologist, WellIntel Talks Expert Speaker