Are Your New Year’s Goals Still on Track?
If your New Year’s resolutions have started to slip, you’re definitely not alone. The real question is, how can you get back on track in a way that feels realistic and motivating? Progress often begins with mindset. When doubt or distraction starts to creep in, it helps to pause, reflect, and gently reconnect with the reasons those goals mattered to you in the first place.
As the seasons change and the snow gives way to spring, take a moment to revisit your resolutions. What inspired them? How can you bring them back into focus for the months ahead?
How Do You Talk About Your Goals?
Think back to how you first shared your goals. Maybe you mentioned them to a friend or jotted them down late one night. No matter how they began, the next step is to anchor them somewhere visible, whether that’s on paper, a vision board, or even your phone’s lock screen. Seeing your goals daily can help turn good intentions into consistent habits.
An agenda or planner can also make a big difference. Tracking small wins and setting realistic milestones can build momentum and accountability over time.
Whatever approach you take, try to keep two things in mind: where you want to go and when you’d like to get there. Repeating your goals out loud or reflecting on them regularly can help you reconnect with your deeper motivation.
Finding Motivation That Lasts
Motivation looks different for everyone. Some people are driven by external rewards, while others find meaning in how a goal aligns with their values.
For example:
Fear-based motivation might sound like: “If I don’t do this, there will be consequences.”
Incentive-based motivation might be: “If I do this, I’ll earn a reward.”
Intrinsic motivation is more personal: “I’m doing this because it makes me feel stronger, healthier, or more fulfilled.”
Reflect on what truly fuels you. Did you want to start exercising for confidence, health, or both? Are you working toward something that excites you or something you’ve been putting off for years? Awareness of your “why” makes it easier to stay consistent, even when motivation dips.
Internal (intrinsic) vs. External (extrinsic) Motivation:
● Internal motivation comes from the fulfillment of self-gratification
● External motivation comes from outside the learner in the forms of tangible rewards and punishments such as competition, grades, awards, promotion, pay, etc.
Where to begin?
If you’d like to inquire about goal setting and motivation help in Mississauga or Bradford Ontario, don’t hesitate to call us at 289-231-8479 or contact us online.
References
Taylor, J. (2013). Personal Growth: Motivation: The Drive to Change. Psychology Today. Retrieved from: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-power-prime/201201/personal-growth-motivation-the-drive-change
N.A. (2013) NALD: BDAA. Canada’s Literacy and Essential Skills Network.
Ham, V., Davey, R., Fenaughty, J. (2013). Proceedings from the 16th International Conference on Thinking (ICOT). International Conference on Thinking.