Did you make a New Year\u2019s resolution? The start of a new year inspires people to make big changes to improve their lives. Unfortunately, that goal we set on January 1 can start to look pretty daunting a couple weeks later when the initial buzz of new year motivation wears off. It\u2019s not uncommon for goals to be forgotten or abandoned. In fact, for those who make New Year\u2019s resolutions, 80% fail to stick to their goal by February (Jantz, 2018). If you\u2019re struggling to maintain your New Year\u2019s resolution, don\u2019t give up hope yet. This just means it\u2019s time to recalibrate or redefine your goal, and we\u2019ve got tips and tools to help.<\/p>\n
Identify Why a Goal is Meaningful to You<\/strong> When you\u2019re curious about a goal, you must ask yourself why<\/em> you want to achieve it \u2013 and then keep asking yourself why until you get to the root of why this goal is meaningful to you. Leadership and career coach Lisa Rogoff explains, \u201cYou\u2019d be surprised at how many [goals] are grounded in values and purpose. And when you can surface that meaning and give it a voice, a simple goal shifts into a mission. With your why front and center, it\u2019s almost impossible to turn your back and not<\/em> go after it.\u201d When you identify the personal value and meaning behind a goal you increase your likelihood of achieving it. Read Rogoff\u2019s full article<\/a>.<\/p>\n Get help identifying a meaningful professional development goal by visiting the Explore Your Learning Needs page<\/a> or the Sample Goals for Different Roles page<\/a> on the HR website.<\/p>\n Get SMART. Be Accountable<\/strong>. Stay Inspired with Resources on Campus. Economy, P. (2019, January 01). 10 Top New Year’s Resolutions for Success and Happiness in 2019<\/em>. Retrieved from https:\/\/www.inc.com\/peter-economy\/10-top-new-years-resolutions-for-success-happiness-in-2019.html<\/a><\/p>\n Jantz, D. G. (2018, January 03). This Year’s Resolution<\/em>. Retrieved from https:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.com\/entry\/this-years-resolution_us_5a4cff60e4b0d86c803c7b1b<\/a><\/p>\n Rogoff, L. (n.d.). The Best Goals Start With ‘Why’<\/em>. Retrieved from https:\/\/advice.shinetext.com\/articles\/the-best-goals-start-with-why\/<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
\nAt the start of a new year, people are inspired to commit to lofty goals they\u2019ve previously never been able to achieve. Common goals include lose weight, save money, learn a new skill and find a new job (Economy, 2019). Unfortunately, that initial rush of inspiration is only temporary, which is why most end up losing interest after a couple weeks. Motivation alone cannot push you to achieve a goal, learn a new skill, or change a habit. And if your goal is too vague, you\u2019re likely to forget about it come February.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>After you\u2019ve identified your goal and why it\u2019s meaningful to you, it\u2019s time to make it SMART: S<\/strong>pecific, M<\/strong>easurable, A<\/strong>chievable, R<\/strong>elevant, and T<\/strong>imely. The SMART method helps you make a detailed plan with clear objectives to achieve your goal. Learn more about SMART goals<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\nIf you have a professional development goal, try sharing it with your supervisor or incorporating it into your Performance Excellence plan<\/a> (for support staff). Check in with your supervisor periodically to make sure you\u2019re hitting your objectives and making progress. If you\u2019re not sure how to broach the subject, visit the Requesting and Accepting Feedback page<\/a> for tips to start the conversation.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>As an MSU employee, you have a variety of resources available to help you create lasting change and achieve your goals:<\/p>\n\n