Using science and mindfulness Towards a more effective goal setting (pART 1)

When we think about the year ahead, most of us start to reflect on the new year's resolutions or a list of goals.

The psychologist Kelly McGonigal says, "research shows that when people resolve to change, they may immediately feel more confident, in control, and hopeful". The thing is… change is hard. To tune ourselves to change means leaving behind a part of us and that, can bring discomfort or be painful. The beautiful part of taking decisions and actions to grow personally is that we can achieve higher wellbeing and, through that, a more fulfilled life. The excellent side of the coin is when you get there, it's not so about the outcome, but more about what you are now as a person and how that makes you feel.

Your goals can count as an inspiration to become a better person, spreading around strength, creativity, friendliness, or other positive skills.

There's some research around setting goals that can give us clues on finding and exploring the power to turn the New Year's Resolutions into a more effective approach. I hope the description of some, can make you reflect and turn hope into achieving your goal into decisive future action. Make it happen!

1. Pre-steps:

Before you make your New Year’s Resolution reflect on the lessons, the challenges, the best moments, and things you're grateful for, during last year. This exercise will be like a Zoom Out and takes you to a big picture perspective shaping the way you want personally to grow in the future.

2. Choose a goal or resolution that you do want, not the ones from somebody else.

First, start with mindful awareness and be sincere to yourself on how you choose your goals by answering questions like: