The birth of a new year often lends itself to thoughts of goal setting or New Year’s resolutions. Psychologists say milestones like the transition to a new year is universally associated with the notion of making a “Fresh Start,” improving or ending unwanted bad behaviors. The problem with all these well-intended plans is that they often become forgotten by sometime in early February.
According to a recent poll conducted by Psychology Today, goal setting can be categorized into two primary types: Avoidance Goal Setting and Approach Goal Setting.
Avoidance goals are those that require us to stop doing something. Examples may include stop eating sweets or stop staying up late. Approach goals are those that require us to start something new. Instead of avoiding bad behavior, create a new positive one. Examples may include eating more servings of vegetables or getting in bed by 10 p.m. each evening.
The study indicated that people who set “approach goals” had a success rate of 59% compared to 47% for those who focused on “avoidance goals.”
In the end, success in whatever goals you set is important. Perhaps consider reframing your 2024 goals with an approach, or additive, mindset.
Read more on PsychologyToday.com. (link to: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/dont-delay/200902/approaching-success-avoiding-the-undesired-does-goal-type-matter)
