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Psychological
Articles
February
2010
GUIDE TO HOW
TO SET GOALS
MOTIVATION: INTRINSIC VS. EXTRINSIC
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Often people state "I'm
just lazy" or "I'm unmotivated" when they are unsuccessful. Yet, most of
the time, the problem isn't laziness, but lack of understanding about how to
achieve goals. For instance, I believe that much of the problem the
American people have with weight control is related to inability to set goals.
Oh, we can set goals alright! We can set them until the cows come home.
But if we don't set goals properly we are unlikely to be successful. For
instance, I hear people all the time "I'm going to lose 10 pounds in the next
two weeks" or "I'm going to exercise an hour a day" or "I'm going to limit
myself to 1200 calories a day" or some combination of these statements in
attempts to manage weight. However, even though they might achieve these
goals over the short-term, any long-term change is unlikely. They will
revert to old habits with resignation sighing, "I'm unmotivated. I'll
never be able to lose weight."
The same problem
can occur in the work setting: "If only I could get organized, I would be more
successful at work." Or in sports: "I just don't stick with things.
I give up too easily." Again, the problem is likely to be problems with
setting goals. We tend to set goals that are unreasonable, perfectionistic,
and unachievable. You may question this statement, "What do you mean
unachievable? I see people achieving these goals all the time."
Which is true. However, most likely they achieved their goals by following
some of the principles I discuss below.
(Click to continue)
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"I have so many great ideas, if
only I could get motivated."
"I do well with deadlines, but I can't seem to motivate myself."
"I can't seem to lose weight unless I have someone constantly checking
on me and I can't afford a personal trainer."
"I would perform better if I could make myself practice more."
Do any of these sound familiar? What the above statements have in
common is the individual's need for extrinsic motivation for
follow-through, the inability to achieve a desired goal unless someone
else provides the impetus to pursue the goal. Without the
development of intrinsic motivation, individuals have a great deal of
difficulty achieving success in almost any area. If you examine
successful people, one of the main differences is their ability to
motivate themselves. They are not necessarily more intelligent, or
have better ideas, or have better luck; they are just able to pursue a
goal to its conclusion.
(Click to Continue). |
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