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OVERVIEW OF SUSTAINING MOTIVATION IN GOAL SETTING

Setting goals increases motivation and enables students to create the changes now and in the future that they desire. Although key to achieving goals, motivation increases, wanes, and increases again: it’s a cycle of thoughts influencing behaviors that influence performance that influence thoughts. Besides having patience and persistence, students need tools to stay motivated.

What thoughts get in the way of completing something?

How do you motivate yourself?

UNPACKING SUSTAINING MOTIVATION

During the wording of goal setting, note reasons why the goal is desirable. These reasons may be useful later when students aren’t as motivated to pursue the goal. Remembering the “why” will help them work through the “how.” Focus on positive consequences such as increases, rewards, or recognition.

Before, during, or along the way, also help students identify what might facilitate or restrict goal attainment. Is their goal too ambitious? Do they have limiting beliefs such as fear, unrelenting standards, or entitlement attitudes that need to be replaced with more positive thinking? Awareness of pitfalls helps students navigate through them.

To get to the goal without quitting, students have to:

Remember the benefit they set out to accomplish.

Modify the goal, if needed.

Replace limiting beliefs with positive thoughts.

The action plan, too, should help them receive the positive reinforcement of achieving mini-goals, which fuels motivation. Also of benefit is to compare thoughts with others working on goals, find inspiration in books or music, and rewarding oneself.