As we have said goodbye to the previous year, the new year can be filled with excitement and mysteries. Some of us may be anxious for what the year has to offer, excited because we reunite with peers and relatives, or relieved knowing that you had just completed a year of hard work. How ever you may be feeling, it is best to think positively in order to succeed.
It may be difficult adjusting to new routines. However, goals can be attained simply by mere exposure to other people’s goals (Tsaousides, 2018). This phenomenon is called, ‘goal contagion’. Simply by observing other people pursuing a goal, we begin to think that we should be achieving this goal as well. Exposure is a great motivator for achieving goals, yet a conflicting factor of this idea is that the motivation for achieving this goal may slowly deteriorate due to loss of interest. Goal contagion may be problematic as some individuals may doubt their capabilities.
Luckily, goal contagion is conditional. First, if people have harmonized ideas, they will most likely influence each other. For example, a team of athletes would most likely have the same goal to win every game of the season; whereas some spectators would not have the same effect especially if they do not support the team regularly. Secondly, we do not make secondary goals that conflict with our existing goals. That is, we would not create additional goals that would have any interference of the existing goal. Finally, we do not catch goals that we believe are pursued unacceptably. Goals that are pursued in an unconventional, unethical, or unhealthy manner is not susceptible to mere exposure. It is innate that we try to avoid goals with negative consequences.
Without the aid of peers or exposure, how can we attain our goals? Simple: that is, to motivate yourself. In order to be successful with your goal, take little steps. Although it is desirable to attain a big goal sooner rather than later, intervals of small motives will help you achieve your goal with more success in the long term.
The long process is not something one should be afraid of. Even though time is an obstacle, time will teach you what you need to do in order to achieve that goal, and how to eliminate the obstacles without losing your motivation (Flaxington, 2016).
Motivation can be seen as a challenge, especially if you are a student. Whether you are overwhelmed with your school work, extracurriculars, work, or even your commute; being motivated and attaining those goals will help alleviate unwanted stress too. Even through the stress, it is nice to have friends within close proximity to support you, and to even be there for you when you need a break. Everyone has limits, and even if you want to do something extraordinary, know that no matter how amazing it is, in order to produce an efficient outcome, time, effort, and motivation must be considered.
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