The New Science of GoalSetting and Achievement
The new science of goalsetting accelerates the opportunity for life achievements. Neuroscientists say the human brain has one hundred billion neurons. 20,000 or so carry Dopamine. This neurotransmitter makes us human. Scientists named it the “motivation molecule.” It controls our brains communication and keeps us motivated. Dopamine activation provides us drive, focus, concentration, pleasurable feelings, accomplishment, planning and the joys of life. It is one of the keys to our goal success.
Discoveries in goal setting science validate how to avoid the pitfalls and possible detrimental effects of goal setting. Likewise, how to tap the new science of goal achieving.
The Potential Hazards of GoalSetting
L.A. King and C. M. Burton completed research, The Hazards of Goal Pursuit, for the American Psychological Association. They found key reasons for difficulties in goalsetting. For example, here are the top six:
- If people are not ready
- Lack training,
- People are non-committal,
- Certain goals conflict with one another
- The goals are too big or unrealistic
- Failure to achieve goals has a negative impact on people’s emotions and performance.
RCI’s research found only one-third of managers do goals with employees in the workplace. Furthermore, research suggests 80 percent of people do not use a goal planning process in their lives. Those who do set goals, 70 percent fail to achieve what they want. In addition, about 40 percent of people create New Year’s resolutions and only 8 percent achieve them. In the United States and Britain, people watch an average of 28-32 hours of TV a week. As a result, their talent remains dormant because they do not make the effort or do not know how to apply a goal achieving process. Unfortunately, for millions of people their incredible potential for a better and more fulfilling life is untapped.
New Science Goalsetting & Achieving Steps
Researchers Locke and Latham presented compelling research in over one hundred studies that goals improve work performance in diverse settings. The process and steps for achievement are well documented. Do you want more personal and career success? For example, the SCORES model intermingles proven goal principles with new science of goalsetting and achieving that you can apply to your situation.
S-A few goals that are specific keep us focused and determined. This is where Dopamine helps us. With too many goals, it is easy to get sidetracked, and it is hard to give your best to all of them.
C- Team collaboration on a goal gives us accountability beyond ourselves. It is also assuring that we are not the only ones shouldering the responsibility.
O- Goal outcomes that are difficult and more challenging raise our game and willingness to learn. This does not mean they should be unrealistic, but goals need to drive significant improvement to get our attention.
R- Keep a written record to track and measure success. Research shows we are 42% more likely to achieve goals when we do this.
E- Envision a goal to find more success. This means we visualize it regularly in detail and the steps we will take to win. As we do, the difficult goal seems more realistic, and we increase our commitment. Social psychologist Dr. Emily Balcetis at NYU, found goals will seem 30% more doable, 17% easier and we will achieve 23% more. Moreover, this is like the mental rehearsal that Olympic athletes do in preparation for events with the world’s elite competitors.
S– According to brain research, savor more goal achievement by activating and boosting your Dopamine by:
- A healthier diet and vitamin supplements
- Regular exercise
- Mediation or prayer
- On-going learning
- Goal setting efforts
Summarizing the New Science of Goalsetting and Achieving
James Allen wrote in As a Man Thinketh, “The greatest discovery of our generation is that people can alter the outer aspects of their lives by changing the inner attitudes of their minds.” You have tremendous potential. Success and an optimistic outlook on life is a choice. Accelerate this by ramping up your dopamine. Too many people look at their life in a negative aspect. However, each New Year, each new day and each new month is an opportunity to start again and create the future you want.
Speaker Earl Nightingale once said, “The problem is not in people achieving goals; they will do that. The problem is getting them to set goals in the first place.” So, write out your goals. Use SCORES from the science of goalsetting to achieve your goals. Consequently, you will create hope and positive momentum to realized what you want out of life. Think in terms of balance; do not just zero in on your career or finances. Remember other areas too, such as: family, friends, health, recreational, leisure and community. In addition, set short-term and long-term goals.
Pulling It All Together
Superstar salesperson Lee Klampe said, “A goal without an action plan is only a joke.” In other words, what are definitive steps you can take to achieve your goals? The new science of goalsetting and achieving is a continuous improvement process. In addition, Napoleon Hill wrote, “Service, sacrifice and self-control are three words which must be well understood by the person who succeeds in doing something that is of help to the world.” Certainly, apply this new science of goalsetting to your life so this year can be your best year ever!
Also, do you want to apply the new science of goalsetting to achieving your goals? If so, check out this 98-page eBook roadmap to success: GoalPower: How to Increase Your Personal and Professional Success.
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