HODGES UNIVERSITY

By Florida Weekly Staff | on January 29, 2020

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Youre celebrating and pumped to carry out your New Years resolution.

However, did you know there is a day called Quitters Day? Each year Strava predicts the day when most people will quit New Years resolutions. For 2020 it was predicted for Jan. 19. The 19th has come and gone, and perhaps your resolution has passed with it.

In order to get yourself back on track you need to understand how you are motivated.

Psychology is the study of human behavior and helps explain why we do the things we do, and what motivations trigger our behaviors. Motivations can be intrinsic or extrinsic. When your behavior is driven by an external reward, it is a motivation that arises from outside of yourself. The motivation that arises from within you is intrinsic. People who are intrinsically motivated perform for the sense of personal satisfaction. Which is more important when it comes to keeping those annual resolutions? The answer is intrinsic motivation. This is because intrinsic motivation is linked to changes that happen within us. Essentially, it involves the desire to focus our attention in a particular way that originates from our inner selves. Tapping into your intrinsic motivation is very powerful when it comes to fulfilling promises or completing goals. The reason it is so powerful is that is linked to personal efficacy and purpose. So in order to be more successful it would be helpful to know your purpose for completing your goals.

BUSHEY

Intrinsic motivation is also linked to self-determination, and involves focusing on the tasks that carry you toward your goal. Engaging in these tasks will carry you through your goals, and result in energized emotions and enjoyment. Intrinsic motivation also involves a high degree of autonomy. Ultimately, you are doing this for that feeling of personal satisfaction.

Extrinsic motivation relies on and is fueled by the praise of others and an external reward. That comes in the form of positive affirmation and support in your journey. So what happens if you dont receive that extrinsic motivation? You could lose heart. Even if your 2020 resolutions fell flat, it is not too late.

Instead, here are some questions to ask yourself in order to help you get back on track. After all, you have 11 months left in 2020.

What is your purpose?

What would be the most satisfying element of achieving your goal?

How can you boost your inner autonomy in order to stay on track?

When will you begin again?

Remember that your New Years resolution is something you can still achieve.

Dr. Kelly Bushey is the as sociate professor of applied psychology at Hodges University.

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You can recover from the New Year's slip - Florida Weekly