By Dr. Sarah Talebizadeh, Psy.D. C.Psych.
19 May, 2020
BRIEF HISTORY
In 1960’s, Edwin Locke put forward the Goal–setting theory of motivation. This theory states that goal setting is essentially linked to task performance, specific and challenging goals contribute to higher and better task performance. In his research, he found that individuals who set specific, difficult goals performed better than those who set general, easy goals.
GOAL SETTING STRATEGIES
- Specific
- Measurable
- Attainable
- Relevant
- Timely
CURRENT SITUATION
You might be working from home or not working at all and if that is the case, you might feel that you should be setting many goals and getting a number of tasks done now given that you are home and available. Certainly, keeping busy and engaged in activities is a great idea and a productive way to spend your time in quarantine. However, you might be home with your little ones or children and having to homeschool them in addition to taking care of them; cooking, cleaning and etc. Most of us have an internal drive to get much accomplished and meet our set goals. We might feel discouraged and defeated when we are not able to bring our goals into fruition, but it is important to remain realistic about our goals in the first place. Set realistic goals, perhaps smaller goals that are achievable and acknowledge those goals met.
CURRENT CIRCUMSTANCES AND RESOURCES SHOULD FIT YOUR GOALS
If you are used to working from an office setting where you would normally have the ability to turn down distractions by closing the office door, turning off the phone and etc.., working from home could present its own and new challenges. For those of us in quarantine with others such as our children, we might find it more difficult to stay focused. These issues would naturally make it more difficult to get work done.
CONCLUSIONS
Be realistic with your goals
Be kind with yourself when you do not get goals accomplished
Acknowledge that your mood and energy level and patience can have an impact on your level of productivity
Dr. Sarah Talebizadeh
Registered Clinical and Rehabilitation Psychologist