29 Aug 2018
Derek is a valued resident of Harringay Road since 2015. This week Derek has been chatting about his goals and achievements since being with Magic Life.
Setting Goals Goes Against Your Brain’s Natural Tendencies
One challenge with goal setting is that it goes against how your brain naturally works. Past research shows that your brain inherently wants to prioritize and choose routine over novelty every time on its own. Makes sense – its top job is always to keep you safe. When trying to change a behaviour, brain circuits for habitual and goal-directed action battle it out in your head for control. Therefore, any goals that require radical behavioural or thinking-pattern changes are going to be met with resistance initially.
Your brain is also wired to seek rewards and avoid pain, discomfort, and fear. However, that doesn’t mean that the more comfortable path is in your best interest. It just means that your brain prefers it. In fact, these preferences are “demotivators” and leave you with the desire to return back to the safety of your habitual behaviour and thought patterns. However, with conscious effort, you can override these feelings and change your brain and behaviour.
The Benefits of Goal Setting
Dopamine Boost
When you want something and get it, whether it’s a bonus, candy bar, or text message — your brain gives you a shot of dopamine. Dopamine is often called the “feel good” neurotransmitter.
Because of this, it’s possible to boost dopamine levels by setting small goals and accomplishing them. For instance, your brain receives a spike in dopamine if you promise yourself you’re going to work out and then you actually do. This is one reason people like to-do lists. It feels good to check things off because you get a shot of dopamine. Each time your brain gets a hit of dopamine, it encourages you to repeat the corresponding behaviour.
You’ll keep the dopamine flowing if you break goals down into bite-sized, achievable pieces. For example, if you want to exercise three times a week, check off each success with a bright marker on a calendar so that your brain sees and registers the accomplishment. If you want to write a book, make a goal to write for 15 minutes every day and reward yourself when you do.
Improved Performance
Research shows that setting goals can increase performance when:
- the goals are specific and sufficiently challenging,
- the subjects have sufficient ability,
- feedback is provided to show progress in relation to the goal,
- rewards such as money are given for goal attainment,
- the experimenter or manager is supportive (if applicable),
- and assigned goals are accepted and agreed upon by the individual.
Setting Goals Can Make You Happier
One study had people participate in three short one-hour goal setting and planning sessions online. The researchers then compared these people to control groups that didn’t complete the exercises. The results revealed a causal relationship between goal setting and subjective well-being.
Dereks Achievements
Derek takes enjoyment from completing daily tasks. Such as cooking. Seasoning his own food such as chicken with various different types of spices thru to frying dumplings and stew with rice. Other goals have seen Derek take pride in maintaining the upkeep of his room. This extends to buying items such as bed linens and clothes basket to separate his laundry. Derek sets weekly routines to clean his room so that he may enjoy this space when his friends come over to watch football or chat.
Derek had another goal plan to achieve which was to get a new passport. His last passport was lost from his previous accommodation and he has now managed with the help of the staff at Harringay Road to succeed in his goal.
With the help of Staff, Derek feels safe and secure in the day to day tasks. Cooking for himself and his friends. Purchasing food, buying clothing etc, all reinforce positive achievable goals that lead to empowerment and independence.
Valuable Experiences
According to a Psychology Today article, setting goals can provide you with valuable learning experiences that will benefit not only your mental health but your life in general. The practice can teach you important lessons on many things from independence, resilience, and competition to forgiveness and kindness. These skills are known to be important contributors to your mental health and happiness.
The Downside of Goal Setting
Depression and Anxiety
Not all goals are created equal. Goals with no specific aim can even be bad for your mental health. If a goal is too vague, it’s harder to reach, and you don’t know when or if you’ve even gotten there. One study found that general, vague, and non-specific goals caused depressed people to feel more depressed.
Staff Training and Specialist Care
Magic Life pay special attention is goal setting. Understanding what is achievable is a key consideration when creating goal plans. Group meetings with management and our in-house therapist along with the day to day interaction our staff have with their service users ensure goals are set correctly for each individual.