Educational New Year’s Resolutions

The New Year is a time when we all revisit our conducts during previous years, look forward into the future and then come up with New Year’s resolutions. While coming up with these resolutions, there are several factors that may hinder their success. This includes educational and learning goals as well. In this week’s Spotlight we will look closer at why this is, and how we can become better at setting educational goals for this year.  

There is no such thing as ‘not being good at something' – you’re just not good at it yet! – Mr Santanu  

Most people do not reach their goals set at the beginning of the new year. One study reveals that 35% of participants who failed their New Year's resolutions declared that they had set unrealistic goals, 33% did not keep track of their progress, and 23% simply forgot about the resolution altogether. 

We very often select certain resolutions that may be too ambitious or behave in ways that feed our more immediate wants and needs. Optimism bias is when we are overly optimistic about our chance of success. “As a result, we set quite ambitious and unachievable goals. Towards the end, we are unsuccessful in sticking to our promises”, says Mr Naveen, adding that we also do not consider the probability of negative aspects that can harm these resolutions. “Therefore, my advice would be to carefully evaluate and measure the resolutions as to how realistically you can meet or achieve success.” Another thing that influence the achievability of our resolutions is a lack of self-control and willpower. “With our self-control depleted, we sometimes find it almost impossible to resist those delicious pastries”, says Mr Naveen, stressing to avoid immediate rewards that may hamper more long-term goals. “Present bias questions and tests our mental resilience and, along with optimism bias, it can weaken our New Year resolutions.” 

It may also be helpful to set the right type of goals. “Not-so-successful students tend to set performance goals, while successful students tend to set learning goals”, says Mr Santanu, and adds the difference between these two types of goals: “Performance goals, for example, getting 90% on the next math test, are about looking intelligent and proving yourself to others. In contrast, learning goals, for example doing three algebra problems every other day or learning five new French words a day, are about mastery and growth.”  

Although not being too optimistic when setting goals, embracing challenges is important as well. Called a ‘growth mindset’ is about keeping on growing; focusing on effort and not the result, the process and not the outcome. “Learn to get out of your comfort zone. Goals should stretch us and our capabilities. Don’t be afraid to dream big and make your goals audacious. With every single step forward, we get closer and closer to what once seemed unattainable”, says Ms Amba, adding that it is about focusing progress and not perfection. “Goals can sometimes feel overwhelming, but important to focus on one next step (however small) that will take us closer to our goals, says Ms Amba, and advises us to share our goals with friends and family to help you be more accountable and motivated.

We wish you a Happy New Year, and hope that your New Year's resolutions will flourish!