DID YOU KNOW!

WHO WILL BE POSITIVELY AFFECTED BY THIS?

The final step is to consider who or what, beyond yourself, will be positively affected by your resolution/s. Desire to be a part of something greater than the self, or transcendent motivation, is beneficial for performance for several reasons.

Linking a resolution to transcendent motivation can be a powerful source of inspiration. Someone may link exercise goals to a charitable cause they care about, or they may think about how improving their health will make them a better partner, friend or parent. Research shows transcendent motivation improves self-regulation when things get dull or repetitive during goal pursuit, and it strengthens character virtues like patience and generosity.When someone’s transcendent motivation is prosocial in nature, they are willing to accept feedback about performance and receive increased social support in the workplace.

Think about the bigger picture. Consider who you are

According to www.history.com, the ancient Babylonians are believed to have been the first people to make New Year’s resolutions, about 4,000 years ago.

helping with each goal. Potential impact beyond yourself is added fuel for your goal pursuit.

REFRAMING YOUR RESOLUTIONS

What might New Year’s resolutions that incorporate purpose-based performance look like? Using the three questions above, we have reworked three common resolutions to reflect purpose-based performance:

• “Exercise more” becomes: “I commit to working out two times a week so I can be more present and energised with my children, so that they feel more loved and inspired by me.” • “Save money” becomes: “I commit to saving R1,000 per paycheck so I feel more secure in my role as a husband and father, which will ultimately benefit my family.”

• “Lose weight” becomes: “I commit to losing 10 kg so I feel more confident at work, and my coworkers will experience a more positive version of me.”

Cheers to a new, purpose-filled year!