Goals & Resolutions

by Courtney Hyde

As we begin the new year, many like to set goals and resolutions for themselves to accomplish throughout the year. “New year’s resolutions are simply goals that individuals set for themselves as they envision becoming better people in a forthcoming twelve-month period. Setting goals is often an opportunity for self-reflection, inspiration for personal growth, and motivation for working hard to achieve success. Plenty of research has shown the benefits of setting goals for growth at personal or group levels.”(1)

Laura Loftsgaarden - Board Member
“I usually make 2-3 goals per new year. For the first 2-3 months I tend to stick to my goals, then it all goes down the tubes!” Laura finds it challenging since new or other issues begin to take priority. She says it is important to set goals because it gives you something to strive for.
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​Laura adds that in order to stay on track and keep motivated it would be beneficial to have someone with the same goals so we can hold each other accountable.


Srushti Patil - Team Leader
“At the beginning of every year, I set attainable goals for myself that are easy to reach. I try my best to stick to my goals by self-reflecting at the end of every week and seeing if I met the goals I had initially set. Often I do find it challenging to keep my goals especially when things get hectic. It's easy to prioritize everything else (such as work and school) over the goals I have made.”

Srushti says it is important to set goals because it allows her to grow every year and work towards bettering herself as an individual. She motivates herself to complete her goals by realizing: “I'm doing this for me.”

Felisha Marecki - Team Leader
Felisha says, “Yes I did make goals for 2021 although I usually don't.” She hopes to stick with her goals since it is her first year setting them. “This year my goal is to make myself a priority even when I want to help others. It is challenging to put myself first but I'll work hard to keep this goal as it is truly best for everyone.”

Felisha thinks it is important to set goals to know where she’s headed. “Putting time on my calendar will force me to focus on myself and motivate me to keep these commitments.”

The fear of not reaching goals should never be the reason for not setting them, because having no goals at all is like heading somewhere with no directions. Every day is an opportunity to change ourselves for the better and to accomplish personal and professional goals.


1https://www.msn.com/en-xl/news/other/setting-new-year-s-resolutions-yes-or-no-what-s-essential-what-isn-t/ar-BB1cpIQ2