Today, well, I wrote this on Monday 😉, I sat down to write this newsletter, full of excitement to dive deep into the science of motivation. But soon, my mind started spinning: “You’re not going to make it. You can’t handle this article and the 300 other things you’ve committed to this year. Just give up now.”
And for a moment, I almost listened.
Instead, I paused, grabbed my coat, and went for a walk. As I headed to my philosophy class, the quiet helped me reflect. Then it hit me: This is why so many people give up on their New Year’s resolutions.
The University of Scranton reveals that 92% of people fail to keep their resolutions. For many, it’s not a lack of willpower but the weight of overwhelming commitments. And guess what? I realized I was about to join that 92%. Why? Because I had done exactly what I tell others not to do: I overcommitted.
Recognizing Overcommitment
Here’s where I found myself:
- New Job, Big Responsibilities: As Novoda’s Recruitment and Operations Lead, I manage recruitment, automation, and system improvements. This position is fulfilling but also entails many new responsibilities.
- Ambitious Coaching Goals: I want to create a group mentorship program, the Career Catalyst Circle, to support professionals navigating career growth.
- Continuous Learning: I’ve committed to 10+ courses this year to refine my coaching skills. (Yes, it’s too much!)
- Personal Growth: As a mentee, I’m committed to becoming a better leader through mentorship and philosophy courses.
Life happens. The question is: How do we recover from the chaos and stay motivated?
I’ve moved my in-depth newsletter to Substack, where you can read the full post and join me on this exciting journey.
Applying the Science of Motivation
Psychologists Deci and Ryan’s Self-Determination Theory offers a roadmap for sustained motivation by focusing on three core needs:
- Autonomy: Take control of your decisions.
- Competence: Believe in your ability to succeed.
- Relatedness: Build a support system.
In my case, I’ve leaned on Alexandra, my accountability buddy, to help me stay on track. We meet every Sunday to review progress, and it’s been a game-changer.
What I’ve Learned
Motivation isn’t about doing it all. It’s about doing what matters most. Here’s how I’m moving forward:
- Simplify My Goals: Focus on what I can realistically achieve this year.
- Embrace Progress, Not Perfection: Even small wins build momentum.
- Stay Accountable: Share my goals with someone who will encourage and challenge me.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, know this: It’s okay to pause. It’s OK to recalibrate. Motivation is a journey, not a sprint.
Your Turn
What’s driving you this year? Have you set goals that inspire you, or are you feeling overwhelmed? Reflect on your commitments, lean on your support system, and remember—you’ve got this.
Let’s tackle our goals together. Share your thoughts with me—I’d love to hear about your journey.
If you need help finding your motivation, join one of my mentorship programs at https://ananogal.com/services/.
Together, we’ll make your goals happen. Book a free call with me.