As we set our sights on new goals at the start of a new year, it’s important to pay attention to not just the challenges themselves but also the motivations behind them. According to self-determination theory, the reasons behind our goals can have a significant impact on our performance and well-being.

Self-determination theory suggests that there are different sources of motivation, and each has its own consequences. For example, if you’re writing a novel because you enjoy creating a fictional world, that’s a very different motivation than writing a novel to prove that you’re capable of being published or gaining fame. The first motivation will likely lead to greater engagement and satisfaction in the process, while the latter might lead to feelings of inadequacy or dissatisfaction if the goal is not met. The theory also suggests that people have a natural desire to learn and develop. This plays a key role in motivation. “It’s based on the assumption that people are growth-oriented,” says Professor Anja Van den Broeck of KU Leuven, Belgium. This means that when our goals align with our innate desire to learn and grow, we’re more likely to find satisfaction in the pursuit of those goals.

In order to achieve our goals, having drive and motivation is crucial. But as we set our sights on new challenges in the coming year, it’s important to pay attention to the motivations behind them. By choosing goals that align with our innate desire to learn and grow, we’re more likely to find satisfaction and success in our pursuits. With the right motivations, we can set ourselves up for success in the new year and beyond.