January is the time of year where many people are making resolutions and creating new goals. Here at KVDC we LOVE goals! We talk about goals that our patients are working towards almost daily. So, it should not surprise you that we have some information to share when it comes to reaching those goals.

Let's talk about mindset and praise. Psychology Professor Carol Dweck discusses the importance of the growth mindset. "In growth mindset, people believe that their most basic abiliites can be developed through dedication and hard work- brains and talent are just the starting point. This view creates a love of learning and a resillience that is essential for great accomplishment." In contrast, a fixed mindset is the view that you have the ability or you do not, but it will not change.

These mindsets can be fostered and encouraged by how we speak to people, whether that is to ourselves or to other people. When people are praised for their abilities, they are often afraid to try new challenges for fear that they will not meet expectations. However, when a person is praised for their efforts they are more likely to challenge themselves because even if they are not successful, they have given their best effort.

Keep these concepts in mind as you work towards your goals this year. There is a big difference between not reaching the goal and not reaching your goal yet!

Nora Conway, OD

Click here to watch a quick video on growth mindset!

Click here to watch a quick video on praise!

Goal Setting

How do you give yourself a leg up to actually reach your goals?

Step 1: Write down your goals. Yes, you need to do this step!

Step 2: Apply SMART

Make sure your goal is:

Specific
Measureable
Attainable
Relevant
Time Specific

Step 3: Identify the obstacles and how you will overcome them!

Step 4: Create an action plan. What steps are needed?

Step 5: Continue to monitor your progress

Check in and see how it is going, reevaluate, and adjust as needed.

There is nothing brilliant or outstanding in my record, except perhaps this one thing. I do the things I believe ought to be done. And when I make up my mind to do a thing, I act. –Theodore Roosevelt

The passion for stretching yourself and sticking to it, even (or especially) when it’s not going well, is the hallmark of the growth mindset. –Carol Dweck

A winner is someone who recognizes his God-given talents, works his tail off to develop them into skills, and uses these skills to accomplish his goals. –Larry Bird