May - 2011 Newsletter

It's a fact that when people have goals to guide them, they are happier and achieve more than they would without having them. Achieving a goal you've set produces dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of pleasure. Dopamine activates neural circuitry that makes you eager to pursue new challenges.

Goals provide focus. They enhance productivity. They bolster self-esteem. And most of all, goals increase commitment, so you're more likely to achieve whatever you set out to conquer. Here are some helpful ways you can begin to move toward achieving your goals, and maintain determination when the going gets rough.

Put your goals in writing: The act of writing down what you are going to do is a strong motivator. Writing down goals prevents you from leaving your goals vague. Be specific. Use action verbs. Let your goals have measurable outcomes. Specify completion dates. Also record what your reward will be for achieving the goal.

Make a list of obstacles: Think of everything that might stand in your way. Then decide what you can do about each obstacle. Design a plan to reduce the influence of each obstacle and increase the chances that you will be successful in reaching your goal.

Enlist the help of others: Find someone, a coworker or friend, with whom you share a common goal. Get someone to go to the gym with you, or to quit smoking with you, or to share healthy meals with you. A partner can help you stay committed and motivated.

Get organized: When you are prepared and organized, you will feel better about your ability to reach your goals. Having information scattered in too many places makes you feel out of control and undermines motivation.

Reward yourself each step of the way: Let yourself feel good about progress you've made. Treat yourself to rewards that will give you a lift as you accomplish each subgoal on your road to success.

HPS is very pleased to welcome the following new Psychologist to our staff: Dr. Raymond Paggioli. Dr. Ray works with children, teens, adults and couples and specializes in difficult behavioral issues and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

HPS is very pleased to announce the following new services available immediately at our office: Career Counseling, Career Assessment and change of career counseling.

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