Faculty New Year's Resolutions
Higher education faculty often set personal goals at the start of the academic year, but research suggests these resolutions may be unrealistic and set individuals up for failure.
For higher education faculty, the start of the academic year is a time for new beginnings and personal growth. Many faculty members use this opportunity to set new goals and make positive changes in their lives. However, a 2023 survey by Forbes Health found that the average resolution lasts fewer than four months, suggesting that these goals may be unrealistic and set individuals up for failure.
The problem with resolutions is that they can be overly ambitious and fail to account for the complexities of life. Faculty members may set goals such as exercising five days a week or meditating every day, but these goals are often unrealistic and can lead to feelings of guilt and failure when they are not met.
According to the source, a more effective approach to goal-setting is to start with reflection and self-compassion. Before setting new goals, faculty members should take stock of what worked well in the previous year and identify areas where they can improve. They should also practice self-compassion when they fail to meet their goals, rather than beating themselves up over it.
Another key strategy is to break down large goals into smaller, more manageable steps. This can help faculty members build momentum and make progress towards their goals without feeling overwhelmed. For example, instead of resolving to exercise five days a week, a faculty member might start by committing to walk for 10 minutes after their Monday meetings.
The source also suggests that faculty members consider choosing words or values for the year, rather than setting specific goals. This can help them set an intention and focus on what is truly important, rather than trying to reinvent themselves.
Ultimately, the key to successful goal-setting is to be realistic and flexible. Faculty members should leave room for the possibility that they may not need to become a different person this year, but rather just be a little kinder to themselves and others.
A table comparing the average duration of resolutions is not available in the source.
The source is "New (School) Year's Resolutions" by an author for Inside Higher Ed.
