Career Insights

The Psychology of New Year Resolutions: How to Keep Them

Concorde Staff

Concorde Staff

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Updated January 4, 2016. The information contained in this blog is current and accurate as of this date.
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With 2016 upon us, it is commonplace for people to find themselves reflecting on their lives and ways they can either improve or enhance it.

In fact, an article published yesterday in Forbes magazine notes, "research suggests that approximately half of all Americans make New Year's resolutions yet only 8% actually achieve them."

The scenarios are often similar, you have been in the same career for years and have become bored, your current job is just not getting the bills paid, or you never had the opportunity for an education.

There are many reasons we make New Year's resolutions, the only question is - why is it so hard to keep it?

 

WHY DO WE MAKE NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS?

 

According to the Washington Post, the tradition of New Year's resolutions can be traced back to Caesar.

These resolutions were mostly moral - try some kindness or be more honest. In modern times these resolutions have morphed from the personal - getting engaged or being in a relationship by the end of the year, health-focused - losing weight, or career-focused - a new job or acquire more education.

Most people focused on the career area seeking out higher paying degree efforts that often lead to a health care career? This might be the path for you!

 

HOW CAN YOU KEEP YOUR RESOLUTION?

 

Commitment is key to keeping your New Year's resolution. You must remain focused and not become easily deterred if things do not go your way.

Often it helps if you share your resolution with others so that they can help keep you accountable. The easiest way to achieve educational goals is to leap and register for your classes.

Before you know it, you will be well on your way to your new health care career.

Another great way to keep your New Year's resolutions is to focus on SMART goals:

  • Specific
  • Measurable
  • Achievable
  • Realistic
  • Timely or time-bound

 

Grab a sheet of paper and write your SPECIFIC goal (Let's use education, for example).

Now write how you will measure if you have achieved it: diploma, degree, certificate, or just enrolling in school.

Next, document how attainable the goal is - financial aid, loans, scholarships, tuition assistance from your current job.

Then, determine if the goal is realistic. Finally, what is the timeliness of this goal? Is this something you will embark on in the next 3 months and when will you be done?

 

FULFILLING YOUR EDUCATION/CAREER RESOLUTION IN 2016

 

Education and your career goals, operate hand-in-hand. When making a career change, you need to obtain new skills. A health care career demands a new set of skills but is well worth it.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts tremendous growth and great growth in these fields from 2012-2022:

  • Dental Hygienist: 33% growth with salary of $70,210 per year
  • Medical Assistant: 29% growth with salary of $29,370
  • Medical Lab Technicians: 22% growth with salary of $47,820

     

 

Concorde Career Colleges offers a great range of program to lead to your new health care career. Let us help you keep your New Year's resolutions to obtain a better job and sharpen your skills.

Whether you a student just out of high school or have a family with a lot of other responsibilities, our programs can fit your needs and help you obtain your goals.

Take The Next Step Towards a Brighter Future

We have a Concorde representative ready to talk about what matters most to you. Get answers about start dates, curriculum, financial aid, scholarships and more!

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