With the onset of a new year, people have begun to think about the year ahead and set goals for the upcoming months. Whether these goals are in relation to school, work, self-management, or relationships, this familiar ritual grounds us as we face another year. But what is it that motivates us and determines our success in achieving our goals?

A fundamental theory in the psychology of human behavior is that we are driven to approach pleasure and avoid pain.

Drs. Heidi Grant Halvorson and E. Tory Higgins, researchers at Columbia University’s Motivation Science Center, explored this theory in their book “Focus: Use Different Ways of Seeing the World for Success and Influence”. They argue that people tend to hold two types of motivational focus that influence the way they see the world and determine their level of success in life and love: Promotion Focused and Prevention Focused.

Those who hold a promotion focused perspective see their goals as opportunities for success and advancement. They focus on the great opportunities that might arise if they achieve their goals. They are hopeful of achieving their goals and are more likely to identify and seize opportunities when they arise. These individuals are typically known as “optimists”. Promotion focused individuals experience pleasure when they achieve their goals and advance. They often enjoy the praise received for a job well done. Conversely, they experience pain when they fail to make progress or take advantage of an opportunity for further development.

Those who hold a prevention focused perspective see their goals as ways to avoid threat or loss, stay safe and fulfill their obligations. They worry about what might go wrong if they don’t achieve their goals and strategically act in ways to avert disaster. The key for prevention focus is security. These individuals are also known as “defensive pessimists” — driven by the possibility of failure, they plan and act in ways to minimize losses. They are likely to pay attention to details and avoid mistakes. Pleasure is attained when the status quo or safety is maintained and losses are minimized. They often avoid criticism or rejection by acting in ways that prevent it. Pain occurs when they fail to avoid negative consequences.

According to Drs. Grant Halvorson and Higgins, we all have a bit of promotion and prevention focus in our personality and the type of focus we use may shift depending on the circumstances. Each type of focus has its strengths and weaknesses. However, we do tend to have a dominant motivational focus that anchors us in life. The key is to optimize one’s motivational focus so that success is possible. First, identify what your dominant motivational focus is – understanding your focus allows you to capitalize on its strengths. Second, implement strategies that work well for your focus. For those with a promotion focus, it might be taking advantage of a new opportunity that presents itself this year. For those with prevention focus, weighing the pros/cons of a life goal/decision may help one take the most appropriate action.

Are you promotion-focused or prevention-focused?

What are some ways in which you can capitalize on your motivational focus?

Lesia M. Ruglass, Ph.D., is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in NYC.

You can also find her on Google+.