Words Laura Potter. Photograph Gonard Fluit/Unsplash
WELL ROUNDED
A funny quirk in our psychology could have a major influence on achieving our goals. Researchers have found that we adore round numbers, and they increase our sense of accomplishment. For instance, we’d get more excited about receiving €2000 rather than £1814, or to be told we’ve lost 10kg rather than 22lbs. The more distant the ultimate goal, the more true this is. This is because hitting intermediate targets as round numbers increases our sense of progress as we work towards them. Tap into that unconscious bias when you set goals – whether it’s the number of miles you’ll run each week, the amount you’ll save to go on the trip of a lifetime, or the weight you’d like to lose. Round up, feel inspired.