BEACON SENIOR NEWS
How to succeed at a social goal By Karen Telleen-Lawton
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ew Year’s goals or habits are tough enough to keep when it comes to ourselves. Sure I’d like to lose a few pounds for the sake of my knees or the fit of my clothes, but I also like chocolate. When it comes to social goals, however, the motivation to change is even more difficult when the community benefits much more than I personally do. That was my dilemma last sum-
mer when I considered a “Plastic Free July.” Committing to environmental goals is particularly difficult because the benefits accrue disproportionately not to ourselves but to our children and grandchildren. So, how can we best succeed when making such a goal? You’re more likely to achieve your social goal if it’s meaningful to you. A social goal or habit works to alleviate a condition of need for others, including people, living things or the
SOME FIND THEY’RE PASSIONATE ABOUT VOLUNTEERING REGULARLY IN THE COMMUNITY. SENIORS, IN PARTICULAR, HAVE A LIFETIME OF EXPERIENCE TO SHARE. Earth. What drives your heart and compassion? Consider the factors that affect your life, your family and your community.
VOLUNTEERING
For some, they find they’re passionate about volunteering regularly in the community. Whether it’s playing the piano, serving food, reading aloud or organizing files, you’ll multiply your satisfaction by sharing your knowledge or talent with others. Seniors, in particular, have a lifetime of experience to share. Considering volunteering by: • Helping at or visiting retirement centers or nursing homes
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less shelters • Helping in hospitals or clinics Another option is to stay in touch with friends who are lonely or suffering. This is one I worked on especially at the height of the pandemic. Social goals can also be independent events, like donating blood or plasma. Check your community website to find regular or one-time service projects to join. Consider donating funds to support causes you believe in. Become an informed citizen by reading up on and learning about issues you care about. Or participate in democracy by voting, becoming a poll worker, and advocating with phone calls, texts and letters.
• Coaching or mentoring
GOAL-SETTING STRATEGIES
• Serving in food banks or home-
When it comes to making your so-
