As January draws to an end, why not take some time to reflect on how things are going for you so far this year, and make note of any adjustments you might need to make to ensure you’re on track to have a really good 2019.

Whether you write detailed resolutions or just have a vague sense of what you’re hoping to achieve this year, keeping those plans before you is key to making sure you actually see them through.


One way you can use your expresso data to keep you on track and energised about your goals, is to leverage your intrinsic motivators by making use of both Your Interests and Your Focus scores.

How might your highest Interest scores help you stay motivated towards those things you are hoping to achieve this year?

Say you’re wanting to learn a language, for instance…

  • If you have a high Persuasive score, then learning in a group setting is definitely likely to suit you more than independent study. You’re probably most interested in the speaking aspect of language learning, so seek out opportunities to socialise with others who you can practice conversing with. You might also practice reading and writing by engaging with others through messaging or social media in that language.

  • On the other hand, if you have a high Literary score you may find that independent study of textbooks and other reading materials helps you to cement what you’re learning. You may find you’re more interested in being able to read and write fluently, than in having conversations aloud, so why not seek out additional teaching materials - whether printed or online - that give you the chance to really develop your reading and writing skills in that language.

  • High Clerical? You may be someone who wants to have a thorough grasp of the rules of the language - grammar, structure, syntax and so on. Following a clear structure, and keeping orderly notes as you learn may help you stay motivated as you progress. So why not keep a physical or digital ‘library’ of everything that you’re learning? Create spreadsheets of vocabulary lists, map out weekly and monthly goals, keep notes on specific lessons and so on - for easy referral, revision, and to see the progress that you’re making!

  • High Outdoor? Spending hours hunched over a desk is never going to keep you motivated, so why not get outdoors while you learn? Whether you’re practicing speaking and listening with a friend, or brushing up on your reading; reviewing flashcards of vocabulary, listening to audio lessons, or learning through one of the many online resources out there - find opportunities to take your learning outside. The fresh air and the change of setting will keep you from getting burnout, and help your mind stay energised for learning!

Those are just some examples, and chances are you’re working towards something entirely different! But by taking what you know about the Areas of Interest scores and applying it to your specific goal, you can hopefully see some great new ways to keep yourself feeling engaged and motivated.


You can also do the same with your Focus.

Remind yourself of the colour of your Focus score and then consider how you can utilise this approach to get you further with your goals.

  • Red Focus: You are most satisfied by the opportunity to get things done, especially if that means working with tools and technology or taking a practical, hands-on approach to things.

  • Yellow Focus: You are most satisfied by the opportunity to get things into good shape, especially if that means working with procedures and data, and putting things onto a sound, sustainable footing.

  • Green Focus: You are most satisfied by the opportunity to interact with people, especially if that means making a case, selling an idea or negotiating a ‘win/win’ solution.

  • Blue Focus: You are most satisfied by the opportunity to innovate and create new things, especially if that means thinking strategically, working beyond accepted constraints, and implementing elegant designs.


Thinking about your scores, in the context of your plans for the year, may also help you to recognise where you may be most likely to struggle with achieving your goal. That’s pretty vital knowledge to have, if you want to mitigate the possibility of derailing yourself in those areas.

How might the scores that you do have - and the scores that you don’t - affect your progress?