(Photo: Rita Kurtz in Rome, Italy in front of the Colosseum, 2016).

(Photo: Miniature Figure in front of the Roman Colosseum by Rita Kurtz, 2022).

(Photo: Miniature Figure in Mirror by Rita Kurtz, 2022).

From Dream to Reality: Reaching Your Goals

Take a look in the mirror. Have you reached your goals yet? Reaching goals is not an easy feat to accomplish and despite being a relatively recent field of study, the field of neuroscience has significantly advanced the scientific comprehension of goals and the process of behavior change (Berkman, 2018). I personally set a goal to visit Europe for the first time in 2016. With complete financial freedom and no debt, I achieved that goal. It took goal setting, diligent planning, and constant help to get all questions answered in order for the trip to run smoothly. Remember, this was PRE-smart phone apps, Uber, Lyft, and other convenient e-commerce amenities in 2023! I had to speak French and Italian to plan my trip to Europe. In all of my excitement and diligence, I made it to Rome! It took planning and a specific mindset to reach a goal. 

The empirical analysis of goals and behavior change has been a longstanding focus within the field of psychology, especially in the interest and enthusiasm from scholars in the cognitive and social neurosciences. The Berkman (2018) study suggests an overview of the developing field of brain research in relation to objectives and behavior change, focusing specifically on its applicability to consulting psychology. The initial step involves formulating a theoretical structure that categorizes behavior modification into two distinct dimensions: motivational, pertaining to the individual's will, and cognitive, relating to the individual's cognitive processes (Berkman, 2018).

One salient characteristic of intricate actions is their inherent reliance on both components. Consequently, an examination is conducted on neuroscience research pertaining to cognitive elements, including executive function, as well as motivational elements, including reward learning and self-relevance, which play a role in the achievement of goals (Berkman, 2018).

To achieve realistic goal accomplishments, use these 5 methods to aid in the process:

1) SET SMART GOALS

     Be specific. Make certain they are measurable. Make sure they are attainable. Keep your goals relevant. Make sure they are time-bound to hold yourself accountable.

2) MAKE A PLAN

     Planning is crucial for any goal. Write out the plan in detail about the steps you will need to take to reach your ultimate goal.

3). CELEBRATE THE WINS

     Celebrations are often overlooked in the small tasks. Celebrate all wins, whether small or large. The accomplishment keeps you motivated to continue.

4). GET HELP

    Oftentimes, help is a sign of weakness instead of strength. In realizing you may not understand something or can't accomplish something because of a blocker, seeking help from mentors or friends open the lines of communication and you could learn something additional that you didn't know you needed. Experts in the field, help you seek out your potential. Don't be afraid to ask for help.

5). BELIEVE IN YOURSELF

     Believe that you ARE capable of reaching your goal. If you believe in yourself with confidence, this opens the opportunities for advancements that could match others that are like-minded, driving you even further to accomplish your task.

Berkman E. T. (2018). The Neuroscience of Goals and Behavior Change. Consulting psychology journal, 70(1), 28–44. https://doi.org/10.1037/cpb0000094

Kurtz, R. (2022). Rita Kurtz in Rome, Italy [Photo].

Kurtz, R. (2022). Miniature Figure in front of the Roman Colosseum [Photo].

Kurtz, R. (2022). Miniature Figure in Mirror [Photo].

Currently pursuing her Doctor of Philosophy degree, with a Christian Lens on ethics and morals, in Psychology and Law, her current research interests include artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), law, ethics, morals, neuroscience, bioethics, aviation, military affairs, divinity and diversity. Read about, soon-to-be, Dr. Rita Kurtz below! 

Rita Kurtz (Ph.D. in progress) is an interdisciplinary researcher and recent graduate of Harvard University with a master's degree from the Faculty of Arts & Sciences department. Studying under esteemed Harvard Law School Professor Roberto Mangabeira Unger, Harvard University Law Director of Intellectual Property Allan Ryan, including Dr. Cornel West (Presidential Candidate 2024), and Dr. Arthur Kleinman (Harvard Department of Anthropology and Psychiatry), gave her well-roundedness in the interdisciplinary studies of law, anthropology, philosophy, ethics, morals, media, religiosity, and politics making her a well-prepared Ph.D. candidate. Earning a highly competitive Cross-Registration Academic Scholarship while at Harvard, increased her academic scope of interdisciplinary studies. 

While at Harvard University, Rita combined her professional skills in television and film and took part in several projects and research by participating in a research study at the Langer Mindfulness Lab in the Department of Psychology which delved into the psychological effects of news medium's impact on the consumption and conveyance of news to the public. As a research scientist at Harvard, she wrote two research papers and successfully presented them to a panelist of fellow Ph.D. scientists. The first paper researched Nutraceutical Skin Therapy: Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Ganoderma lucidum, a study on how mushrooms may support youthful skin and aid in patients suffering from the autoimmune disease, sarcoidosis. The second delved into extensive research on Meat Analogues: Are We Making a Positive Political Advancement to Save the Planet? Or A Personal Health Choice that Barely Sustains Ourselves?  which uncovered the unnatural ingredients masked in meatless burgers from Beyond Meat and Impossible Burger. She became a published nonfiction writer and a certified digital storyteller while at Harvard. Additionally at Harvard, her secondary learning initiatives included interests in artificial intelligence, machine learning, virtual reality, aviation, bioethics, diversity, equity, and divinity. 

In her undergraduate degree, her interdisciplinary studies in law, anthropology and philosophy, makes her a well-rounded research candidate. Her past academia undergraduate studies covered a gamut of disciplines including writing legal briefs and law courses in Constitutional Law, Business Law I &II, Torts, Corporate Finance, Business Policy, Economics, Chemistry, Chemistry Lab, and Consumer Behavior. Her studies in computer programming, economics, anthropology, and philosophy, broadened her technical mindset for business.

Rita is a digital creator, with some experience with Python Programming language. She stays current on mainstream topics as a blogger, social media influencer, and actress/entertainer. As a world traveler, she divides her time between speaking, performing, and engaging in television, radio, and stage productions. She has covered tech news and innovations as a repeat spokesperson at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), MacWorld, and for Belkin Components. Her acting appearances aired on Lifetime, History Channel, Fox, and the Paramount Network, landing her on an Emmy-nominated show. Her experience in media, led to a career in television, radio, movies, stage, and writing.

As a prior executive producer, TV and radio host of a positive side of sports, life and entertainment variety show, her co-hosts included Pro-NFL players and Industry Professionals. The show broadcasted on Warner Brothers Television and Fox. Her position led to interviews with billionaires, millionaires, celebrities, professional athletes, NASCAR drivers, professional medical staff, professional attorneys, musicians, and business owners. As a headline lead singer, she has toured with Grammy-Award winning musicians, and performed the national anthem for several professional sports teams around the country. Rita is a strong writer, researcher, listener, articulate speaker, and takes direction well. She is most recognized for the TV commercial in which she belted opera on a bus with a guy dressed like a Scandinavian viking-(877-CASHNOW).

Rita was formerly a Government Account Executive supplying computer networks to the U.S. military around the globe creating relationships between the civilian sector and the government. She has also worked as a Record-Breaking Executive Technical Recruiter, placing C-level executives in major tech companies and start-ups. Her well roundedness and entrepreneurial mindset led her to running a successful bakery at the Department of Defense (DoD) Air Force Exchange. 

Currently pursuing her Doctor of Philosophy degree, with a Christian Lens on ethics and morals, in Psychology and Law, her current research interests include artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), law, ethics, morals, neuroscience, bioethics, aviation, military affairs, divinity and diversity. Her postgraduate studies at Liberty University allows her to research, analyze, test, generate new data, and the application of statistical and analytical data. Setting academic theories in psychology with a Christian worldview, opening deeper theories into more professional values, morals, ethics, behaviors, attitudes, justices, theoretical modeling, evidence-based modeling, culturally diversity standardization, leadership in trends, concepts, and methods. She is currently studying neuroscience, cognitive psychology, social-personality psychology, neurotheology, law, and statistics. Her main focus lies in self-regulation in the discipline of Health Psychology from a holistic-mind, body, spirit, and soul approach.

She is a current member of the American Psychological Association (APA), American Psychology-Law Society (AP-LS), National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), American Federation of Musicians (AFM), Christian Association for Psychological Studies (CAPS), Harvard Black Alumni Society (HBAS), Harvard Club of NY, Harvard Club of Southern California, and the Harvard Alumni Association. She currently resides in Beverly Hills, California. Her faith in Jesus Christ is the foundation for her life. On top of her Ph.D. studies and graduating from Harvard University, she continues her academic journey enrolling in the law and ethics course, Justice, at Harvard X. 

Awards: 

• SMARTscholarship 2023 semi-finalist
• Harvard Academic Scholarship Award 2021 in Law, Politics, Economics, Ethics, American Democracy, and Religiosity––studied under esteemed professors, such as, Dr. Cornell West (U.S. Presidential Candidate, 2024) and Harvard Law School Professor Roberto Mangabeira Unger, S.J.D.
• Top 20 List on Talking Writer 2020
• SEFMD Science and Engineering Award in Microbiology,( First place and second place)

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