Goal Setting and Motivation

Setting Goals and Targets

In this course, Dr Karl New (University of South Wales) explores setting goals and targets. In the first lecture, we think about goal setting and motivation. In the second and final lecture, we think about SMART goal setting. Photo by Ronnie Overgoor on Unsplash

Goal Setting and Motivation

In this lecture, we think about goal setting and motivation, focusing in particular on: (i) defining a goal as the aim or objective of a person’s ambition or effort; (ii) Locke and Latham’s 1985 paper, which explored the application of goal setting to sport; (iii) general goals, which are non-specific and subjective; (iv) specific goals, which are clearly defined, measurable and objective; (v) comparing long and short term goals, as well as goals with a time frame centred around key competitions such as a World Cup; (vi) contrasting public and private goals; (vii) settings goals as a tool for self-reflection on performance, achievement and progress; (viii) the dependence of motivation on effective goal setting; (ix) the effectiveness of goal setting through directing attention, mobilising effort, prolonging persistence and fostering development of new learning; (x) the wealth of research evidence on goal settings, 90% of which finding that it is effective; (xi) a challenge with goal setting being to maintain motivation over a long period of time; (xii) a ‘goal staircase’ being one technique used to maintain motivation over a long term goal period; (xiii) an outcome goal, which is based on the outcome of a performance and which relies, in part, on the performance of others relative to the performer; (xiv) a performance goal, which is based only on the performance of the performer and not affected by any other players; (xv) key challenges around goal setting, including increased anxiety and decreased self confidence of the performer.