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Goal Setting Theory

Share this page: Share Webmail / Other The mere presence of a goal does not motivate most individuals. Accumulating research evidence suggests that effective goals are SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely. Why are SMART goals successful? First, goals give us direction; therefore they should be set carefully. They need to be specific, because they will energize us and get us working on a task (or series of tasks). If the goal is not specific, then energy will be wasted and the effort may be unproductive, and ultimately, demotivating. Similarly, if the effort cannot be measured, we will not be aware of progress being made. Goals also provide a challenge. When people reach their goals, they feel a sense of accomplishment. If a goal is too difficult (not realistic), this sense of accomplishment will be lacking. This is why the goals must be measurable and attainable, but still challenging enough to force us to think "outside the box." The above image is made available through: CreativeCommons.org Derivative by Athivia College (2010), Original materials: Erdogan, Berrin., Bauer, Talya., and Carpenter, Mason., Principles of Management. Retrieved Apr 15, 2010 from http://www.flatworldknowledge.com/node/28982. Erdogan, Berrin, Bauer, Talya, and Mason Carpenter. Principles of Management. 1969 . Flat World Knowledge. 15 Apr, 2010.