How Does Goal Setting Motivate?

According to Locke, goal setting motivates in four ways 

• Goals direct attention. Goals indicate where individuals should direct their efforts when they are choosing among things to do. For instance, recognizing that an important assignment is due in a few days, goal setting may encourage you to say no when friends invite you to a movie this evening.

• Goals regulate effort. Goals suggest how much effort an individual should put into a given task. For instance, if earning a high mark in accounting is more important to you than earning a high mark in organizational behaviour (OB), you will likely put more effort into studying accounting.

Goals increase persistence. Persistence represents the effort spent on a task over time. When people keep goals in mind, they will work hard on them, even in the face of obstacles.

• Goals encourage the development of strategies and action plans. Once goals are set, individuals can develop plans for achieving those goals. For instance, a goal to become fit may include plans to join a gym, workout with friends, and change eating habits.