Applying Goal-Setting Theory: Strategies for Achieving Work Objectives

What Is Goal Setting Theory

Goal setting theory says that you’ll be more motivated and more likely to behave in ways to achieve your desired outcomes when goals have a few key characteristics—namely clarity, challenge, commitment and feedback.

You can rely on this framework, because goal setting theory is the result of research by Locke and Latham who analyzed 400 different studies on goals, motivation and behavior and found the primary aspects that mattered most to performance and outcomes.

So how can this be applied to professional goals, and what are some examples of good professional goals for the new year? Here are the most important points to know.

1. Goals Must Be Clear and Specific

Goals must be clear and specific. When goals are specific, you’re more likely to achieve them, because you know what you’re going after. For example, your general goal to advance your career won’t work as well as a more specific goal to build your professional network with three new contacts this year.

Professionally, you can use goal setting theory to establish a few primary goals that are precise and detailed. For example, you may want to set a goal to build your network through becoming a member of a professional organization and joining a committee for the group.

2. Goals Must be Challenging

Goal setting theory also finds that challenging goals are the most motivational. It’s best to find your sweet spot between something that’s tough, but not so difficult that it’s beyond your capabilities. This will be different for everyone, so you’ll need to try and test for things that will be the most meaningful and relevant to you.

Interestingly, you’re more likely to reach a goal when you believe you have the capacity and capability to be successful, according to the research by Locke and Latham. This is why you need to find the right balance in something that is challenging, but also doable.

Professionally, you can use goal setting theory to establish the right level of challenge. For example, you might want to pursue new learning that is related to your field—through obtaining a certification, accumulating class credits or micro credentials. Set your goal so it stretches you, but not to the point that it exhausts you or undermines your confidence.

3. Goals Must Include Commitment

You’ll also be most likely to achieve your goals when you’re committed to them. Ensure that the objectives you’re setting are important to you, personally. Sometimes we can be influenced by others and drawn toward goals that get a lot of attention online—but you’re most likely to shift your behavior and take action to achieve your goals when you’re personally enthusiastic about the outcomes you’ll accomplish.

Professionally, you can use goal setting theory by ensuring your interest in a goal. Consider a few different goals, and then determine what you’re most enthusiastic to achieve.

For example, getting to a leadership position may be on your list, but you realize managing people isn’t what you love, so you choose to become a mentor instead. Or it may seem cool to start a business, but you realize that you prefer a steady paycheck and the relationships you have with your team, so you decide to pursue a promotion with your employer instead.

The key is to check in with yourself and commit to something that is personally motivating to you.

4. Goals Must Include Feedback

With goal setting theory, another critical component is feedback. If you set a goal and don’t know how you’re progressing, it will be hard to stay motivated. On the other hand, if you can see how you’re doing—for better or worse—and with small wins or big bets—you’ll be able to make adjustments or course corrections. And these will increase your likelihood for success.

Professionally, you can use goal setting theory by establishing check points or feedback systems for yourself. If your goal was to accumulate certain certifications, you can easily determine how many you’ve accomplished.

Or if your goal is to establish your personal brand on a social network, you can measure the level of engagement you receive. If you set a goal to make good choices about how you spend your time in work and life, you can seek feedback from family members and teammates about how you’re following through on projects and presence.

Consider These Career Goals

So, what are good career goals? The career goals you establish will depend on what’s most important to you. There are all kinds of options to consider.