Question

Many people with long-term goals such as "become a doctor" eventually abandon their long-term goal pursuit. The essential motivational problem with long-term goals is that they:

a. Lack immediate reinforcement.
b. Are too specific.
c. Are too challenging.
d. Lack social support.

Answer 1

The main issue with long-term goals is the lack of immediate reinforcement, making it tougher to stay motivated. Breaking down goals into smaller tasks and setting specific, measurable, and achievable objectives can help maintain motivation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The essential motivational problem with long-term goals such as "become a doctor" is that they lack immediate reinforcement. Long-term goals often set for many years can make it difficult to stay motivated without seeing immediate results. Modern society's goal-achievement cycles have drastically lengthened compared to our natural inclination for shorter cycles. To maintain motivation, it is essential to break down long-term goals into smaller, more manageable tasks providing a sense of progress and achievement. Moreover, setting specific, measurable, and achievable objectives can help sustain motivation through the ups and downs of pursuing a challenging career.