Final answer:
Motivating goals according to goal-setting theory should be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Specific goals clarify what is expected, measurable goals allow for tracking progress, and achievable goals ensure that challenges can be overcome. Relevant goals align with broader objectives, and time-bound goals keep motivation strong with a set deadline.
Step-by-step explanation:
Characteristics of Motivating Goals
Goal-setting theory emphasizes that for goals to be motivating, they should adhere to the SMART criteria, which stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Here's a breakdown of each characteristic:
- Specific: Goals should be clear and detailed, avoiding any generality. Being specific provides a clear direction and expectation for what is to be accomplished.
- Measurable: It's crucial to have tangible criteria for measuring progress towards achieving the goal. Having measurable steps helps you to stay on track and know when you've reached your target.
- Achievable: While goals should be challenging, they also need to be realistic and attainable. Overcoming potential barriers is part of ensuring that goals are achievable.
- Relevant: Each goal should be aligned with other objectives and make sense within the larger picture of what you're trying to achieve. This alignment makes the goal worth working towards.
- Time-bound: Goals need a specific deadline or target date. This creates a sense of urgency and can help motivate you to continue taking steps towards the goal.
By setting goals that meet these criteria, you create a more structured and effective path towards success. Additionally, listing each step towards achieving your goal can provide greater clarity and maintain motivation.