Goal setting theory posits that goals can motivate and improve performance if they are

• A. specific and challenging.
• B. unclear and easy to achieve.
• C. not linked to rewards.
• D. only applicable to teams.

Answer: (A)

Setting specific and challenging goals motivates and improves performance because they provide a clear target and a real drive to reach it. A specific goal gives you an exact aim and a way to measure progress, which helps focus actions and plan the steps needed to succeed. A challenging, yet attainable, goal pushes you to increase effort, sustain persistence, and develop better strategies, since you want to prove you can meet it. Together, they create the right level of focus and stimulation, especially when you receive feedback and can adjust your approach. Goals that are unclear or too easy don’t direct effort effectively, and this approach isn’t limited to teams—individuals respond to clear, demanding targets as well.