Goal Setting & Achievement Techniques Flashcards

What is 'implementation intention' in the context of goal achievement?

Answer: A specific if-then plan linking situational cues to goal-directed responses

Implementation intentions are specific if-then plans (e.g., 'If situation X occurs, then I will perform behavior Y') that dramatically increase the likelihood of goal-directed action.

Which of the following BEST describes the concept of 'goal hierarchy'?

Answer: A layered structure linking abstract high-level goals to concrete sub-goals and actions

A goal hierarchy organizes goals from abstract, long-term aims (why) down through intermediate goals (what) to concrete actions (how), creating meaningful alignment across levels.

A client feels overwhelmed by a large goal and loses motivation. Which coaching strategy is MOST effective?

Answer: Apply chunking to divide the goal into smaller, manageable sub-tasks

Chunking breaks a large, overwhelming goal into smaller sub-tasks, making progress feel achievable and maintaining motivation through frequent small wins.

What role does 'accountability' play in goal achievement according to productivity coaching principles?

Answer: It creates social pressure that significantly increases goal follow-through

Accountability partners, check-ins, or public commitment leverage social pressure and obligation to significantly increase the likelihood of following through on goal-directed behaviors.

In the context of CPC coaching, what is 'approach goal orientation' versus 'avoidance goal orientation'?

Answer: Framing goals around gaining positive outcomes vs. framing them around avoiding negative outcomes

Approach goals focus on attaining desired outcomes (e.g., 'earn a promotion'), while avoidance goals focus on preventing unwanted outcomes (e.g., 'avoid being demoted'); approach orientation generally produces better well-being and persistence.

What is the significance of 'goal specificity' in goal achievement research?

Answer: Specific goals consistently outperform vague 'do your best' goals in performance outcomes

Decades of research by Locke and Latham demonstrate that specific, challenging goals consistently produce higher performance than vague or easy goals.

A productivity coach helps a client identify goals that align with their core values. What is the PRIMARY benefit of value-aligned goals?

Answer: They generate intrinsic motivation that sustains effort even when obstacles arise

Goals aligned with a client's core values tap into intrinsic motivation — the deepest and most sustainable form of drive — making the client more resilient to setbacks and obstacles.