Editing Content theory (section)

===Goal-setting theory===
{{Main|Goal-setting theory}}
Goal-setting theory is based on the idea that individuals have a drive to reach a clearly defined end state. Often, this end state is a [[reward system|reward]] in itself. A goal's efficiency is affected by three features: proximity, difficulty, and specificity. One common goal setting methodology incorporates the [[SMART criteria]], in which goals are: specific, measurable, attainable/achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Time management is an important aspect, when regarding time as a contributing factor to goal achievement. Having too much time allows for distraction and procrastination, which also serves as a distraction to the subject by steering their attention away from the original goal. An ideal goal should present a situation where the time between the beginning of the effort and the end state is close.<ref name=":3">{{cite book |title = Learning Strategies and Learning Styles |last = Entwistle |first = Noel |date = 1988 |publisher = Springer, Boston, MA |isbn = 978-1-4899-2120-8 |series = Perspectives on Individual Differences |pages = 21–51 |language = en |doi = 10.1007/978-1-4899-2118-5_2 |chapter = Motivational Factors in Students' Approaches to Learning }}</ref> With an overly restricting time restraint, the subject could potentially feel overwhelmed, which could deter the subject from achieving the goal because the amount of time provided is not sufficient or rational.<ref name=":2">{{cite journal |last1 = Fried |first1 = Yitzhak |last2 = Slowik |first2 = Linda Haynes |date = 2004 |title = Enriching Goal-Setting Theory with Time: An Integrated Approach |journal = The Academy of Management Review |volume = 29 |issue = 3 |pages = 404–422 |doi = 10.2307/20159051 |jstor = 20159051 }}</ref> This explains why some children are more motivated to learn how to ride a bike than to master [[algebra]]. A goal should be moderate, not too hard, or too easy to complete.<ref name=":2" />

Most people are not optimally motivated, as many want a challenge (which assumes some kind of insecurity of success). At the same time, people want to feel that there is a substantial [[probability]] that they will succeed. The goal should be objectively defined and understandable for the individual.<ref name=":3" /> Similarly to [[Maslow's hierarchy of needs|Maslow]]'s Hierarchy of Needs, a larger end goal is easier to achieve if the subject has smaller, more attainable yet still challenging goals to achieve first in order to advance over a period of time.<ref name=":2" /> A classic example of a poorly specified goal is trying to motivate oneself to run a [[marathon]] when s/he has not had proper training. A smaller, more attainable goal is to first motivate oneself to take the stairs instead of an elevator or to replace a stagnant activity, like watching television, with a mobile one, like spending time walking and eventually working up to a jog.<ref group="note">All goals are subject to the individual's skills and abilities.</ref>