Motivation and emotion/Book/2023/Stretch goals

Stretch goals:
What are they and how do they work?

Overview

At the heart of psychology and psychology theory lies the concept of stretch goals Stretch goals representing an enthusiastic and aspirational approach to constructing objectives that pave the way for substantial personal growth, refined cognitive development, and profound shifts in behaviour. These goals find their foundation in the core beliefs of positive psychology and cognitive-behavioural theories, acting as a motivating force that ignites motivation within individuals (Chen et al., 2021). By catalysing them to exceed the self-imposed limitations they've constructed, stretch goals create the platform for embarking on a journey of profound transformation. In this article, individuals strive not only for elevated performance but also to cultivate an unyielding resilience and a heightened sense of well-being. This comprehensive psychological framework has garnered widespread recognition and practical applicability, spanning across countless of domains, encompassing education, therapeutic interventions, professional progression, and the sphere of personalised self-improvement.

Have you ever set a goal that felt nearly impossible to achieve? Stretch goals represent an ambitious approach to personal growth, encouraging us to push beyond our self-imposed limits. Rooted in positive psychology and cognitive-behavioural theories, they ignite motivation and drive transformation (Chen et al., 2021). By aiming high, we not only enhance our performance but also build resilience and improve our overall well-being. This powerful framework has gained recognition and practical use across various fields, from education and therapy to personal development and career advancement.

Focus questions:

What are Stretch Goals?
How do Stretch Goals Fit in Motivation Theory?
What are Stretch Goal Techniques and how can they be Implemented?

Theories that make up stretch goals

Positive psychology

Positive psychology focuses on enhancing well-being, flourishing, and optimal human functioning. This is an important component when it comes to Stretch Goals as the basis is a process that involves multiple different blockades in ones[grammar?] own ambition to completing a task that is desired (Pina e Cunha et al., 2016).
Stretch goals align with this theory by emphasizing strengths, virtues, and positive attributes. The theory suggests that individuals can leverage their inherent strengths to set and pursue stretch goals that align with their capabilities, fostering a sense of accomplishment and increasing overall life satisfaction (See et al., 2023).

Self-determination theory

The principles of self-determination theory are deeply interwoven into the very essence of stretch goals. Rooted in this theory is a profound emphasis on the crucial nature of intrinsic motivation, personal autonomy, and a strong sense of competence (LA GUARDIA, 2009). The harmonious alignment of stretch goals with this theory becomes apparent as they provide a platform for individuals to not only set but passionately pursue objectives that resonate with their unique personal interests and aspirations.
This, in turn, nurtures a distinct sense of autonomy, as individuals are empowered to embark on a journey where they are the architects of their ambitions. These ambitions, inherently challenging, serve as a canvas upon which individuals can paint their paths to growth, effectively fueling their intrinsic motivation and bolstering their belief in their own capabilities (Rigby & Ryan, 2018).

Goal-setting theory

The foundational principles that anchor the goal setting theory seamlessly extend their reach into the domain of stretch goals. While the conventional goal setting theory underscores the importance of clarity and challenge in goal formulation, the concept of stretch goals takes this notion to a heightened level. (Gary et al., 2017).
These goals go beyond the familiar terrain by looking into tasks that stand just on the cusp of an individual's existing abilities. This strategic shift introduces an element of controlled discomfort, nudging individuals beyond their comfort zones while still remaining within the realm of what is achievable. As individuals set their sights on these stretch goals, they harness the motivational force generated by the allure of objectives that are both demanding and within their grasp (Ryan & Deci, 2017).

Growth-mindset theory

The growth mindset theory, widely regarded as a cornerstone within the realms of learning and personal development, exhibits a remarkable congruence with the very essence that underpins stretch goals. This theory seamlessly aligns with the principles of stretch goals by instilling in individuals the valuable inclination to wholeheartedly embrace challenges as platforms for exponential growth (Yang, 2023).
Within the context of stretch goals, this mindset emerges as a transformative force, reshaping the way setbacks and obstacles are perceived. These challenges, rather than being impediments, are viewed as pivotal stepping stones, leading to the realization of even loftier achievements. Such a perspective reinforces the profound belief that effort invested in the face of challenges is not only fruitful but also paves the way for remarkable strides in personal advancement. The interplay between the growth mindset theory and stretch goals thus sets the stage for a journey marked not only by accomplishments but also by a continuous and profound evolution.

Where are stretch goals applicable?

Stretch goals find applicability in numerous facets of daily life, where individuals strive to achieve exceptional growth, challenge their limits, and realize their full potential. Here are some areas where stretch goals can be applied:

Career development

In the workplace, setting stretch goals can drive employees to expand their skill sets, take on more challenging projects, and reach for higher positions. These goals foster continuous learning and innovation, propelling individuals toward professional excellence.

Real Life Example

Sarah's journey within our marketing department. Sarah, a dedicated marketing professional, collaborated closely with her manager, David. Together, they pinpointed ambitious goals, such as pursuing leadership training, enhancing her public speaking abilities, and venturing into international markets. Sarah's unwavering commitment and David's mentorship culminated in her well-deserved promotion, a significant improvement in her public speaking skills, and the successful expansion of our company's market presence.

Education

Students can benefit from setting stretch goals by aiming for academic achievements beyond their current capabilities. Whether it's tackling advanced coursework or participating in extracurricular activities, stretch goals encourage students to push their boundaries and excel academically.

Real Life Example

Alex, an aspiring student pursuing a degree in engineering. With the guidance of his academic advisor, Sarah, they set challenging academic objectives, such as completing advanced courses, participating in research projects, and presenting findings at conferences. Through Alex's determination and Sarah's support, he not only excelled academically but also developed valuable research skills and expanded his knowledge significantly, exemplifying how stretch goals can enhance educational outcomes.

Physical fitness, health and fitness

In the realm of health and fitness, setting stretch goals can motivate individuals to surpass their fitness milestones. Whether it's running longer distances, lifting heavier weights, or achieving specific body composition goals, stretch goals inspire individuals to make meaningful progress in their fitness journeys.

Real Life Example

Emma, an individual aiming to achieve peak physical performance. Under the guidance of her personal trainer, Mike, they established ambitious fitness goals, including running a marathon, mastering advanced strength exercises, and achieving a specific body composition. Through Emma's unwavering dedication and Mike's expert coaching, she not only completed a marathon but also attained remarkable strength gains and reached her desired body composition, illustrating the effectiveness of stretch goals in physical fitness outcomes.

Personal finance

Financial stretch goals can involve saving a specific amount of money, reducing debt, or achieving certain investment targets. These goals encourage prudent financial habits and contribute to long-term financial stability.

Real Life Example

James, a young professional eager to improve his financial well-being. With the assistance of a financial advisor, Lisa, they outlined challenging financial objectives, such as paying off substantial debts, saving for a down payment on a home, and building a diversified investment portfolio. Through James' disciplined budgeting and Lisa's expert guidance, he not only eliminated his debts but also managed to save enough for a down payment and created a well-balanced investment portfolio, demonstrating how stretch goals can significantly enhance personal finance outcomes.

Review: Quiz

Case study

Jane is a 30-year-old marketing professional working at a digital advertising agency. She has consistently met her targets and performed well in her role, but she has expressed a desire for personal growth and a need to challenge herself further. Her manager, David, recognizes her potential and is eager to help her harness her capabilities by implementing stretch goals techniques rooted in psychology. The objectives of this case study are to help Jane achieve personal growth and professional development by employing stretch goals techniques inspired by psychological principles. David collaborates with the HR department to design a tailored approach that aligns with psychological theories to help Jane set and achieve stretch goals. David introduces the concept of "flow," where an individual becomes fully immersed and engaged in a task. To promote flow, he encourages Jane to set goals that are slightly above her current skill level. This challenge keeps her engaged and excited about her work, increasing the likelihood of achieving her stretch goals.Jane's goals are set using the goal-setting theory principles, which emphasize the importance of setting specific and challenging goals to enhance motivation and performance. David ensures that Jane's goals are ambitious but attainable, avoiding extremes that could lead to frustration or complacency. Jane's goals are set using the goal-setting theory principles, which emphasize the importance of setting specific and challenging goals to enhance motivation and performance. David ensures that Jane's goals are ambitious but attainable, avoiding extremes that could lead to frustration or complacency.

David schedules a one-on-one meeting with Jane to discuss her career aspirations and desire for personal growth. He explains the stretch goals approach and its potential benefits. David schedules regular check-in meetings to review Jane's progress, provide guidance, and offer constructive feedback. These meetings foster a sense of accountability and demonstrate David's support for her growth journey. As Jane achieves various milestones on her journey toward her stretch goals, David celebrates her successes. This positive reinforcement boosts her confidence and reinforces her motivation to continue pushing herself.

Over the course of several months, Jane successfully achieves her stretch goals related to leadership development and staying updated on digital marketing trends. She reports feeling more confident, engaged, and fulfilled in her role. The tailored approach that combines psychological principles with stretch goals techniques has empowered Jane to unlock her potential and experience significant personal and professional growth.

Stretch goal techniques

Break-down goals

Breaking down stretch goals involves dissecting a challenging objective into smaller, measurable milestones with specific action plans and deadlines. This systematic approach helps individuals or teams make significant progress toward their ultimate goal. Prioritization, time management, and regular progress monitoring are essential elements (Somuncuoglu & Yildirim, 1999). Flexibility is crucial as circumstances may change, requiring adjustments to the action plans and timelines. Celebrating achievements along the way boosts motivation, and periodic reflection allows for refinement of the strategy. Overall, breaking down stretch goals transforms daunting aspirations into manageable steps, increasing the likelihood of successful attainment.

Feedback loop Incorporating a feedback loop into the pursuit of stretch goals involves a systematic process of regularly assessing progress, gathering diverse feedback, and reflecting on the results. This iterative approach enables individuals or teams to analyze what's working well, identify areas for improvement, and adapt their strategies accordingly. (Carver & Scheier, 1981) It provides a mechanism for setting new objectives as understanding evolves and maintaining motivation by celebrating achievements. Effective communication of progress is essential when working with others, fostering accountability and valuable insights. Ultimately, the feedback loop ensures that the pursuit of stretch goals remains dynamic, adaptive, and well-informed, increasing the likelihood of successful attainment (Layous et al., 2016).

Progress-tracking

Tracking progress in the pursuit of stretch goals is crucial for success. It involves defining clear metrics and KPIs, regularly collecting relevant data, and maintaining records. Visual representations and routine check-ins facilitate the assessment of progress, allowing for the identification of trends and areas requiring improvement. Celebrating milestones and adjusting strategies when necessary ensures motivation and adaptability throughout the journey (Tracy et al., 2005). Seeking feedback and maintaining accountability are also essential aspects of effective progress tracking. By implementing a structured tracking process, individuals and teams can stay focused, make informed decisions, and remain adaptable, increasing their chances of successfully attaining their ambitious goals.

Review: Quiz Time!

Conclusion

In conclusion, the concept of stretch goals stands as a powerful testament to the potential for human growth and transformation. Rooted in the principles of positive psychology and cognitive-behavioral theories, stretch goals serve as a driving force that empowers individuals to break free from self-imposed limitations. These ambitious objectives not only elevate performance but also foster resilience and well-being. As we have explored in this article, the impact of stretch goals transcends boundaries, finding relevance in education, therapy, career development, and personal growth.

Through the pursuit of stretch goals, individuals embark on a journey of self-discovery and self-improvement, continually pushing their boundaries to achieve new heights. These goals challenge the status quo and invite individuals to embrace discomfort as a path to growth. In doing so, they unlock their full potential and create a profound shift in behavior, ultimately contributing to a richer, more fulfilling life.

In the realm of psychology and psychology theory, stretch goals serve as a testament to the remarkable capacity of the human mind to adapt, evolve, and thrive. They stand as a beacon of hope, encouraging individuals to reach for the stars and realize their greatest aspirations. In this ever-evolving landscape of personal development, stretch goals remain an invaluable tool for those seeking to unlock their true potential and lead lives of purpose and fulfillment.

References

Carver, C. S., & Scheier, M. F. (1981). The self-attention-induced feedback loop and social facilitation. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 17(6), 545–568. https://doi.org/10.1016/0022-1031(81)90039-1

Chen, C., Zhang, Z., & Jia, M. (2021). Stretch goals and unethical behavior: role of ambivalent identification and competitive psychological climate. Management Decision, ahead-of-print(ahead-of-print). https://doi.org/10.1108/md-04-2019-0433

Gary, M. S., Yang, M. M., Yetton, P. W., & Sterman, J. D. (2017). Stretch Goals and the Distribution of Organizational Performance. Organization Science, 28(3), 395–410. https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.2017.1131

LA GUARDIA, J. G. (2009). Developing Who I Am: A Self-Determination Theory Approach to the Establishment of Healthy Identities. Educational Psychologist, 44(2), 90–104. https://doi.org/10.1080/00461520902832350

Layous, K., Nelson, S. K., Kurtz, J. L., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2016). What triggers prosocial effort? A positive feedback loop between positive activities, kindness, and well-being. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 12(4), 385–398. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2016.1198924

Pina e Cunha, M., Giustiniano, L., Rego, A., & Clegg, S. (2016). Mission impossible? The paradoxes of stretch goal setting. Management Learning, 48(2), 140–157. https://doi.org/10.1177/1350507616664289

Rigby, C. S., & Ryan, R. M. (2018). Self-Determination Theory in Human Resource Development: New Directions and Practical Considerations. Advances in Developing Human Resources, 20(2), 133–147. https://doi.org/10.1177/1523422318756954

Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2017). Self-Determination Theory: Basic Psychological Needs in Motivation, Development, and Wellness. In Google Books. Guilford Publications. https://books.google.com.au/books?hl=en&lr=&id=Bc_DDAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=self+determination+theory+and+stretch+goals&ots=QIodj9jM6h&sig=oSOSD7jPXHTH6bl_iYOG5ajvjNs&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=self%20determination%20theory%20and%20stretch%20goals&f=false

See, K. E., Miller, C. C., & Sitkin, S. B. (2023). Stretch goals have enduring appeal, but are the right organisations using them? BMJ Leader, leader-2022-000695. https://doi.org/10.1136/leader-2022-000695

Sitkin, S. B., Miller, C. C., & See, K. E. (2017, September 7). The Stretch Goal Paradox. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2017/01/the-stretch-goal-paradox

Somuncuoglu, Y., & Yildirim, A. (1999). Relationship Between Achievement Goal Orientations and Use of Learning Strategies. The Journal of Educational Research, 92(5), 267–277. https://doi.org/10.1080/00220679909597606

Stretch Goals: Definition, Benefits, Tips and Examples. (2022). Indeed Career Guide. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/stretch-goals

Tracy, J. L., Robins, R. W., & Gosling, S. D. (2005). Tracking Trends in Psychological Science. Springer EBooks, 105–130. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-306-48010-2_6

Yang, M. M. (2023). Stretch Goals, Factual/Counterfactual Reflection Strategies, and Firm Performance. Journal of Management Studies. https://doi.org/10.1111/joms.12931

External links

Psychology of Self-Motivation Ted Talk (Scott Geller, Youtube)
The Stretch Goal Paradox (Harvard Business Review)
Stretch Goals and Career Development (Indeed)

Motivation and emotion/Book/2023/Stretch goals

Contents

Overview

Theories that make up stretch goals

Where are stretch goals applicable?

Case study

Stretch goal techniques

Conclusion

See also

References

External links