Individual Assignment: Final Project – Personal Mission Statement
Yuri L. Sugita
Arizona State University

Author Note
This paper was prepared for TMC: 330 Leading the Enterprise, taught by Dr. Ernest Hirata

Abstract
Goal-setting theory is summarized regarding the effectiveness of specific, difficult goals; the relationship of goals to affect; the mediators of goal effects; the relation of goals to self-efficacy; the moderators of goal effects; and the generality of goal effects across people, tasks, countries, time spans, experimental designs, goal sources (i.e., self-set, set jointly with others, or assigned), and dependent variables. Recent studies concerned with goal choice and the factors that influence it, the function of learning goals, the effect of goal framing, goals and affect (well-being), group goal setting, goals and traits, macro-level goal setting, and conscious versus subconscious goals are described. Suggestions are given for future research.

Individual Assignment: Final Project – Personal Mission Statement
What Are the Benefits to Goal Setting? There are many benefits to goal setting. One of the main benefits to goal setting is that it keeps us focused on achieving our dreams and desires. It drives our ambition to aim for things we never thought were possible and gives us purpose. This ambition helps us visualize the outcome, which gives us a sense of direction. When you aim high it improves your performance and efficiency. They are our inner desires and a constant reminder of what we need and want to accomplish, which often lead to happiness, satisfaction, and fulfillment. It’s important to have specific high goals you can visualize and focus on so that you stay motivated on that particular goal. My goal for example is to finish my bachelor’s degree in Information Technology from the Arizona State University by 2017. Going to school gives me a sense of purpose and challenges me to finish my degree so that I can pursue a job in web development. Every step to my goal gives me a little bit more satisfaction. Starbucks is an excellent example of a company who sets goals for their employees. I for example started working for the company fourteen years ago. Since working for Starbucks I have started out at the bottom as a barista and have worked my way up to shift supervisor, assistant manager and even store manager. This could not be accomplished without setting goals for myself. Aiming for goals at work can lead to recognition, a raise or even a promotion. I tend to be a high performer who sets high goals which results in a high level of performance. This has contributed too much of my success in moving up in the company and has given myself a sense of achievement. I feel like I have a purpose at Starbucks because I not only contribute to my company’s success but I also contribute to the happiness of my customers, which I know makes a difference in their day. Productivity is another benefit to goal setting. The goal setting theory reveals there is a relationship between goal setting and improved production performance. One’s conscious goals affect what one achieves. Specific goals can lead to better performance compared to vague goals such as “do one’s best.” If the goal is not met then a change in the strategy usually takes place to improve the desired outcome. We all want to improve our lives and without goals we have no pathway to reach those desired goals. Setting goals gives us confidence to believe in ourselves. It is often better to take smaller steps to reaching a goal rather than making goals that are hard to achieve otherwise your dreams and aspirations become nothing more than a vague notion.

The Motivational Benefits of Goal-Setting

Gary P. Latham
The Academy of Management Executive (1993-2005), Vol. 18, No. 4, Decision-Making and Firm Success (Nov., 2004), pp. 126-129
Published by: Academy of Management
Article Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/4166132