Goal Setting & Achievement Techniques Flashcards

Which goal-setting concept emphasizes that goals should be reviewed and adjusted based on changing circumstances or new information?

Answer: Dynamic goal adaptation

Dynamic goal adaptation recognizes that effective goal setting requires flexibility to revise goals when circumstances, priorities, or new information warrant changes.

A productivity coach client sets a vague goal of 'getting healthier.' What is the first coaching step to transform this into an actionable goal?

Answer: Define specific measurable outcomes and timelines

Transforming vague aspirations into actionable goals requires defining specific, measurable outcomes with clear timelines using frameworks like SMART criteria.

What does the 'backward goal planning' technique involve?

Answer: Starting from the desired end state and working backward to identify required steps

Backward goal planning starts with the desired end result and works backward to map out the specific actions, milestones, and resources needed to achieve it.

In goal achievement coaching, what is 'goal contagion'?

Answer: The phenomenon where exposure to others' goals activates similar goals in oneself

Goal contagion is the psychological phenomenon where observing another person pursuing a goal unconsciously activates the same goal in the observer.

Which technique involves mentally rehearsing both the desired outcome AND the obstacles that might prevent it?

Answer: Mental contrasting

Mental contrasting (developed by Gabriele Oettingen) pairs vivid visualization of the desired future with realistic identification of internal obstacles, energizing goal-directed action.

What is the primary risk of setting exclusively outcome goals without also setting process goals?

Answer: Focus shifts entirely to results, neglecting the behaviors that produce them

Relying solely on outcome goals can cause clients to neglect the daily processes and behaviors that actually drive results, leading to frustration when outcomes don't materialize.

A client consistently meets short-term goals but struggles with long-term goal achievement. Which coaching approach is MOST appropriate?

Answer: Break long-term goals into a series of sequenced short-term milestones

Bridging the gap between short-term and long-term goals requires creating a cascading series of milestones that connect immediate actions to the ultimate objective.