Which of the following illustrates a practical use of goal setting?

Establishing specific and actionable objectives is key to effective goal setting because it provides clarity and direction. Specific goals outline exactly what needs to be accomplished, making it easier to formulate a plan and track progress. For instance, rather than stating a general goal like "get fit," a specific goal would be "exercise for 30 minutes, five days a week." This clarity helps individuals focus their efforts and stay motivated as they can clearly see what they need to do and measure their success accordingly.

In contrast, vague and unclear goals can lead to confusion and a lack of motivation, as individuals may not know what steps to take. Similarly, setting unrealistic goals can result in frustration and discouragement rather than progress, while creating goals based on others' expectations might not align with one’s personal values or interests, thereby undermining motivation and commitment. Therefore, the establishment of specific and actionable objectives not only enhances motivation but also increases the likelihood of successful goal attainment.