Why Mastery Goals Trump Performance Goals in Achieving Long-term Success
Setting goals is crucial to personal and professional development, but not all goals are created equal. In fact, research shows that mastery goals trump performance goals when it comes to achieving long-term success.
What are Mastery Goals and Performance Goals?
Mastery goals focus on improving skills and knowledge. They are based on intrinsic motivation, a desire to learn and grow, and the belief that abilities can be developed through hard work and practice. Performance goals, on the other hand, are focused on achieving benchmarks or outperforming others. They are based on extrinsic motivation, a desire to win or prove oneself, and the belief that abilities are fixed and cannot be changed.
Why do Mastery Goals Lead to Long-term Success?
When we focus on mastery goals, we become more engaged in the learning process, persist longer in the face of challenges, and develop a stronger sense of self-efficacy. In contrast, performance goals can lead to anxiety, fear of failure, and a tendency to give up when faced with difficulties.
Moreover, mastery goals promote a growth mindset, which is the belief that our abilities can be improved through effort and learning. In contrast, performance goals promote a fixed mindset, which is the belief that our abilities are limited and cannot be changed.
Examples of Mastery Goals in Practice
Let’s take the example of a salesperson. A mastery goal for this person might be to improve their product knowledge, customer service skills or follow-up techniques. They might set a goal of reading a certain number of relevant books or attending training sessions to develop these skills.
In contrast, a performance goal would be to have the highest sales numbers or be the top salesperson in the organization. This goal might motivate the salesperson in the short term, but could lead to burnout or a reluctance to take risks in the long run.
Conclusion
Mastery goals are a powerful tool for achieving long-term success. By focusing on improving skills and knowledge, we become more engaged in the learning process, develop a growth mindset, and are more likely to persist in the face of challenges. Whether you are a student, a professional, or an entrepreneur, cultivating mastery goals can help you achieve your full potential.
