Goals guide the next step
Follow a practical cycle connecting a goal, an attempt and information about progress.
The picture in words
- Goal
- Specify the outcome being pursued.
- Action
- Take a step toward it.
- Feedback
- Compare current progress with the goal.
- Adjustment
- Use the information to choose another step.
Reading the illustration
The cycle is an original practical planning model. The source explains goals and motivation; the diagram organizes a way to use progress information.
Try a question
What useful information could a practice recording provide to someone preparing a short talk?
Show the explanation
The recording can reveal which parts need clearer wording or different timing. Feedback becomes useful when it informs a specific next step.
Read the sources
- Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020). Psychology 2e. OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/10-1-motivationSelected rendered passages: Intrinsic/extrinsic definitions and context passages.