Understanding the Self | Unit 1

Lesson 2:
Setting Goals
for Success
Prepared by Nathaniel C. Mendoza, RPm

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Learning Outcomes
After completing the lesson, the students are
expected to:

Identify the types of motivation;

Determine one’s short-term and long-term
goals;
Recognize the importance of goal setting;
and
Enumerate ways on how to achieve goals.
Introduction
Quote: “If you plan on being anything
less than you are capable of being, you
will probably be unhappy all the days of
your life.” – Abraham Maslow

Quote: “A ship in a harbor is safe but

that is not what ships are built for.”
– John A. Shedd

Key Ideas: Success requires effort,

planning, and determination.
Goals
Definition of Goal:
A goal is the object of a person’s ambition, effort,
or desired result.
In Industrial/Organizational psychology, a goal is
what an individual is consciously trying to achieve.
Role of Motivation in Goals:
Motivation directs behavior toward achieving goals.
It helps in developing strategies to enhance
performance.
Effects of Achieving or Failing to Achieve Goals:
Success: Leads to satisfaction and higher
motivation.
Failure: May cause frustration and lower
motivation.
Types of Motivation 1. Intrinsic Motivation (Internal)
Comes from within a person.
Driven by passion, curiosity, or personal
satisfaction.
Examples:
Studying because you love learning.
Playing an instrument for enjoyment, not
rewards.

2. Extrinsic Motivation (External)

Comes from external rewards or pressure.
Driven by money, grades, praise, or recognition.
Examples:
Studying to earn a high grade.
Working hard for a promotion or bonus.
Classification of Goals
1. Short-Term Goals
Achievable within a day, week, or year.
Help in building momentum for bigger
achievements.
Examples: Completing an
assignment, learning a new skill,
saving a small amount of money.
2. Long-Term Goals
Achieved over a year or more.
Require consistent effort and planning.
Examples: Earning a degree, career
advancement, buying a house.
Factors Which May Influence Goals
1. Values - Provide direction to behavior
Values are personal beliefs about what is important, desirable,
and good.
They shape decisions and actions in pursuing goals.
Example: A person who values education will set academic
goals.

2. Needs- Activate and direct behavior

Needs create motivation, driving a person to take action.
Drive-Reduction Theory:
Humans seek to maintain homeostasis (balance).
Unmet needs create tension, pushing individuals to act.
Example: Hunger motivates a person to seek food;
ambition drives career growth.
Classification of Needs
1. Physiological Needs
Basic survival needs essential for life.
Includes food, water, air, sleep, and sex.
If unmet, the body experiences discomfort and imbalance.
Example: A person feeling tired will prioritize rest over other
activities.

2. Psychological Needs
Arise from relationships and personal fulfillment.
Includes love, belonging, purpose, achievement, and
understanding.
If satisfied, they contribute to emotional well-being and self-
growth.
Example: A person seeks companionship and recognition to
feel valued.
Maslow’s Hierarchy
Abraham Maslow & His Theory
of Needs Maslow studied positive human
qualities and exemplary lives.
In 1954, he introduced the Hierarchy
of Human Needs in his book
Motivation and Personality.
Maslow’s Hierarchy
The Hierarchy (Pyramid Structure)
of Needs Key Concept: Lower-level needs must
be met first before progressing to
higher levels.
 Introduction to Self-Efficacy
Albert Bandura’s Introduced by Albert Bandura in his 1977 article
Self-Efficacy: Toward a Unifying Theory of
Self-efficacy Behavioral Change.
Defined as "people’s beliefs about their
capabilities to produce designated levels of
performance that exercise influence over events
that affect their lives.

The Bobo Doll Experiment

Purpose: Studied how children learn through
observation.
Findings:
Children exposed to violent behavior
imitated aggression.
Children exposed to non-violent behavior
remained calm.
Conclusion: Social modeling is a powerful way
of learning.
 Self Confidence vs. Self-efficacy

Self-Confidence Self-Efficacy
Definition: A general belief in Definition: The specific belief in
oneself and one's abilities across one's ability to succeed in a
various situations. particular task or situation.
Focus: Overall self-worth and self- Focus: Task-specific abilities and
assurance. performance.
Examples: Examples:
Feeling capable in social Believing you can solve a math
interactions. problem after practice.
Believing in your ability to Knowing you can deliver a good
succeed in life. presentation with preparation.
"I believe I am a capable person." "I believe I can complete this
project successfully."
Characteristics of People
with High Self-Efficacy View difficult tasks as challenges to master.
Set challenging goals and remain committed.
Persevere in the face of failure.
Attribute failure to lack of effort or skills, which
can be improved.
Face threats with confidence and control.
Characteristics of People
with Low Self-Efficacy Avoid tasks seen as threatening.
Have low aspirations and weak commitment.
Focus on personal deficiencies and obstacles.
Give up quickly when facing difficulties.
Struggle to recover from failure.
Easily fall into stress and depression.
Source of Influence
(Self-efficacy) 1. Performance Accomplishments
(Mastery Experience)
Most effective way to strengthen self-
efficacy.
Success builds confidence; failure
undermines it, especially early on.
Example: Learning to ride a bike—small
successes lead to greater belief in ability.
Source of Influence
(Self-efficacy) 2. Vicarious Experience
(Observational Learning)
Watching others succeed boosts self-belief.
The greater the similarity between the
observer and model, the stronger the
impact.
Example: A student sees a classmate solve a
difficult problem and feels motivated to try.
Source of Influence
(Self-efficacy) 3. Verbal / Social Persuasion
Encouraging words boost confidence and
motivation.
Helps people mobilize effort and persist in
challenges.
Example: “You got this!” or “I believe in you!”
Source of Influence
(Self-efficacy) 4. Psychological / Somatic & Emotional States
Stress, fatigue, and mood affect self-
efficacy.
High tension can be mistaken as inability,
but it may just signal pushing limits.
Example: A student feeling nervous before
an exam misinterprets it as lack of ability.
Carol Dweck’s
Mindset Theory Carol S. Dweck
Leading researcher in motivation and
psychology.
Professor at Stanford University.
Author of Mindset: The New Psychology of
Success.
Her work explains why people succeed and
how to develop a growth-oriented mindset.
Fixed Mindset vs.
Fixed Mindset
Growth Mindset Belief:
Intelligence & abilities are fixed traits.
Thinking Pattern:
“That’s just the way I am.”
“I’m either good at it or I’m not.”
Behavioral Traits:
Avoids challenges to prevent failure.
Views failure as a statement on ability.
Easily affected by negative feedback.
Example:
A student avoids math because they
believe they are "bad at numbers."
Fixed Mindset vs. Growth Mindset
Belief:
Growth Mindset Intelligence & abilities can be developed.
Thinking Pattern:
“I can improve with effort.”
“Challenges help me grow.”
Behavioral Traits:
Views failure as a learning opportunity.
Values hard work, persistence, and
feedback.
Believes in continuous improvement.
Example:
A student struggles in math but keeps
practicing, believing they can improve.
The Rules of Goal-Setting
1️⃣ Set Goals That Motivate You
Goals must be personally important and
aligned with your values.
If a goal doesn't inspire you, you are less
likely to achieve it.
 The Rules of Goal-Setting
2️⃣ Set SMART Goals
S - Specific: Clearly define what you want to
achieve.
M - Measurable: Track progress with clear
indicators.
A - Attainable: Set realistic and achievable
goals.
R - Relevant: Goals should align with your long-
term vision.
T - Time-bound: Set deadlines to stay focused.
The Rules of Goal-Setting
3️⃣ Write Your Life Goals
List all the goals you want to achieve.
Prioritize them and eliminate unimportant
ones.
 The Rules of Goal-Setting
4️⃣ Develop an Action Plan
Break down goals into smaller, actionable
steps.
Identify the resources and skills needed to
accomplish them.
 The Rules of Goal-Setting
5️⃣ Start Working Toward Your Goals
Take the first step, stay consistent, and
adjust as needed.
Celebrate small wins along the way!
References:
Alata, E. J. P., Caslib Jr., B. N., Serafica, J. P. J. & Pawilen, R. A. (2018).
Understanding the Self. Manila: Rex Book Store.
Go-Monilla, M.J.A. & Ramirez, N.C. (2018). Understanding the Self. Metro Manila,
Quezon City: C & E Publishing, Inc.
Macayan, J.V., Junghan-Pinugu, J.N., and Castillo, J.C.D. (2019). Understanding
the Self: Outcome-Based Module. Quezon City: C & E Publishing, Inc.
Thank you