Humans are driven to have goals by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. These drivers of goal-setting shape the specific goals individuals pursue, and the reasons behind having one goal over another can be complex and multifaceted. Here’s a closer look at what drives humans to set goals and why they choose particular ones.

Biological Factors

Survival and Reproduction:

These fundamental drives are rooted in our biology and are essential for the continuation of the species. Survival is one of the most powerful drives for living beings. We set goals that align with maintaining our lives without a lot of conscious effort. Reproduction is another basic and strong motivation for living creatures. For example, basic goals such as seeking food, shelter, and safety are driven by the need to survive and reproduce. A lot of the goals we set very frequently are for the satisfaction of our motivation to survive and reproduce. Although, biological reproduction isn’t a goal for all humans due to various factors, here, we’re considering the general public without the dismissal of anyone.

Neurological Reward Systems:

This reward system reinforces goal-setting behavior and motivates individuals to pursue objectives that provide satisfaction and happiness. A great example is the release of dopamine in the brain when achieving a goal generates a sense of pleasure and reward. The pleasure of getting rewards makes people go on and on. This is one of the major causes of addiction to games, phones, apps, etc. The more joy you feel the more you want.

Psychological Factors

Self-determination Theory (SDT):

Self-Determination Theory (SDT), developed by Edward Deci and Richard Ryan, emphasizes the importance of intrinsic motivation in goal setting, highlighting that goals aligning with an individual’s inherent interests and values (intrinsic motivation) are more likely to be achieved and lead to greater well-being. SDT identifies three basic psychological needs—autonomy, competence, and relatedness—that, when fulfilled, enhance motivation and persistence. Goals that are self-endorsed and reflect intrinsic values tend to result in better performance and satisfaction compared to those driven by external rewards. In essence, focusing on goals that support these psychological needs can foster sustained effort and successful outcomes​.

Personal Values and Beliefs:

Goals are often a reflection of what individuals believe to be important and meaningful in their lives. For instance, A person who values environmental sustainability may have goals as follows:

1. Reduce personal carbon footprint
2. Adopt a plant-based diet
3. Minimize waste
4. Direct donations and investments towards green and sustainable projects
5. Improve home sustainability (solar, water-saving)
6. Advocacy and community involvement

With the same token, religious people have a set of goals that are mainly oriented to their beliefs.

Self-Concept and Identity:

Goals are influenced by how individuals perceive themselves and their desired identity. When we conclude on the person we want to be and how we want to be remembered, a list of goals is automatically drawn like a roadmap. Athletes and musicians have careers very closely related to their identity. They set goals with regard to who they want to be in the future.

Social Factors

Cultural and Societal Influences:

Societal norms and cultural values play a significant role in shaping the goals people pursue. In some cultures, achieving academic success is highly valued, leading individuals to set educational goals.

Family and Peer Influence:

The expectations and aspirations of close social groups can impact goal-setting behavior. A person may set a career goal influenced by their parents’ professions or their friends’ ambitions.

Social Comparison:

Comparing oneself to others can inspire goal-setting as individuals strive to match or exceed the achievements of their peers. Seeing peers achieve certain milestones can motivate some people to set similar goals. This doesn’t have to be a negative thing. When you see someone with similar sets of skills and resources achieve something or stand up strong after an experience, you get the feeling that it is possible for you to do the same and more.

Individual Differences

Personality Traits:

Personality traits, such as conscientiousness, openness, and extraversion, influence the types of goals individuals set and their approach to achieving them. They play a major factor in which goals we feel comfortable setting and which means we choose to use to accomplish them. An introvert who is also shy will be less likely to have a goal of working as a door-to-door salesperson. A person’s goals and their plan to achieve those can reveal a lot about their personality.

Life Experiences:

Personal history and life events shape priorities and the goals individuals deem important. For example, someone who has experienced poverty may set financial stability as a primary goal. A lot of the goals we set are in relation to a life experience. Some life experiences add, and others remove goals. You may have a new set of goals after experiencing harsh or happy moments in your life. It is not new that people almost change their whole lives after experiencing joy or hardship.

Education and Knowledge:

The knowledge and skills acquired through education influence the goals individuals believe are attainable and worthwhile. Exposure to different fields of study can inspire career goals in those areas. This is the case for many college students in America who change majors. The more you learn the more you change. Most of the time, we think of the world, ourselves, and our future in terms of what we know and the skills we have.

Goal Management

As you already know, goals don’t just pop up in your head. Above, we listed factors that influence how your goals originate. That being said, goals aren’t supposed to only be in your mind. They need to be fulfilled and felt. It is impossible to not have goals. Goals are desired outcomes or intentions whether conscious or not. They take part in guiding behavior and decision-making. Deciding that you don’t want to have or pursue any goals is a goal in itself. That’s because that decision represents a choice on your way to live and act. You are setting a goal to not pursue any goals. So you continuously work your way to not be tempted to fulfill anything you want or desire. It may seem easy, but I believe it is very hard. Goals are part of us.

Now that we know that we can’t get rid of goals and, considering the examples listed earlier, their fulfillment can bring joy and comfort, we need to figure out how to deal with them. We live with our lists of goals and they get updated and changed every so often as we learn, grow, and achieve goals. Having a goal doesn’t guarantee its accomplishment. There has to be a structure in both defining and pursuing each goal. Each person has different material and nonmaterial means at disposition and a different set of circumstances and environments. Despite this, there are some standard methods of goal setting and pursuit that can be applied to all situations.

Apply the “Why” “What” “How” Method

A goal is a target. It should be clearly defined. When you define your goal, you must find the purpose of your goal. The “what” of your goal should be the first thing to define. A goal should also be real and realistic. You can’t have an undefined and unrealistic goal. That doesn’t sound like a goal.

You need to specify “what” you want. This is the end, your target. It cannot be vague or multifaceted, although achieving one goal could provide multiple benefits. Your “what” should be specific and the one that drives the most energy. That is the target that, when you even say it out loud, makes you feel energetic. Then you need to dig through your inner self to find “why”. This part is important because it is the motivator. Your reason for having a goal is what defines the priority of the goal. The “why” is what keeps you going in the face of circumstances.

Understanding why you want something helps you understand yourself more. It is a conversation between you and you. This process should not be limited to a list of pros and cons. Pros and cons weigh the outcome. This should be a process of finding what led you to have this specific goal.

After you define WHAT exactly is your goal and WHY you want to achieve that specific goal, you need a plan. According to Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, “A goal without a plan is just a wish”. This is very true. Wishing and setting goals are different things. Setting a goal means having a “why”, a “what”, and a “how”. This is like Simon Sinek’s Golden Circle model. HOW to achieve your goal is a process of its own. To sum up, try to specify what it is that you want, then understand why you want that specific thing, and finally, design a plan to accomplish that goal.

Popular goal-setting methods include SMART and SMARTer goals, which provide frameworks for defining and pursuing objectives effectively. The post Goal Setting Techniques provides practical explanations of each.

Conclusion

While goals are essential for personal and professional growth and achievement, they come with potential risks if not managed properly. Tunnel vision, unrealistic expectations, ethical compromises, burnout, and other risks can negatively impact overall well-being and success. It is clear that goal-setting is a work of the mind out of everything. We have to be very careful to not set ourselves in a situation that can harm us. The post Unchecked Desires and Mistakes in Goal Setting gives details on each of those potential risks in goal setting. It is good to be aware of what can negatively impact our way of living and especially our minds. One achievement is not worth a lifelong problem. When defining goals and setting up plans to achieve them, take into consideration how much your life is affected both positively and negatively. Make sure you are not harming yourself on the way.

People set goals as a way to fulfill biological needs, psychological motivations, and social expectations. The specific goals one pursues are influenced by a combination of intrinsic factors, such as personal values and identity, and extrinsic factors, such as cultural norms and social comparisons. Understanding these underlying influences can help individuals set meaningful and achievable goals that align with their broader life aspirations. By examining the complex interplay of these factors, individuals can gain insight into their motivations and work towards a more fulfilling and purposeful life. Setting realistic goals, following a healthy routine and path towards achievements, and focusing on the process, are keys to pursuing aspirations constructively and sustainably. This approach ensures that goals enhance rather than detract from overall life satisfaction and fulfillment.

Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The “What” and “Why” of Goal Pursuits: Human Needs and the Self-Determination of Behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227-268.

Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Self-Determination Theory and the Facilitation of Intrinsic Motivation, Social Development, and Well-Being. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68-78.

Sheldon, K. M., & Elliot, A. J. (1999). Goal Striving, Need Satisfaction, and Longitudinal Well-Being: The Self-Concordance Model. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 76(3), 482-497.