October 2018 PMID 30333781

How Focusing on Superordinate Goals Motivates Broad, Long-Term Goal Pursuit: A Theoretical Perspective.

Bettina Höchli, Adrian Brügger, Claude Messner

Mentions

53
Peak: 4 in Jan 2022
across 5 sources since Dec 2021

Extended reach

49,563
potential audience

Total likes

974

Video views

39,110

Mentions per month

Dec 2021 – Dec 2025

Where it's discussed

  • News40 articles
  • X / Twitter7 posts
  • YouTube2 videos
  • Facebook2 posts
  • Blogs2 articles

AI synopsis

What people are saying

Discussions reflect a positive reception, with comments like 'deep dive' and 'super interesting,' illustrating engagement with the article's focus on motivation and long-term goal pursuit. The tone balances academic appreciation with relatable examples, such as New Year resolutions, demonstrating both interest and impact in applying theory to real-life challenges.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most comments support the core idea that focusing on both subordinate and superordinate goals enhances motivation and success, showing general agreement.

InterestHigh interest

Posts display high interest by referencing the practical applications of the research, including long-term challenges and goal hierarchies.

EngagementModerate engagement

Discussions include specific mentions of goal theories and recent reviews, indicating moderate engagement with the article's deeper implications.

ImpactModerate impact

While some posts highlight the relevance to everyday goal-setting, the overall influence seems moderate, prompting curiosity more than immediate change.

Abstract in brief

  • Goal-setting theory emphasizes that specific and challenging goals (subordinate goals) enhance motivation and performance compared to vague goals (superordinate goals).
  • This article argues for the importance of superordinate goals in motivating behavior, especially for long-term challenges, which have been overlooked in existing research.
  • The authors suggest that people are more successful in achieving long-term goals when they concentrate on both subordinate and superordinate goals rather than focusing on just one type.

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
@IAPCT
@iapct · X

A comprehensive review on the importance of ‘going up levels’ & mobility of awareness throughout a goal hierarchy ⁦@ERWatkins2⁩ ⁦@paperbag1⁩ ⁦@ThomasEhring⁩ ⁦@martinhagger⁩ ⁦@LabGoal⁩ ⁦@nickmoberly⁩ ⁦@TimDalgleish⁩ https://t.co/UWp5O3aR8u

Jan 6, 2022 · 4 likes · 2 shares · 1,072 followers View post →
Joshua Loftus
@joftius · X

Excellent article about goal setting, by @EricTrexler It applies generally, not just to fitness but really any kind of goals I'm thinking about how this study it cites on goal hierarchies https://t.co/xkZkmnT63Y could help vs overfitting/Goodhart's law https://t.co/vAlftBeL1a

Apr 28, 2022 · 3 likes · 4,798 followers View post →
J Hodges
@j_ducation · X

It’s that time of year…this is a deep dive but I found it super interesting https://t.co/69s1quYPZL

Jan 3, 2023 · 1 like · 227 followers View post →
Warren Mansell
@warrenmansell · X

RT @iapct: A comprehensive review on the importance of ‘going up levels’ & mobility of awareness throughout a goal hierarchy ⁦@ERWatkins2⁩…

Jan 6, 2022 · 2 shares · 2,483 followers View post →
Neha Kumra
@kumra_neha · X

#abstract_goals #long_term_challenges "people pursue long-term goals more successfully.. when they focus on subordinate as well as #superordinate_goals than when they focus on either subordinate or superordinate goals alone..." read https://t.co/fh8xkzRnNW https://t.co/OuGAll20kX

Oct 12, 2022 · 1,284 followers View post →
Nick Moberly
@nickmoberly · X

RT @iapct: A comprehensive review on the importance of ‘going up levels’ & mobility of awareness throughout a goal hierarchy ⁦@ERWatkins2⁩…

Jan 6, 2022 · 2 shares · 388 followers View post →

All mentions

J Hodges
@j_ducation · X

It’s that time of year…this is a deep dive but I found it super interesting https://t.co/69s1quYPZL

Jan 3, 2023 · 1 like · 227 followers View post →
Neha Kumra
@kumra_neha · X

#abstract_goals #long_term_challenges "people pursue long-term goals more successfully.. when they focus on subordinate as well as #superordinate_goals than when they focus on either subordinate or superordinate goals alone..." read https://t.co/fh8xkzRnNW https://t.co/OuGAll20kX

Oct 12, 2022 · 1,284 followers View post →
Joshua Loftus
@joftius · X

Excellent article about goal setting, by @EricTrexler It applies generally, not just to fitness but really any kind of goals I'm thinking about how this study it cites on goal hierarchies https://t.co/xkZkmnT63Y could help vs overfitting/Goodhart's law https://t.co/vAlftBeL1a

Apr 28, 2022 · 3 likes · 4,798 followers View post →
Alex Williamson
@_alexw · X

Struggling with those New Year resolutions? Want to read something academic? I got you. https://t.co/Q45SvgqDVn

Jan 16, 2022 · 191 followers View post →
Warren Mansell
@warrenmansell · X

RT @iapct: A comprehensive review on the importance of ‘going up levels’ & mobility of awareness throughout a goal hierarchy ⁦@ERWatkins2⁩…

Jan 6, 2022 · 2 shares · 2,483 followers View post →
Nick Moberly
@nickmoberly · X

RT @iapct: A comprehensive review on the importance of ‘going up levels’ & mobility of awareness throughout a goal hierarchy ⁦@ERWatkins2⁩…

Jan 6, 2022 · 2 shares · 388 followers View post →
@IAPCT
@iapct · X

A comprehensive review on the importance of ‘going up levels’ & mobility of awareness throughout a goal hierarchy ⁦@ERWatkins2⁩ ⁦@paperbag1⁩ ⁦@ThomasEhring⁩ ⁦@martinhagger⁩ ⁦@LabGoal⁩ ⁦@nickmoberly⁩ ⁦@TimDalgleish⁩ https://t.co/UWp5O3aR8u

Jan 6, 2022 · 4 likes · 2 shares · 1,072 followers View post →