Which type of goal should be measurable, specific and realistic?

Performance goals are indeed designed to be measurable, specific, and realistic. They focus on achieving a particular outcome or demonstrating a level of skill in a specific task, allowing for clear evaluation of progress. For instance, a performance goal might be to run a certain distance within a specific time frame or increase the weight lifted in a particular exercise by a specified amount. This type of goal provides individuals with tangible targets to aim for, which can enhance motivation and facilitate progress tracking.

In contrast, process goals emphasize the behavior or actions taken to achieve an outcome rather than the outcome itself, which might not always lend itself to strict measurability. General goals tend to be broad and vague, lacking the specificity required for effective tracking. Long-term goals typically focus on broader objectives that take considerable time to achieve, which may not always be the most realistic in short-term assessments without interim performance-related milestones. Therefore, performance goals are effective due to their clarity and emphasis on concrete outcomes.