What type of goals are commonly associated with lower task performance?

Easy and vague goals are often linked to lower task performance because they lack clarity and challenge. Goals that are described as easy do not motivate individuals to push their limits or reach their full potential. When goals are vague, they can lead to confusion and a lack of direction, making it difficult for individuals to know exactly what they need to accomplish to succeed.

In contrast, specific and challenging goals tend to promote higher performance because they engage individuals, providing a clear target to aim for, which encourages greater effort and determination. Numerous goals without a clear focus can lead to fragmented attention, reducing effectiveness as individuals might struggle to prioritize their efforts. Similarly, "do your best" goals can lead to ambiguity as they leave too much up to personal interpretation, which can undermine motivation and accountability.