This activity is useful in developing students' understanding of the characteristics of effective goal statements and of the important impact that statement characteristics have on the effectiveness of goal setting. The technique will not work unless goal statements meet specific criteria stated in the exercise. Here's a brief critique of the four goal statements that students evaluate in the exercise: 

Goal statement 1: The statement includes an action verb and a measurable result but no date of completion nor a cost.

Goal statement 2: The statement includes an action verb and a measurable result, but no date of completion or cost incurred.

Goal statement 3: This statement is the best among the group~ it meets all criteria (though the doctor-approved exercise plan is not explicitly detailed).

Goal statement 4: In this statement, the result is not measurable ("more time" spent reading is not quantified), costs sustained are not specified, and a completion date is needed.