Karen is a recent high$-$school graduate with an excellent grade point average. After much thought, she decides to pursue a graduate degree in physics after she finishes her undergraduate degree and eventually become a professor. To attain this goal, she realizes that she must first study hard and do well in her undergraduate classes, then take the graduate entrance exam and apply to the best graduate programs in her field. Along the way, she wants to obtain an internship, as this will help her get into a quality graduate program. Which motivational mechanism of the goal$-$setting process does this scenario demonstrate?

Multiple Choice

regulating effort

fostering strategies and action plans

directing attention

receiving feedback

increasing persistence