Goals need time perspective to be achieved

Abstract

The main aim of the present article is to describe a process of goal-directed behavior in the context of the temporal dimensions. There have been discussed theoretical backgrounds of setting and achieving goals. We raise the following issues: personal projects, intentions, process of planning in the context of time and in life span. Goals are embedded in three temporal dimensions: past, present, and future. The motivational functions of goals are depicted and presented action dimensions in a goal-directed behavior such as effort, persistence, and emotional satisfaction. As it has been showed, there are number of different applications of goals in various spheres of human life, e.g., leisure time, entrepreneurship.