Which additional technique supports long-term adherence besides self-monitoring and implementation intentions?

Which additional technique supports long-term adherence besides self-monitoring and implementation intentions?

• A. Social support
• B. Goal setting
• C. Self-monitoring
• D. Implementation intentions

Answer: (B)

Setting goals provides a concrete target to work toward, which helps sustain effort and commitment over the long term. When you have a specific, attainable objective, you’re more likely to plan actions that move you toward it, monitor progress, and stay motivated even when interest or energy dips. Using SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound—makes the target actionable and easy to track. For example, committing to 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week for the next eight weeks creates clear milestones and a rhythm for your routine, supporting durable adherence. This technique complements self-monitoring and implementation intentions. Self-monitoring records what you actually do, so goals give you a destination to measure against. Implementation intentions lay out the exact situations and steps you’ll take, while goals provide the overarching target that guides these plans. Social support can help, but goal setting is the direct mechanism that drives ongoing behavior change and persistence.

Setting goals provides a concrete target to work toward, which helps sustain effort and commitment over the long term. When you have a specific, attainable objective, you’re more likely to plan actions that move you toward it, monitor progress, and stay motivated even when interest or energy dips. Using SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound—makes the target actionable and easy to track. For example, committing to 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week for the next eight weeks creates clear milestones and a rhythm for your routine, supporting durable adherence.

This technique complements self-monitoring and implementation intentions. Self-monitoring records what you actually do, so goals give you a destination to measure against. Implementation intentions lay out the exact situations and steps you’ll take, while goals provide the overarching target that guides these plans. Social support can help, but goal setting is the direct mechanism that drives ongoing behavior change and persistence.