Edwin Locke put forward the goal-setting theory of motivation in the 1960s, stating that specific and difficult goals with feedback lead to higher task performance. The theory emphasizes that goals need to be specific, difficult but attainable, accepted, used to evaluate performance, and linked to timely, credible feedback. Setting goals improves performance by increasing motivation, effort, and feedback quality. Research supports predictions that the most effective performance results from specific, challenging goals that create commitment and acceptance.