Experiencing obstacles during goal pursuit: The role of goal motivation and trait self-control

Some people report encountering fewer obstacles during goal pursuit than others, but why is this the case? Seven pre-registered studies examine the role of goal motivation (want-to and have-to) and trait self-control in how individuals set up and perceive obstacles to goal pursuit in their environment. Findings show that want-to motivation and trait self-control were associated with reduced experiences of obstacles; have-to motivation was associated with a preference for greater proximity to obstacles. Have-to motivation was also related to stronger perceptions of obstacles as problematic, and trait self-control was related to the perception of obstacles as less problematic. Discussion centers on nuances regarding these relations and their existence in different contexts, and on implications for self-regulation and motivation.