Where are you going? The science of setting goals

Picture this. You are at a workshop. Like most workshops, this one has interrupted your day and has taken you from more important tasks. Still, you are there. The presenter begins like this, "Good morning ladies and gentlemen Today, we will talk about setting goals!" You smirk and roll your eyes. "Been there, done that," you want to say. "I'm out of here!" You want to say. But you don't say; and you don't leave. So the presenter continues. "Here is a bow and arrow," he says. "Who wants to make a million dollars with it?" You are glad you stayed. You can use a bow and arrow and you can use a million dollars. You stand up, take the bow and arrow from the presenter's hand and say "I'm in! What do I have to do?" "It's easy," says the presenter. "Just draw the bow and hit the bull's eye with your arrow. If you do, I'll give you one million dollars!" Your heart pounds and your eyes scan the room. This should be easy, but it's not because you can't find the bull's eye. "Hurry up," says the presenter "You've only got 10 seconds. Hit the bull's eye." You look again. Everywhere. Still no luck. Still no bull's eye. Still no million dollars. "Three seconds!" says the presenter. You are tense. You scream, "There is no bull's eye! How can I hit what isn't there?" "You can't!" says the presenter triumphantly. You can't hit what isn't there. That is what setting goals is all about!" You don't want to leave anymore.