Some of these examples have less to do with the fact that a goal was set, and more to do with the fact that there was a financial incentive tied to it. Financi

Some of these examples have less to do with the fact that a goal was set, and more to do with the fact that there was a financial incentive tied to it. Financial incentives can have the side effect of reducing intrinsic motivation (see Daniel Pink's book "Drive" for research and examples).