Aspiration level

The level of aspiration of an individual or group is the possible goal which the individual or group sets for performance. Its formation is influenced by the interaction of momentary achievement, longstanding achievement confidence, momentary achievement impulse, seriousness of the situation and the type of objective. Those confident of success set an aspiration level somewhat above previous actual achievement, whereas those preoccupied by the possibility of failure prefer an aspiration level far above or far below their actual capacity.