哈佛大學進行了一項關於目標對人生影響的跟踪調查實驗。該實驗對一群智力、學歷、環境等條件相似的年輕人進行了長達25年的追蹤研究，並得出了一些有趣的結果。
以下是該實驗的主要結果：
27%的人沒有明確的目標。
60%的人目標模糊。
10%的人有明確但較短期的目標。
只有3%的人有明確且長期的目標。
25年後的追蹤調查結果顯示，那些有明確且長期目標的人幾乎沒有改變過自己的人生目標。他們持之以恒地努力，最終成為社會各界的頂尖成功人士，包括白手起家的創業家、行業領袖和社會精英。
相比之下，那些有明確但較短期目標的人大多生活在社會的中上層，他們的短期目標不斷實現，生活狀態穩步提升，成為各行各業不可或缺的專業人士，如醫生、律師、工程師和高級主管等。
然而，那些目標模糊或沒有明確目標的人幾乎都生活在社會的中下層，他們能夠安穩地生活和工作，但沒有特別的成就。最終，那些沒有目標的人群大多生活在社會的最底層，他們常常失業，依賴社會救濟，並且經常抱怨他人、社會和世界。
這項實驗結果表明，目標對於人生的影響是非常重要的。有明確且長期的目標可以給人帶來持續的動力和方向，幫助人們在人生中取得成功。相反，缺乏目標或目標模糊的人往往難以取得特別的成就，生活狀態也相對較低。
Target effect
Harvard University Conducted a Longitudinal Study on the Impact of Goals on Life
Harvard University conducted a longitudinal study that tracked a group of young people with similar intelligence, education, and environmental conditions for 25 years, leading to some interesting findings.
The key results of the experiment are as follows:
27% of the people had no clear goals.60% of the people had vague goals.10% of the people had clear but short-term goals.Only 3% of the people had clear and long-term goals.
The follow-up survey 25 years later showed that those with clear and long-term goals had almost never changed their life goals. They persevered in their efforts and ultimately became top achievers in various fields, including self-made entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and social elites.
In comparison, those with clear but short-term goals mostly lived in the upper-middle class. They continuously realized their short-term goals, steadily improving their living conditions, and became indispensable professionals in various industries, such as doctors, lawyers, engineers, and senior managers.
However, those with vague goals or no clear goals mostly lived in the lower-middle or lower classes. They were able to live and work comfortably, but without any remarkable accomplishments. Ultimately, those without goals were mostly unemployed, dependent on social welfare, and often complained about others, society, and the world.
The results of this experiment indicate that goals are of paramount importance for one's life. Having clear and long-term goals can provide people with sustained motivation and direction, helping them achieve success in life. Conversely, those lacking goals or having vague goals often struggle to achieve extraordinary accomplishments, and their overall living standards tend to be relatively lower.