Abstract: This essay discusses the developmental process,researching methods and the latest achievements in the field of motivation goal research. By analyzing the common ground and differences, the essay makes prospects in the field. The author holds the view that goal theory will cause the combination of organically emotion, motivation and cognition , which indicates a integration trend. Meanwhile, as goal theory put emphasis on the importance of the function of personality ,emotions and health, it will definitely makes the research in the field relate to daily life. The author also thinks that the future trend of the research will be the joint of motive tendency and individual goals

Key words: goal theory, nomothetic approach, idiographic approach, personal projects, personal strivings