I need at least 2 studies that show the effects of writing down a goal on
achieving that goal. Can you find reputable studies in which some
subjects were asked to write down a goal and others weren't? What was
the difference in goal achievement?

When I do a little job that isn't on my wifes 'to do' list I
immediately add it to the bottom and then cross it off. It makes the
list look bigger, makes it look like I have been buisy on her behalf
and psykes her out of adding more things to the list. Goal achieved!

A popular "study" seems to be an urban myth.

http://www.fastcompany.com/online/06/cdu.html
For years, motivational speakers have celebrated a Yale study on why
people succeed. It's powerful! Compelling! Too bad it doesn't exist.

There are many variants of it: 1950's, 1970's, ten years, Harvard
Business School,...

://www.google.com/search?q=%22written+goals%22+(%22yale%22++OR+%22Harvard+Business+School%22)+(graduate+OR+graduates+OR+graduating)

i am not a credible source by any means but i am intrested in the
topic u presented and will if u like conduct a 1 month (short term
goal) study based on  me and 6 of my freinds, if you are intrested in
the results i would be more than hapy to provide you with them over
email semag68@gmail.com if u are going to be intrested.

ulu-ga:

Thanks for a great article!

semag-ga:

I appreciate your offer, but I need more reliable research then I
could put together.

Glad it was useful.

Written goals is an important step in setting and achieving goals.  I
have seen many studies that involve "written goals" but focus more on
group goal setting, public posting, committing, tracking,....  I have
not yet found one that isolates the written aspect.

Perhaps you will find the next reference of interest too.

"Will the Real SMART Goals Please Stand Up?"
http://siop.org/tip/backissues/TIPApr02/03rubin.htm