Students at a private university in southern California took part in a study focusing on high level motivation and goal commitment. Using path analysis, this study mapped out two-paths. The first path to motivation and, therefore, goal commitment was through self-efficacy. The second path to goal commitment required a more supportive course. Spiritual, peer, family and leadership support combined to create a more encouraging sequence of action toward motivation and goal dedication.

There are many motivators that lead to goal completion. These motivators are generated from various influences—from peers, from family, from leaders, from faith, and from oneself. The purpose of this research is to look at motivation and goal achievement through the lens of personal motivators. The objective is to take a primarily business theory and apply it to college student marathon training.