Streeftstreven

Streeftstreven is a Dutch neologism used to describe the dynamic interplay between ambition and action in pursuing objectives. The word blends streef, meaning to aim or aspire, with streven, meaning to strive or endeavour, signaling a continuous process of aiming toward goals through persistent effort. The term is used mainly in Dutch-language discussions of motivation, self-regulation, and organizational performance, but it is not yet part of standard psychological taxonomy.

In practice, streeftstreven refers to both the direction provided by long-term ambitions and the day-to-day striving that sustains progress. It emphasizes bidirectional feedback: progress toward goals informs the level of aspiration, while evolving ambitions reshape the required effort. At the individual level, it can be linked to goal setting, perceived progress, and self-efficacy; at the organizational level, to alignment between strategy and frontline activity and to resilience in the face of obstacles.

Critics note that, as a neologism, streeftstreven risks vagueness without a clear definition, measurement, or empirical validation. It overlaps with established concepts such as goal-setting theory, self-regulation, and achievement motivation. The term has limited formal adoption and is mostly encountered in exploratory or popular discussions rather than in established scholarly frameworks. Scholars and practitioners emphasize that its utility depends on clear operationalization and concrete applications in education, work, and personal development.