Which concept emphasizes overcoming challenges through mastery and fulfilling tasks that are neither too easy nor too difficult?

The concept that emphasizes overcoming challenges by mastering tasks that strike the right balance between difficulty and ease is known as Goldilocks tasks. This idea is derived from the Goldilocks principle, which suggests that individuals perform best when they are faced with challenges that are "just right" – not too hard, which can lead to frustration, and not too easy, which can lead to boredom. Goldilocks tasks encourage engagement and motivation, as they push individuals to stretch their abilities in a manageable way, resulting in a fulfilling experience and growth in mastery.

In other contexts, such as deliberate practice, the focus is primarily on the process of practicing skills to improve performance, often involving higher-order challenges. Intrinsic motivation relates to the drive to engage in activities for their own sake, while work engagement refers to the level of involvement, enthusiasm, and commitment an individual has toward their job. While these concepts are interrelated, the specific focus on finding the ideal level of difficulty aligns most closely with Goldilocks tasks.