Background. Self-based achievement goals use one’s own intrapersonal trajectory as astandard of evaluation, and this intrapersonal trajectory may be grounded in one’s past(past-based goals) or one’s future potential (potential-based goals). Potential-based goalshave been overlooked in the literature to date. Aims. The primary aim of the present research was to address this oversight within the context of the 392 achievement goal framework. Samples. The Study 1 sample was 381 US undergraduates; the Study 2 sample was 310US undergraduates. Methods. In Study 1, we developed scales to assesspotential-approach and potential-avoidance goals and tested their factorial validity with exploratory and confirmatory factoranalyses. In Study 2, we used confirmatory factor analysis to test both the separability of past-based and potential-based goals and their higher order integration within the self-based category. Results. Study 1 supported the factorial validity of the potential-approach and potential-avoidance goal scales. Study 2 supported the separability of past-based and potential-based goals, as well as their higher order integration within the self-based category. Conclusions. This research documents the utility of the proposed distinction and pavesthe way for subsequent work on antecedent and consequences of potential-approach andpotential-avoidance goals. It highlights the importance of focusing on distinct types ofgrowth-based goals in the achievement goal literature.