How to Set Goals...in Sport and in Life
Friday, February 13, 2009 at 11:40AM “Don’t be like the talented player, who thinks it is good enough to be a talented player, when with the will and the work, he/she could be a great one.” - Grant Fox (former All Black-record points scorer).
Let us first look at some guidelines:
Ask yourself: Where am I now?
Where do I want to be in 1 week, next month, 6 months, 2 years, ten years time? What are my strengths and weaknesses? Talk to your coach about these (if you are fortunate enough to have/need one, that is). Concentrate on your strengths and try hard to build on your weaknesses.
Then go through the following sequence of steps:
1. Set goals in various areas of your sporting career. Here are some example areas: Fitness, endurance, strength, weight, psychology, etc. Identify, then prioritize key areas in your sport, that need improvement. These could perhaps be one or some of the following: team work skills, eliminating mistakes, technical skills, and mental skills, like concentration or mental strength and so on.
Select one or two areas in which to prioritize your needs. Then set long term and short term goals for each area.
2. Set specific (numerical) goals - as I mentioned before, they need to be difficult to reach; but still realistic. They should be performance goals and stated positively.
3. Set target dates for achieving each goal. Outline a strategy to achieve them and be specific. For example, it may be increasing speed, if you are a rugby player, athlete or swimmer, or perhaps increasing your stamina level.
4. Before you start setting any goals, ensure your absolute COMMITMENT to the goal. Ask yourself the question: How much do I really want it? What will I be prepared to sacrifice to reach my goals? You must have the strong desire and motivation to pursue your goal strategies. Not just for a day, a week, or month at a time…but it requires an ongoing commitment. Years sometimes. Put down your goals in writing…and share them to someone close to you. This makes for a far greater commitment. Social support is very important in achieving ones goals: family, husband/wife and friends. Inform others, even your boss, who has to give you time off to train. Sharing your goals with others close to you will help them understand your motivation and “what makes you tick”. Other people can’t help and support you, if they don’t know what you’re trying to do and why it matters to you so much.
5. Write down your goals and strategy for each area of your sporting life. Plan a time frame for goal achievement; write down target dates for the achievement of each goal. Doing this provides a further incentive to you.
6. Continually remind yourself of your goals. You could draw up a training log. Or perhaps you could put up a wall poster as a visual reminder of your goals, strategies and target dates. I sometimes stick up cards on the fridge to remind and motivate me…and they keep me on track.
7. Record your evaluation continually. Evaluate your goal attainment on a regular basis. Each day ask yourself: “What did I do today to improve myself?”
8. Then monitor your progress on an ongoing basis. Review and reward yourself for your efforts. Remember self monitoring is YOUR job - it is not your coaches. This leads to greater self motivation.
9. Then just “graft away” and enjoy the challenge, the excitement, the satisfaction of the journey.
About the author:
Craig is a ‘sports fanatic couch-potato”, who believes in helping others to find their passions and gifts… through encouraging people to reach out for, then accomplish their “wildest” dreams. He truly believes people can overcome obstacles, rise to any occasion, and accomplish their entire dream with enough FAITH. http://www.myspace.com/writercraig.
Reader Comments (1)
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