This is usually the time of year where we set ourselves some goals around what we want to achieve. For a runner this might be to get a new PB or complete a distance, a tennis player may seek a specific ranking, and a football player may want to score a record number of goals.
Goal setting is one of the simplest ways to improve performance. But that doesn’t mean it is easy. A lot of athletes struggle to see continual progress when they set goals. The main reason for this is because they tend to dismiss how to go about achieving these goals. Goal setting is an ongoing process. Simply setting a goal will not enable us to achieve it. Once we understand the actions that need to be taken to achieve these goals, we will find it easier to stay on track. Process goals allow us to do just that. When we focus on the processes that need to be taken, we are more likely to succeed in achieving our outcome goal.
We mustn’t forget to monitor and review our goals as we go along. Sport is so dynamic that sometimes it is necessary to adjust the goals we have set based on new situations we find ourselves in.
Whatever goals you have for yourself make sure they are meaningful! One of the pitfalls a lot of people make is to set goals without really thinking about why these goals are important to them. When we don’t know our ‘why’ it becomes all too easy to lose sight of our goal and ultimately lose the motivation to keep striving. This is particularly true when we are facing a big challenge and it becomes even harder to reach our goals.
Another common pitfall with goal setting is to give up when it seems that we are not making progress. This is the crucial moment for reviewing our goals. Is our goal realistic? Are we expecting too much from ourselves? Do we need to tweak anything to make it easier to achieve our goals? Do we need to alter our goal to suit current circumstances?
Progress is never linear. Expect to face bumps in the road e.g. a dip in performance, a spell of errors, pain/ injury. The key to success is to focus on the process you are going through. You cannot control the outcome of events, matches or competitions. What you can control is your approach, behaviour and efforts you take in the lead up to these events.
To summarise:
Set yourself a goal that is meaningful.
Focus on HOW you can achieve your goals by setting process goals.
If you lose motivation remember why you are doing this.
Review your goals regularly and adapt them if necessary.
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