As an athlete, it is impossible to become the best or achieve anything without having focus and direction. The way you stay focused is by setting GOALS. Don't confuse Dreams with Goals. Dreams are things we wish for and hope will happen, while goals are things we want to accomplish that are either within our grasp or at least very possible.
First you must determine what you want to accomplish, then, what effort it will take on your part to achieve it. Start by creating a list of SHORT-TERM GOALS, things you want to improve over a period of days, weeks, or even a few months. Then, make a very detailed and precise sub-list, or plan of action next to each goal. This sub-list will act as a blueprint to accomplish each goal.
Next, create a list of LONG-TERM GOALS, these are things you want to improve over a longer period of time such as several months or even a year or longer. Then make a sub-list next to each of these also.
It is important to see these goals everyday so you don't lose focus or become distracted. Distractions can come in the form of an injury, a problem in school, a death in the family, or just a bad decision on your part. Yes, that will happen many times along the way. Just make sure you learn from each one. Now that you have your "Blueprint for Success", what are you waiting for?
Click Play to hear Rick give more suggestions on how to effectively set goals.
Set specific, objective goals.
By objective, we mean that the goal must be stated in measurable quantitative terms. For example, a tennis player might set a goal of hitting 70% good first serves. You must avoid subjective goals that are based on the opinion of an evaluator, such as most valuable player. If you want to be named the MVP at the end of the season, that's fine, just don't use it as a goal.
Use a combination of long-term and short-term goals. Short-term goals provide stepping stones toward achieving the long-term goal. Both are necessary.
Evaluate your progress frequently. You want to know how you are progressing towards achieving the goals you have set. Relatively frequent evaluation will help keep you motivated once you see progress or it may encourage you to work harder if you are behind schedule.
Set reachable and challenging goals. This applies to every goal set. You must find the middle ground between hard unachievable goals and easy, non-motivating goals. This is a good place for a coach or parent to help you in setting goals. When you are involved in setting your goals you feel responsible for the goals and will be motivated to achieve them. If your coach or parent sets the goals for you, you may not feel any sense of ownership and not be as concerned whether or not you achieve those goals. Parents need to remember they cannot relive their lives through their children. It is your goal not theirs!
