Why is it so many athletes fall short of their pre-season resolutions to achieve?
In the beginning of the season, the “motivation tank” is full and you are raring to go… But goals are merely dreams without a targeted goal plan.
The First Step in Goal Setting
No different than a New Year’s resolution, you need have an image and notion of what you want to become as an athlete and what you want to accomplish this season.
A good strategy to define your goals and build mental strength is utilizing the science based S.M.A.R.T. approach.
Creating SMART Goals:
- Specific – Goals should be well defined and stated in positive terms.
- Measurable – You need to formulate your goals in term that are detailed; including amounts and dates so you can assess your progress.
- Attainable – Goals need to be realistic yet challenging for the best confidence boost.
- Relevant – Your goals should be important to YOU. Focus will follow when aiming toward a goal you care about achieving.
- Time-Based – Goals need to have a clearly specified target.
Achieving SMART Goals
What separates dreamers from achievers is planning and action. Legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden understood that planning is essential to achieving goals.
WOODEN: “Failing to plan is planning to fail.”
18-year-old swimmer Katie Ledecky won her first gold medal at 15 in London in 2012 and is headed to Rio this summer for the 2016 Olympics. Setting small measurable time goals, in writing is a strategy Katie has done since she was 7.
LEDECKY: “I’ve always been very goal-oriented and carried that through to now”
A goal plan makes things happen.
Goal plans map out the action steps you need to take to reach your desired destination.
An important aspect of an effective goal plan is pre-planned contingency strategies to overcome challenges and potential obstacles throughout the season. With some planning and purposeful action, you can resolutely build mental strength and achieve your pre-season objectives.
Ready, set, plan… go!
Tardio Tips: 2 Effective planning strategies for achieving your best season
- Identify 5-7 steps you need to take to accomplish your goal. Maybe you need to improve become physically stronger or tighten up your diet or improve a mental skill. Don’t over complicate the plan but create a realistic doable plan.
- Commit to taking action. How will you work on your plan? Each day, each practice; take 1-2 actions according to your plan that move you in the direction of your goal.
Want to increase your chances for success and gain the mental edge in Goal Planning?
Contact Perform Sports Psychology for a Free 15-Minute Mental Coaching Session
Read more on mental mtrength and athletes going for gold in 2016:
Serena Williams: Staying on Top on the Confidence Game
Roger Federer: The Greatest Tennis Performance Mind of our Time
Amy provides proven, mental toughness techniques needed to achieve the mindset for success in competitive sports. Learn the right way to set goals and perform with focus, high confidence and trust in your game. 