Goal setting might be the single most important mental toughness skill to master if you are an athlete, yet there are still far too many athletes who set ineffective goals that are too broad, not measurable, or simply unrealistic. When goals are written well, scientific studies have shown that they will lead to results better than those who set no goals at all. So yes, even science backs up the importance of goal setting.
Goals increase motivation, improve focus, and direct and sustain behaviors. What this means is that goals provide us with a road map to follow and steps to take, compared to simply writing a goal “to become the best player I can become.” In fact, a great definition I came across years ago about goal setting is that a goal is a dream with a finish line.
If you want to improve your game take time to write out specific, measurable, realistic, and controllable goals. For example, setting a goal to watch 10 hours of game footage video this month is specific (game footage), measurable (you can count 10 hours), realistic (you should be able to watch video), and controllable (you make the decision whether you want to watch video or not). This is a much better goal than simply wanting to “be the best,” which really doesn’t give you any specifics about how to maximize your athletic abilities.
Get started today by using the following goal setting tips:
- Write out long-, mid-, short-, and even daily-goals
- Make sure your goals are specific, measurable, realistic, and controllable
- Be flexible with your goals and accept that there will be tough days ahead
- Place your goals in spots where you will see them, like in your bedroom and inside your locker
- Keep a running journal of your success along the way – this will help with motivation, focus, and resiliency
For more help with goal setting, as well as many other mental toughness skills, check out the Mental Toughness Guide to Athletic Success.
www.drstankovich.com
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