There isn’t a more effective learning strategy–it’s supported strongly by research–than goal-setting.
Each and every one of us spends time thinking about our life and future. Most of us wish to change our lives–for the better–in one way or another, whether it’s family life, friendship, career, finances, or — the focus here — athletics.
The first step is to set goals. Figure out A (where you are) and Z (your goal). The figure out B-Y and you’ll have a roadmap to get where you want to go.
What are some benefits of goal-setting?
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You focus on important things: Goals help us to define our priorities. You’ll be able to focus on what you want to achieve and spend precious time on those things. If it’s not important enough to set a goal, you’ll be less likely to waste time on it.
You will be more self-confident and enthusiastic: When you set a goal and measure the achievement, you are able to see what you’ve accomplished and what you’re capable of. This process of achieving goals provides you with the assurance and belief in yourself–something that’s necessary to improve self-confidence and self-efficacy. The sense of accomplishment also creates an excitement to take on another challenge!
You can finish the task efficiently: Goals will allow you to create a roadmap for future actions. This will prevent wasted effort and allow you to see progress in what you’ve accomplished, and determine the next steps you need to get where you want. You will focus and concentrate your time and energy on the task. Keep away distractions!
You will make progress: After you’ve achieved one goal, try to achieve higher goals. You’ll see just how much progress you’ve made. You’ll have more and more faith in this system. too, when you use it more and more in your daily life.
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You take control of your life: Having a system of setting goals is like a GPS for life. It gives you direction and helps you choose where to go. It gives you a vision and how you can make that vision a reality.
Are you ready to become a goal-setting machine?
No matter your answer, you’ll benefit by reading what Dr. Edwin Locke and colleagues say about goal setting. They see it as an objective, aim, or action to attain a specific standard of proficiency on a task, usually within a specific period of time.
How can we apply this understanding in everyday life?
To change an individual’s behavior and reaction to both positive and negative experiences, there must be a good reason. Learning to set goals is a good reason. There isn’t a more effective learning strategy–it’s supported strongly by research–than goal-setting. So here’s a goal-setting strategy. Be SMART about it!
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S = Specific
M = Measurable
A = Attainable
R = Realistic
T = Timely
Specific: Goals should be as objective as possible, clearly explaining what you want to happen in detail: What? Why? When? Where? How?
Measurable: You must be able to precisely measure each goal. This is called quantifiable. You should establish benchmarks and create a “map” that leads you to a target. Motivation increases and that provides fuel for the journey. Measuring goals also provides valuable feedback for adjustments if and when some goals are not met.
Attainable: When you identify goals that are most important to you, then you can begin to figure out ways you can make them come true. You can attain just about any goal you set when you plan your steps wisely and establish a time-frame that allows you to carry out those steps. You’ll see yourself as worthy of these goals, and you’ll develop the personal traits that enable success.
Realistic: An individual must have the understanding and skill set necessary to accomplish beginning (short-term) goals. Success breeds success, and that success creates the willingness to set more challenging goals.
Timely: An effective goal-setting program must have a time-frame for learning. This “calendar” keeps the individual on track and provides key measurement information.
Goals can be further divided into types of goals.
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Outcome goals: The focus here is on the end result, like a win or the time in a race.
Performance goals: Here athletes attempt to meet a standard of performance, such as improving free-throw shooting proficiency.
Process goals: Actions and/or components of a movement are the focus here, such as improving balance in a golf swing.
Finally, make sure that you give yourself feedback on goal performance. Measure your progress to see how you’re doing. If the goal is too hard, then adjust the goal’s difficulty.
If you follow these simple rules, your goal-setting process will be much more successful, and your overall performance will improve!
BETTER EVERY DAY!
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Read more insights from Coach Morgan Sullivan at his site.
