|
Goal setting has several concepts that should be understood before an athlete sets their goals. The first is that you should have long term goals. Those are destinations, or finishing points. Next, you need to have short term goals, or directions to reach your destinations. Effective goals need to be:
- Specific - they should spell out exactly what you want to achieve. "I will condition 20 extra minutes after every Tuesday and Thursday practice."
- Realistic - make sure they are goals you can reach. Too hard and you will get frustrated and quit."
- Challenging - too easy and you will become bored.
- Self-Referenced - based on what you can do, not Hercules.
- Processed Oriented - based on performance activities. Our first goals establish techniques and work ethics by numbering what and how we do things. Start with things you can control, such as when you will workout. What you will work on. How many weight workouts, conditioning workouts and technique sessions per week.
We all need goals, but at your level, it's wise to evaluate what you have done before you set new goals. If you are happy with your progress and are improving, then set new goals based upon your proven program. If there are things you would like to change, then you should set goals that include plans to correct those problems.
Sport psychologists recommend using a best case/worst case evaluation to contrast and compare past competitions. In this method, you look at your two best competitions, then you look at your two worst. Compare the best. What did you do that helped you prepare? Compete? Now look at the best versus the worst. What was the difference? Often this approach will allow you to start seeing some of the things that enhance or hamper your performance.
You can also use a quantitative approach to evaluate. Did you go to the gym the number of times you planned? Did you do the number of repetitions and sets you had planned on? Did you spend the number of hours you wanted?
Finally, talk with your coaches or teammates and ask them what they saw. They will give you honest input.
After you have evaluated last year's performances, it is time to look forward. First, work on enhancing performance. Don't worry about winning. Balance your program with a triad of:
- Improving weak areas.
- Continuing successful tactics.
- Include new material using the latest information available.
One motivational tactic is called "rewarding." That's the idea that you should reward yourself for reaching any challenging goal. If you make every practice goal for a month, then give yourself a special reward.
Now, set your goals and reach for the stars. If you run into problems or find you can't reach a certain level, make new goals. Don't panic, get discouraged or give up. You have the power to set new goals. You may not be able to control what your opponent does, but you surely can decide what and how you will practice! So, plan, take a stand, and be the man!
|
|
