Goal setting is a process that involves assessing one’s current level performance; creating a specific, measurable, realistic, and challenging goal for one’s future level of performance; and detailing the actions to be taken in order to achieve that goal.

Long term goals

One great way to start thinking about goal setting is by coming up with a long-term goal. Your long term goal should be based on your values and things you want versus things you think you should be doing. If your goals are an extension of your values then you will have passion, inspiration and remain focused. Using the long term goal template will help you determine your long-term goals.

Short term goal setting

Now that you have one long term goal back that out to one month. For example, if your goal is to be healthier it’s important to be realistic and clear about what this means. Eating healthier and exercise might be two elements to move you in that direction. Brainstorm all things you want (not should) to do toward eating healthier and exercising. What one of those things do you want to do in the month of January? For example, join a gym. In order to get really specific on your one month goal you need to figure out what is between you and joining a gym and use those as your weekly goals. For example, finding a gym within 10 miles, finding a gym that has a climbing wall, finding a gym that has cycling classes, etc. Now you can start to set process goals that start to lead you in the direction of your outcome goal of being healthier. You can now start setting your short term goals. I would advice that your goals include mental and physical characteristics.

The benefits of goal setting are to improve performance, improve the quality of what you are doing , clarify expectations, relieve boredom, increase pride, satisfaction and increase confidence. When written realistically, goals also allow you to see your successes, which leads to increased motivation. To work really well, research suggests using SMART goals.

Specific (vs. general)

A specific goal has a much greater chance of being accomplished than a general goal. It includes who, what, where, when and why.

Measurable (performance vs. outcome)

Establish concrete criteria for measuring progress toward the attainment of each goal set: how much, how many, and how you know when it is accomplished?

Adjustable

Goals should change as you reach them, so that you continue to move forward and stay motivated. Some goals are a little out of reach and need to be modified to something more realistic. Goals should feel like they are in your control, and if not, should be changed.

Realistic (vs. unrealistic)

To be realistic, a goal must represent an objective toward which you are both willing and able to work. Be sure that every goal represents substantial progress. A higher goal is frequently easier to reach than a low one, because a low goal exerts low motivational force.

The goal is probably realistic if you truly believe that it can be accomplished. Additional ways to know if the goal is realistic is to determine if your player has accomplished anything similar in the past or ask yourself what conditions would have to exist to accomplish this goal.

Time based

A goal should be grounded within a time frame. With no time frame tied to it, there’s no sense of urgency. Goals are meant to motivate and are an indicator of progress. Goals can be written and reassessed every day, week, month or a year, as long as you are flexible and understands that goals will change as time
passes.

Benefits of setting SMART goals

– Goals direct attention to important elements of the skill being performed
– Learn what’s in your control
– Empowerment
– Satisfaction
– Self confidence
– Increased focus
– Increased motivation

Common problems with goal setting

– Failure to understanding the benefits of goal setting
– Setting only outcome oriented goals
– Failure to set SMART goals
– Setting too many goals
– Not knowing which goals are the priority
– Failure to adjust goals
– Lack of support

Set your vision and intentions. What one thing do you realistically want to have happen that is going to move your life forward? And what is the road map for getting there.