Counterpoint: Goals Don’t Make Champions
If you read this blog often, then you know I’m a big advocate of goal setting. I have two cornerstone beliefs about goals:
- Goal progression must be used for difficult and long term goals.
- The process must be the goal and the goal must be the compass.
If you buy-in to those two beliefs, then it’s probably obvious why I also believe goals don’t make champions.
Goals are all about the future, champions are made in the present. Furthermore, what you do in the present is 100% dependent on your values.
Values define how you live your life regardless of the outcome of a process, event, or competition. Resilience comes from values. Self-motivation comes from values. Mental toughness comes from values. Work ethic comes from values. Integrity comes from values.
Almost everybody who dreams of being a champion one day sets goals. However, very few approach each day with the values that embody a champion.