Setting Goals Using Only Things Athlete’s Control
Goal setting is less effective when all an athlete’s goals are based on achieving things they don’t control. These are typically ego goals dealing with winning, titles, rankings, and fame. These goals can provide motivation in the short-term, but that’s it. What’s really needed are task goals athlete’s control. Goals like sets and reps, routine streaks, personal best, and mastery of technique.
To set goals that are based on things athlete’s control, coaches must help athletes split all ego goals into three parts.
- First, there is the outcome part of the goal. This is the part the athlete’s ego wants to achieve at the end.
- Second, there is the performance part of the goal. This is the part that defines how the athlete will measure and track the skill level they must reach to achieve the outcome they want.
- Third and finally, there is the process part of the goal. This is the daily / weekly tasks the athlete must complete to execute the process of improving performance.
There are no excuses only results when athletes focus on the parts of a goal that are within their control. Therefore, the only thing left to do is show up and execute.