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Writer's pictureNatalie Gurnett, M.S.

Sport Psych in Action: Goal Setting 101

This is Natalie, owner of Psych Me Up Consulting, and your goal setting expert providing the ultimate guide to setting realistic and achievable goaals.


Goal Setting 101

In athletic practice, goal setting is crucial. But what is a goal? In simple terms, a goal is a clear statement of what you want to achieve. These can be short-term goals serving as steps leading to a long-term objective.


Why Set a Goal?

The Power of Goal-Setting for AthletesSetting goals is the secret ingredient to an athlete's success recipe. It's like a personalized boost that ignites the fire, provides direction and purpose, and holds them responsible for their progress. Each milestone achieved is a level up, giving them a buzz of excitement and a feeling of triumph!


Brainstorming and Goal Setting

When setting goals, it is essential to ask yourself questions like, "What are my short and long-term dreams?" and "What is my ultimate 'why' in my sport?" Once you have these answers, you can start setting specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely (S.M.A.R.T) goals.


The S.M.A.R.T. Goal Framework

Cracking the S.M.A.R.T. Code: A Secret Agent Mission to Achieving Your Goals!Each letter in the S.M.A.R.T. acronym acts like a secret agent assigned to help you conquer your goals. 'S' for Specific provides you with precise steps and their corresponding leaders. 'M' for Measurable means setting clear checkpoints to track your progress. 'A' for Attainable determines if your goal is realistic and if you possess the necessary skills to achieve it. 'R' for Relevant acts like a detective questioning why this goal is essential and how it fits into your overall plan. Lastly, 'T' for Timely sets up a finish line to cross, with check-ins along the way to ensure you stay on track.


Finalizing Your Goals

After applying the S.M.A.R.T. framework, finalize your long term and short term goals. Remember, these should be motivating, not frustrating!


Dealing with Setbacks

Remember that setbacks are not a sign of failure, but rather an opportunity to learn and grow. Don't be too hard on yourself when things don't go according to plan. Take a step back, reassess the situation, and make the necessary changes to keep moving forward. It's important to stay motivated and focused on your overall vision, even when faced with challenges. With the right mindset and a willingness to adapt, you can achieve anything you set your mind to. So keep pushing forward, and don't let setbacks hold you back from reaching your full potential.


Conclusion

Proper goal setting can encourage desired behaviors, guide focus, increase motivation, and instill a sense of accountability. It's not just about the destination but also about the journey and lessons learned along the way.


Next Steps

If you're interested in learning more about sport psychology, consider signing up for the sport psych in action membership, checking out the mental toughness profile workbook, or reading additional blog posts. Natalie also conducts informative interviews and check out her February Live Digital Events, for which sign-ups are open.


Contact Information

For more information, feel free to contact Natalie at Psych Me Up Consulting via phone at 585-626-5469 or email at psychmeupconsulting@gmail.com. You can also visit the website at www.psychmeupconsulting.com or follow on Instagram and Facebook for updates.


It's All About You!

Remember, the journey is all about you. Your dreams, your goals, your progress. So set those goals, face those challenges, and cheer for every victory, no matter how small!

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