Goal Setting




As athletes we train hard, but why are we training hard.  We train hard because we have a GOAL.  If you don’t you should
Alice:          Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?
                   The Cat:          That depends a good deal on where you want to get to
Alice:          I don't much care where.
                   The Cat:          Then it doesn't much matter which way you go.
Alice:          …so long as I get somewhere.
                   The Cat:          Oh, you're sure to do that, if only you walk long enough.
Alice in Wonderland
To make a goal you need to follow a set of guidelines.  The most common approach to goal setting is the SMART principle.

An important part of Goal Setting is the five principles of Dr Edwin Lock
  1. Clarity 
  2.  Challenge 
  3.  Commitment 
  4.  Feedback 
  5.  Task Complexity
Check this article, here, for further information on the five principle.

Goals need to be achievable but currently not in reach.  There must be steps involved in achieving the goal.

FINALLY
Sit down with your coach and work out a goal, write it down and work towards.  
Here are links to a number of articles on goal setting.  Go and read them, print them out, and now have a chat to your coach.

http://www.mindtools.com/page6.html
http://kidshealth.org/teen/drug_alcohol/getting_help/goals_tips.html
http://www.brianmac.co.uk/articles/scni19a1.htm
http://sport.gameday.com.au/index.php?id=44&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=733&cHash=5509e90754
https://wikispaces.psu.edu/display/PSYCH484/6.+Goal+Setting+Theory

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