Physical Tuning | Skills & Drills | Thought Design | Team Work

Goal Setting

The importance of goal setting to athletes of any skill level or age is often overlooked. Effective goal setting includes establishing objectives that can be measured, defined and reached. If you don't know where you're going, how do you know when you get there, and that you're on the right road? Goals need not be lofty, but should be behavioral, specific and measurable. In addition, they must be realistically attainable by the athlete.

The process of goal setting provides a plan of action that focuses and directs activity. Goal setting also emphasizes the link between behavior and outcome. Short-term goals help mobilize the athlete and direct activities. Long (and short) term goals lead to a more effective plan of action, and provide a clear map of a progression of activities.

If you are working with a coach, he or she should assist you in setting your goals. Through this process, your coach should get a clear understanding of your current skills and fitness level, what you would like to ultimately accomplish with your sport, and how he/she can help you get there. From those initial pieces of information, your coach will provide you with an outline (periodization plan) of your season's training. This outline should help you understand what each piece of training is expected to accomplish, and how, in turn, that will help you reach your goal.

Goals can and do change for an Athlete. A process goal is one over which an Athlete has complete control, such as running an 8:00 mile. These are usually achieved with a focus on strength and conditioning. There is a strong connection between success and effort. Clearly, as these goals are met, new goals should be set. Outcome goals are ones in which the athlete has little control. Winning a particular race, or game are usual outcome goals. Without the correct process goals, outcome goals quickly can become meaningless.

No goals, no glory. It's a well-worn phrase. But it makes sense. It's not too late to find the road you're on, or to define it.

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Jonathan Siegel, Director of Coaching
JDS Sportcoaching, LLC

Jonathan Siegel, CSCS, is an RRCA-certified running coach and certified cycling coach. If you have training questions or comments or are interested in a lactate test, contact JDS Sportcoaching,LLC.