I gave two separate talks this week on goal setting. The first was to a team in the middle of a season, facing a losing record. The second was on a podcast aimed at both current and former athletes. Both scenarios highlighted a critical question: why is goal setting important for athletes?
Effective goal setting is essential for athletes, whether they’re competing, overcoming challenges, or transitioning out of their sports careers. However, effective goal setting is not something we are consistently taught—not in school, not by coaches, and not even by parents. This lack of foundational understanding leaves many athletes struggling to set meaningful goals that drive their progress.
The Disconnect Between Effort and Achievement
I recently came across a graphic titled “7 Ways to Be a Good Student,” which listed tips such as:
- Make sure you study.
- Pay attention in class.
- Finish assignments on time.
- Listen to your teacher.
- Ask for help.
- Respect your classmates.
- Always try your best.
This list emphasizes effort, respect, and consistent action. However, when I Googled “good student,” the first result I saw was a circled “A” on a sheet of paper. This disconnect between effort and external validation mirrors what many athletes experience.
Young athletes are often taught that hard work and respect are what matter. Yet, when it comes to evaluating their performance, success is often reduced to wins, medals, or rankings. Over time, this emphasis on external achievement can overshadow the value of effort and the process itself.
Athletes and the Challenge of Roadblocks
For athletes, the struggle often begins when they hit their first significant roadblock. This could occur in high school, college, or even at a professional level. At this stage, their competency and skills are pushed to new limits. They may no longer experience the satisfaction of easy achievement, and the praise for their efforts might diminish. This shift often leads them to fixate solely on the outcome—winning the game, earning the scholarship, or making the team.
When athletes focus only on results, the goal-setting journey becomes daunting. They lose sight of the process and the daily actions that contribute to success. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and a sense that their efforts don’t matter unless they achieve the desired outcome.
Why Goal Setting Is Important for Athletes
Effective goal setting is about more than just aiming for outcomes; it’s about embracing the journey. Here are some reasons why goal setting is crucial for athletes:
- Provides Direction: Goals act as a roadmap, giving athletes a clear sense of where they want to go and how to get there.
- Increases Motivation: Well-defined goals fuel motivation by breaking larger objectives into manageable steps.
- Improves Focus: Daily, controllable goals help athletes focus on the process rather than getting lost in the pursuit of external validation.
- Builds Confidence: Tracking progress and achieving smaller milestones boosts self-belief, especially during challenging times.
- Encourages Resilience: Goals help athletes persevere through setbacks by reminding them of their purpose and long-term aspirations.
The Importance of Process-Oriented Goals
Process-oriented goals emphasize the actions and behaviors within an athlete’s control. For example, instead of focusing on winning a race, an athlete can set goals like:
- Completing five training sessions per week.
- Improving their personal best time by 0.5 seconds.
- Practicing mindfulness techniques before every competition.
By prioritizing the process, athletes stay engaged in their journey, even if the ultimate outcome takes time to materialize.
Tips for Effective Goal Setting for Athlete
To make goal setting work, athletes should follow these principles:
- Be Specific: Define clear, measurable goals. Instead of saying, “I want to improve,” specify, “I want to increase my free-throw percentage to 80%.”
- Set Short- and Long-Term Goals: Combine immediate, actionable goals with broader, long-term objectives.
- Track Progress: Regularly evaluate your progress and adjust your goals as needed.
- Stay Flexible: Understand that setbacks are part of the process. Adjust goals when circumstances change.
- Focus on What You Can Control: Concentrate on behaviors and actions rather than external results.
Summary
Why is goal setting important for athletes? It’s the foundation for growth, focus, and resilience. By prioritizing the process over the outcome, athletes can find greater fulfillment and success in their journeys. Whether you’re in the middle of a tough season, transitioning out of sports, or simply looking to improve, effective goal setting can guide you toward your aspirations while keeping you grounded in what truly matters: the effort you bring every day.
If you’re finding it challenging to set goals, book a free consultation today.
https://www.elitehighperformance.com/consultation/If you’re looking for more tips on how to improve your performance, check out our Athlete Mindset Training playlist.
Lauren Williams | High Performance Coach | Athlete Mindset Coach | Former Professional Hockey Player
