Goal setting

Goal setting is the technique of defining what an athlete is aiming to achieve, with criteria and deadlines attached. The best-known approach is SMART: a goal should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound. Locke and Latham's research shows that specific, moderately difficult goals produce better results than a vague "do your best".

In sport, goals are arranged in a hierarchy: long-term (the season), medium-term (a tournament) and daily training goals. The absence of clear goals often leads to loss of motivation and chaotic preparation, while fixating too rigidly on the final placing leads to inconsistent results under pressure. The goals that work best are the ones an athlete can control themselves.

Motivational orientation questionnaires and structured planning interviews help assess how clear and realistic your goals are. Assessment instruments are available in the tests section. It is convenient to go through goal-setting patterns together with a specialist.

The basic practices are breaking a season goal down into stages, keeping a journal of training objectives, and a weekly plan-versus-actual review. It helps to attach a process goal, fully within the athlete's control, to every outcome goal. There is a selection of exercises in the exercises section.

Goal setting rests on achievement motivation and on the distinction between outcome, performance and process goals. It helps with loss of motivation and inconsistent results.