Setting Smarter Goals
A great way to assist
in both yourself and your athletes to remember the various principles of goal
setting is to use the acronym SMARTS [1].
S – Specific
M – Measurable
A – Attainable
R – Realistic
T – Time-bound
S – Self Determined
 |
| Using SMART Goals you can help your athlete get to the next level - photo: Jed Hughes |
The SMARTS system is
really an easy to remember and condensed version of the below principles[2]:
1.
Set
specific goals
> For goals to be effective they must be
specific as opposed to ‘do your best’ goals
2.
Set
moderately difficult but realistic goals
> Goals will present no value if they are
too easy but they also can pose a threat to confidence if too hard (or
perceived as too hard) and unattainable. This gets easier for surfers with more
experience however you may need to assist in this step particularly if you are
undertaking this with a young grommet.
3.
Set long
and short term goals
> Goals are rarely accomplished straight
away
> Set short and long term goals
> Can think of it as a mount or staircase to
be climbed with the long term goal at the top and the short term goals on the
way, that are going to help you get there
4.
Set
performance, process and outcome goals
> As discussed previously Outcome goals are
not as effective and less likely to result in anxiety and confidence issues,
especially if they are not met
> Process and performance goals are much
more effective
> All three can be used in you goal setting
program
5.
Set goals
for both training and competition
> Training goals are important due to the
sheer amount of time spent training
> Using training goals will also influence
competition performance and also assist in keeping motivation high in training
6.
Record
and put goals in a prominent place
> Writing down the goal in detail helps the
thought process and assists in solidifying the goal
> Putting it in a place where it is
regularly seen can keep the goal in the forefront of you athletes mind
7.
Develop
goal achievement strategies
> Strategies and needed to give a structure
to how you are going to achieve your athletes goals
8.
Consider
the athletes personality and motivation
> Goals can be tailored specific to a
surfers personality
> If they work better competing against a
team mate or whether they need to be constantly challenged it is up to you as
the coach to keep your athletes motivated and committed
9.
Foster an
individuals goal commitment
> Provide constant feedback and encourage
progress
> Let your athletes set their own goals but
assist them in the process
10.
Provide
goal support to you athlete
> Enlist the support of family and friends
and educate them in the importance of process and process goals beyond that of
outcome goals
11.
Provide
evaluation of and feedback about goals
> Consistent evaluation and revaluation of
current and progressing goals
> Provide feedback and support as to how the
athlete is going and readjust the program accordingly
These while all
fairly self-explanatory allow for effective goals to be set by your charge with
guidance from yourself. Attached is a worksheet, which you can use with your
athlete applying the above principles.
Make sure to put in a prominent place and reassess.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Resources:
SMART Goal Setting Worksheet
SMART Goal Setting Coach Companion
SMART Goal Setting Coach Supplement (Condensed PDF version of this page)
Resources:
SMART Goal Setting Worksheet
SMART Goal Setting Coach Companion
SMART Goal Setting Coach Supplement (Condensed PDF version of this page)
References:
No comments:
Post a Comment