A goal without a plan is just a wish. - Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
This summer, I attended a 5-day workshop with Jack Canfield (author, motivational speaker) where I learned to hone my goal-setting skills. I learned the most important aspect of goal development is being as specific as possible. You can do this by asking how much and by when?
Some athletes may have a goal to swim faster or lose weight. Both are great aspirations but they can be more specific. For instance, say you currently swim a 1:35 for a 100 free. You can make the goal more precise by saying, I will swim a 1:33 for the 100 free. Now let’s add the second part, by when. I will swim a 1:33 for the 100 free by April 1, 2017. It’s now stated in a way that anyone can determine if you have accomplished your goal. Come April 1, you will either swim a 1:33 for the 100 free or you will not.
Once you have created your goals, write them down and share them. Tell your coach, friends and lane mates. Support and encouragement can come from many areas so be sure to share your objectives with others. I love it when athletes share their goals with me. When they do I am instantly invested in seeing them succeed.