Goal Setting Power

Our Goals Can Only Be Reached Through A Vehicle of a Plan,

Which We Must Fervently Believe And Upon Which We Must Vigorously Act"

This quote by Stephen Brennan encourages the link between mind and body. Giving ourselves something we can visualize and strive for makes it easier for us as individuals to find a way to get there. Especially true in a sport with an especially long season like basketball (5 months for Div. III). If you don't have a vision and a plan it's easy to get lost in the daily grind. Not only does goal-setting give you a approach to competition it holds you accountable for your actions. This is because if you really are serious about setting goals it's paramount that you not only write them out, but you must also:

- Write steps for getting you to those goals

- Post in a place you see everyday

- Tell friends and family about what you want to accomplish

- Read the goals daily, evaluate your actions accordingly and believe in yourself

I read recently that slightly less than 3% of all adults in the United States have written goals that they follow. Although no statistics are available it would be interesting to see the progress of that 3% as I'm guessing their achievements are very noteworthy. It seems every biography or motivational book I read these days mentions somewhere a correlation between who the person is today and how they had that vision for a long period of time. People such as this are no different that you and I. They are skilled, motivated and carry a great belief with them. It doesn't mean you can't achieve without setting goals, but it dynamically makes the process easier. Goal setting gives you a support system and it also helps you stay committed throughout the challenging times.

Within the last week we had our first team meeting of the season and in that time we discussed important concepts like team philosophy, academic standards, locker-room and court rules. We try to lay out all of our expectations and give them a plan for staying ahead in the classroom and throughout the preseason. To help them commit to this process we created a personal goal sheet that guides them toward high achievement and belief. In the document there are three different areas that one must balance and commit towards to have a fulfilling and productive time here as a student-athlete.

- Academic Standards, Basketball & Their Personal Life (family, friends, faith)

Below is a sample of one of the aspects and how we expect them to fill them out.
Notice everything is defined and examples and guidance are provided to encourage them the process.

ACADEMIC GOALS (Specific School Related Objective With A Measurable End Result)
EXAMPLE: Receive A’s in Natural Science & Speech (Classes I don’t enjoy) at end of semester.

Goal One:_______________________________________
Goal Two: ______________________________________

Purpose of Goal (Reason Why It’s Important, Purpose Behind It)
EXAMPLE: Helps me build confidence, become more well-rounded and increase future opportunities.

Purpose of Goal One: ______________________________
Purpose of Goal Two:_______________________________

Steps To Attain Goal (Series of Actions, Processes or Measures Necessary to Grow & Achieve)
EXAMPLE: Make it to class on time every day, study subject first, Write notes and review every day.

Steps Goal One: __________________________________
Steps Goal Two: __________________________________

The important thing to remember is that as I talked about with my first post you must make sure you teach your athletes how they can use this tool, the importance of it and keep it relatable throughout the year. This allows them to put a focus on it and use it during the year instead of many (team) goals you see that tend to disappear throughout the year. A coach's leadership is so important on what the team takes away from any situation.

Aim High In Your Intentions.

"High Achievement Always Takes Place In The Framework of High Expectation & Belief"

Coach Rohr