Sidestepping Common Goal-Setting Mistakes - "Sports Psychology for Dummies" #4

In the last Sports Psychology for Dummies post, (#3), goal setting was discussed. This is an important aspect of increasing mental toughness and athletic performance. However, many individuals encounter problems when setting goals, and four problems in particular seem to be the most common. In order to set effective goals, as previously mentioned, these tips are especially helpful in sidestepping common goal-setting mistakes;

• Setting too many goals: When you set too many goals, in usually results in an inability to accomplish any of them. All of these goals may motivate you and make sense, but too many goals at one time confuses the brain and diffuses energy. Opt to choose the goals that are most important and/or relevant for you and tackle them each in turn. Master one, move on to the next. Avoid trying to accomplish four or five goals at once.

• Failing to set process goals: Setting outcome goals like winning the championship or achieving a certain number of assists is fun, but process goals are the way we make our outcome goals a reality. Process goals, the goals that give us the best chance of reaching our outcome goals, should be the primary focus. If they aren't the desired outcomes simply won't happen.

• Leaving your goals in a drawer: While loads of athletes take the time to set good process and outcome goals, if they fade in to the background once the season begins, they are useless. When you lose focus on the set goals, the chances of accomplishing them are seriously slim. Goals must be a living, breathing part of the individual and team mission. They must be tended to, monitored, adjusted as needed, and revisited at least once a week. Don't lose sight of what you are working so hard for.

• Focusing too much on ego and not enough on mastery: Focusing on ego goals, like the outcome goal of winning, takes vital time away from focusing on mastery goals, or those goals that are all about improving skill and performance, regardless of the outcome. When you focus on mastery goals, you get continually better, even if it doesn't result in a win. These improvements are quantifiable and with this sort of success, the wins are bound to follow! 

For more information on this topic, see chapter three of the book Sports Psychology for Dummies or call me at The Athletic Mind Institute, http://www.athleticmindinstitute.com/.