What makes a good goal?

Goals should be written, challenging, believable (by you), specific, measurable and usually have a specific deadline.
Not all goals must be lofty (sometimes easy to achieve goals are good ways to help you take steps to a more challenging goal).
Most swimming goals need to have a deadline, however, they can carry over from season to season and you can have on-going goals.

Long-Term vs. Short-Term Goals

Both long-term and short-term goals are important to have.
Long-term goals may be years down the line whereas a short-term goal may be the current week of training or the next swim meet.
It’s good to spread out the due dates of your goals (especially in swimming as the season progresses).
It’s okay to adjust your goals as you go.

Tips for Setting Your Goals

It’s okay to work on a number of goals all at once (takes pressure off of the challenging goals and sometimes smaller goals can be used along the way to promote self-confidence and help you get closer to the more difficult goals).
Break big pieces of goals into small steps
List relevant obstacles that may get in your way, discourage you or keep you from achieving your goal. (Avoid discussion of your goals with naysayers, even if they are family).
Solicit encouragement from others you trust and respect to help you stay motivated to attain your goals.
Do not base your goals on what other people think. In swimming, discuss your goal with your coach in order to make sure he/she is aware of it so they can train and motivate you to achieve that goal.
DON’T STOP!………..even if you get sidetracked or discouraged, do not stop!

Do not get discouraged. Recognize partial accomplishments because by striving for the goal you are improving yourself.
Use your personal support group to keep you on task and encouraged.
Internalize the lesson of perseverance. Many amazing accomplishments in this world came from people who never gave up in spite of all odds against them.
Do not allow yourself to become the person that accomplishes 50% of a lot of things but 100% of nothing because you gave up.

The only true failure is the failure to attempt or giving up without full effort. (i.e. In basketball, you do not make 100% of the shots you never take).
By trying but not succeeding, you still become a better person with more knowledge and experience than you ever had before, making you more prepared for the next goal you will attempt.
Missed deadlines, setbacks, unexpected challenges, changing priorities and feeling discouraged are not failures! You only fail if you quit on your goal.

Having more than one goal is a good idea because it increases your accomplishments.
Do not let one goal consume you, especially if it is a challenging one. Break that goal down into smaller, more manageable parts to help you achieve it.
Focus on other goals and stay persistent with the goal you may feel stuck on. Remember, missed deadlines are not failures …….. re-evaluate that goal and try again.

When you achieve a goal, it’s okay to enjoy it and appreciate that sense of accomplishment.
If you put a lot of hard work into achieving a goal, you better take the time to enjoy it before you move on to the next goal.
There is nothing wrong with being proud of yourself and using that pride to help you set new and more challenging goals in the future.
When you achieve a goal, you do not have to be satisfied, but you definitely should be happy.

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