Dear Shirley:
Does dreaming about something you want make it happen? Why do people set goals? Aren't goal oriented people just annoying and don't they just set themselves up for failure?
Goal Less
Dear Goal Less:
Some people are very goal oriented. Every day is programmed with goals. Many Olympic athletes begin their quest as a child dreaming about what could be. This statement makes me reflect back on the first time I skated on the pond ice in front of the Tesoro. A young boy skating circles around me told me that he was going to the Olympics someday. I asked his name and he replied, “Keegan Messing.”
Athletes who focus on the pursuit of their sport dream have to be very focused if they are to get in multiple hours of training a week on top of living a regular life. When reality hits and they are within reach of making the Olympics, life has become programmed. Often everything that traditionally takes place in life; family, marriage, children, career is set aside to achieve the goal of making the Olympic Team. Goals set have to be very concrete, objective and obtainable in order to stay on track and follow through on a goal plan. The outcome goal is set to obtain the objective, whereas performance goals are the means for getting to that end by improving technique, strategy and ability.
The athlete has to be committed to their sport, and make it their passion. Basically, it becomes their life and what they do every day. They become content with their simple but focused lifestyle, committed to their dream and focused on the achievement of daily goals.
Some make it and some don't, but no matter what those who commit to the purpose learn more about themselves and that helps them understand discipline and commitment to a cause. Athletic pursuits encourage an individual to strive for excellence, be flexible and set attainable goals. Some continue in this vein, whereas others take a hiatus from being totally goal oriented and assume a more relaxed attitude.
Herein the focus has been on the goal orientation of Olympic athletes but the same processes apply to everyday goals. It is true that setting objective, measurable goals is a very productive habit that works for most successful individuals. It is good to have dreams, seek challenges and set reasonable goals.
Here is a basic formula for successful goal setting called SMARTS: Specific Measurable Action–oriented Realistic Timely Self–determined (Smith, 1994). Make the process FUN! Write down your goals so you can see them daily. Be flexible and evaluate your goal as you make progress. Truly, to achieve your potential, somewhere deep in your core you have to believe you can do it. By focusing on your big dream and pursuing your daily goals…take little steps – you nourish your commitment, your confidence and personal belief in your capacity to achieve. Write down a plan of action for enhancing your performance or personal growth. What do you need to do to initiate change? When are you going to do it and how often and in what circumstances?
Remember this Canadian Sport Psych Quote: “If in Your Heart You Believe, in Your Mind Conceive, You will Achieve…” (Orlick, 2000).
Ask Shirley questions can be focused on any topics involving life, health, fitness, mental training, competition, clinical issues or addictions. Please, email your questions to Askshirl@gmail.com or call (907) 382-6477. All questions will remain anonymous.
Shirley K. Durtschi is an Applied Sport Psychology Certified Consultant (AASP-CC), a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) Chemical Dependency Counselor Supervisor (CDCS) for the State of Alaska.
