Effective goal setting
Having relevant goals helps participants of all types in physical activity and sport. They are useful for A beginner or inexperienced person. and experienced performers, for people who take part for health and wellbeing and for those who are very competitive. For example, a less active person may join a gym because they want to get fit. A swimmer may aspire to take part in the Olympic Games.
Goal setting helps by:
- impacting positively on health, wellbeing and performance
- focusing attention
- improving effort and concentration
- helping to develop strategies for success
A goal is usually seen as the result of some endeavour. It needs to be compelling 鈥 something that someone really wants to do. It can be simple and short-term, for example, 'I want to have fun in this session'. It can be about improvement over a longer period, for example, 'I want to run a marathon'.
Goals are valuable in a number of ways.
Goals should not become expectations that weigh a person down. They can and should be adapted.
Question
How do personal best scores help athletes to set goals?
Improving their personal best each time they perform gives athletes something specific and measurable to work towards.