GOAL SETTING - It's Not Just for the Future You

You may be wondering why I have goal setting on my mind for this month's topic. We just finished a season, it's just the summer, no big meets are coming up. This is the perfect time to set goals. Whenever I think about goals, I look further than the next meet. I think about big picture of where I am, and where I want to ultimately be. 

This can be hard for a lot of people, just because it's difficult to predict what you will want or even where you'll be in the coming days, weeks, or years from now. But I encourage you to look below to start thinking about how goals should help to shape not only your training, but your life in general. 

What is a good goal?

One that will help you to be better! This may seem like a straight forward answer, but any goal that will help you to be better (in the pool, classroom, personal relationships with friends & family, life, hobbies, etc.) is a good goal worth pursuing.  

How do I choose which types of goals to set?

What is meaningful to you? Like I mentioned above, it doesn't need to just be swimming related, but can be with any aspect of your life. We like people to create something called a SMART goal: - Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Timed. Look for more on this in the next blog writeup.

Who can help me set my goals?

I can! I have spent a lot of time creating goals not only for myself, but helping other people creating their goals. I also enjoy helping people outside of just swimming goals, but with school related goals, or even to learn a new skill! Your group coaches are great resources as well. 

How can I stay accountable?

There are plenty of ways to stay accountable with your goals. Some of them are more challenging than others, so look to see which ones may work for you:

- Write it down! Fill out a goal sheet - look for that in the next blog post. 

- Share it with your friends or teammates - how can you hold each other accountable! 

- Tell it to your coaches - we can help you to achieve your goals. 

ACTION ITEMS

For Swimmers:

- Think about what's important to you:

    Which areas of your life you want to see improvements?

    What will show you that you've improved?

- Think about where you want to go:

    Faster time? Better Technique?

    Honors courses? Certain college?

    New hobby? What activities make you happy?

For Parents:

- Encourage kids to think about their aims, passions, and goals

- Provide a safe space for them to dream, then support them without trying to complete their dream for them! You are such an amazing asset to encourage your athlete - but know it's their journey. 

Please contact me with any questions or how to help you think through your goals!

-- Coach Sam