Goal setting can be a potent tool in driving human performance. But often, it is a tool we don't take full advantage of. I couldn't count the number of times I have seen a PowerPoint slide with the acronym SMART goals (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely). There is nothing wrong with SMART goals, but often it frustrates me in how we apply this framework. In the last post, I talked about creating a philosophy that lays the foundations of our understanding of why we do what we do. Now it's time to look at how we can live that philosophy.
The critical thing with goals is connection, connecting the why with how. Therefore, we need to look at our goals as a signpost for our journey and ultimately develop actions and habits which will help us move towards these goals. The next couple of posts will dive into the research of how we can connect our philosophy with actionable habits. This habit-forming strucutre can be used at both an individual or team level.
Set the sails in the right direction...
Step 1: Identify your philosophy! Have a look back at the previous post to see how. You may even list down some of the values you want to engage in from the philosophy task. You may also ask yourself, "how do I want to be remembered as an athlete or coach?".
Step 2: Ask yourself, "how will I explore these values through sport?". Try to come up with some actions that would allow you to live these values. They do not have to be complex behaviours; it could be as simple as 'listening to athletes or coaches during an interaction with them and putting this feedback into action.' Try to make a couple of behaviours for each value.
Step 3: Now, think about the previous weeks, look at each behaviour, and think about whether you are achieving each value. Create a score for each value (1 = not completing this value, 10 = completing this value).
This 3 step process allows us to set our sails in the right direction. It will enable us to note what values we are not currently accomplishing and identify some of the behaviours we could engage in to live such values! As previously stated, this can be done at a team level too, and we can look to develop such values as a group and identify whether we are fulfilling our ambitions.
This is only the first phase; the following stages will look at how we move closer to these values by creating some actionable habits.