Do you want to improve your goal setting? One of the best ways to help your goal setting is to implement the use of SMART goals.
Let’s dive in a bit more here…
S – Specific
When setting goals you want to be as clear and defined as possible. Goals are set with the clear intention of taking steps to reach a specific journey which will keep you motivated. If you set vague or generalized goals, they do not allow you to stay focused on the task at hand.
Example: I want to play college golf and receive college scholarship offers by my junior year of high school.
M – Measurable
Setting goals that can measure your degree of success is very important – this will keep you accountable while tracking your progress. Always include specific numbers or dates so that you celebrate your success when you meet your deadline. Measurable goals in golf are very common and can range from lowering your overall scoring average to bettering your putting by two shots a round by a specific time.
Example: Decrease scoring average in the next six months from 76.4 to 75.2. This goal can be measured by playing multiple rounds of golf and keeping your statistics. Numbers don’t lie.
A – Attainable
Are your goals achievable? Goals must be realistic and achievable for progress to occur. If your goals aren’t realistic, you are giving yourself a sense of false hope which will only diminish your confidence. Golf can be a tricky sport and having goals that can be reached is crucial. That being said, resist any urge to set goals that are too easy. Set goals that will require you to work hard while also bringing you satisfaction while conquering.
Example: Contact 25 coaches with a well constructed email, current tournament stats, and media kit.
R – Relevant
Setting relevant goals makes you responsible for your own success. Make sure your goals move you in a positive direction while also challenging you. When setting goals – make sure they matter to YOU. While support from your family, swing coaches, teachers and friends is important, goals are set and accomplished by you. Relevant goals must match your timetable and efforts.
Example: Do I want to play Division 1 golf and am I willing to put in the time and effort to make that happen?
T – Timely
Every goal needs a deadline. Having an end date will allow you to focus on working towards your big goals while completing small tasks along the way. You need to be able to celebrate the small victories while reaching for the stars. Having both short term and long term goals, especially in the golf world can be challenging – but setting time bound goals will keep you accountable while also prioritizing your final objective.
Example: Set up a golf based Instagram account and post once a week.
We hope that you were able to learn something about goal setting. For more posts like this one, check out our blog here: Path Fore Success Blog. You can also follow us on Instagram & Twitter for more.
