Tips for Effective Goal Setting
Goal setting can be a great tool for improving athletic performance. But without the correct strategies, we can sometimes set ourselves up for disappointment when it comes to setting goals.
Here are three tips to effectively set goals for yourself:
- Set goals based on effort not achievement: This is especially important if you are struggling with your self-doubt. You want to write down ‘practice 5 pirouettes per day for a month’ instead of ‘get my triple pirouette’. This is helpful because you are making a commitment to work hard, which will ultimately lead you to your goal. Simply writing that you want to achieve a triple pirouette is not as practical and could lead to disappointment.
- Break it down: You want to create a plan consisting of lots of small steps to reach your end goal. For example, if you want to learn how to do a walkover, you must first learn your bridge and then your handstand and then how to kick over to stand, before you can join them all together.
- Be realistic: A good measure for this is the SMART goal structure (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely) Instead of thinking of general desires, narrow it down to one specific goal and give yourself a series of steps to complete within a certain period of time.
Dance Factor is a Wollongong-based dance studio, offering classes in all styles for all ages and abilities. If you are interested in enrolling or trialling a class or have any general enquiries contact info@dancefactor.com.au.