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Goal Setting Lesson #3 - Setting S.M.A.R.T Goals
Watch Heather's video here:
Read the lesson summary below!
As an age group swimmer, I don't think I realized the importance of making goals!
Tip # 1 - Write down your goals!
In 2012 Heather wrote down a specific time she wanted to hit in a race in the front page of her swim journal where she wrote her swim practices everyday!
She also wrote the time goal on her mirror so that she could see it every morning which was a constant reminder every single day about what she was working towards.
Tip # 2 - Goals Can Change
It can be disappointing when you don’t reach a goal but don't get discouraged, this happens, even to the best!
You can reassess your goals; tweak them and adapt them so that you can try again. It's important to be constantly reviewing your goals, adding to them when necessary to make sure they stay relevant.
Tip # 3 - Make SMART Goals
Creating goals that follow the SMART guidelines, are a great way to find the most helpful goals for your career.
SMART stands for: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely. Let's take a look at what that means:
Specific: The goal should be very clear, and easy to define. For example, Heather wanted to achieve a time of 1:58.40 in the 200 metre Freestyle (very specific!)
Measurable: You should be able to tell when results are getting better. For example, you can keep track of how many nights in a row you are able to get to bed in time.
Attainable: Ideally you want a goal that is not too difficult, but also not too easy. Something that you truly believe you can accomplish. This is where the insight of your coach can really come in handy.
Realistic: Don't set a goal of learning how to fly by tomorrow! Set goals that logically make some sense and seem possible in the time frame you've created. Dream big... maybe you can fly one day, but it might take some time to learn how!
Timely: Give yourself a specific timeframe to achieve your goal. For example, perhaps you want to achieve your goal by the time you finish school for the summer.
Write this down!
Try writing down your first S.M.A.R.T goal!