Achieving Your Goals

Every athlete has a goal that they want to achieve in sport and/or life. Some may reach them while others will struggle to reach theirs. So what is the difference between those who achieve and those who fail? Let's look at a few factors:

• Motivation - Ask yourself what is motivating you to achieve your goals? Is it coming from you or influence from other people? What drives you?
  

• Commitment - Are you committed to working on your goals? If you do not put in the time and effort, then reaching your goals is going to be difficult and could lead to negative thoughts/feelings towards self.
  

• Realistic - Your goal(s) have to be realistic to achieve. This is not saying that they need to be easy, but challenging. The key here is to use your previous performances as a base.

• Readily Available - Are your goals written down and in a place where you see them everyday? If not, do that. Keeping a visual reminder will help motivate you.

• *Action Steps*- The most important part of reaching your goals. How are you working towards your goal? This is critical to achievement.

These are just a few factors that set apart those that have a better chance of achieving their goals from those who do not. Setting goals is a great way to see your improvements and feel that personal satisfaction of success that will drive you forward to take your performance to the next level.