Achievement: A Self-Test

What Did You Choose?

One's philosophy of achievement often directs the type of goals that are set. Research indicates that performance goals (e.g., hitting a higher percentage of 1st serves in) are usually superior to outcome goals (e.g., winning the tournament). In my opinion, focusing on "winning" is an irrelevant distraction. Attentional resources are needed for more specific needs (See my November 1995 article). Rather than worry about the outcome, stay interested in improving your performance and the outcome will take care of itself.

There are distinct advantages to setting goals. Here are a few of the benefits noted in the research on goal setting in sports:

1. Improved Performance
2. Enhanced Quality of Practice
3. Clarified Expectations
4. Greater Challenge and Boredom Relief
5. Higher Intrinsic Motivation
6. Pride, Satisfaction and Self-Confidence
7. Decreased Anxiety
8. Improved Concentration
9. Greater Sense of Purpose
10. Time Management
11. Self-Efficacy
12. Better Search For Strategies

Although there are no exact rules to follow in goal setting, here are some guiding principles which have been effective in maximizing performance:

1. Set specific, measurable goals, with a target date to completion
2. Set both long- and short-term goals
3. Set difficult, yet attainable goals, that will push you toward your limits
4. Set performance goals rather than outcome goals
5. Reevaluate goals periodically and adjust them when necessary
6. Set goals for practice as well as match play
7. Set goals that will lead to a steady progression of improvement

Goal setting is a marvelous tool. Add it to your arsenal of mental equipment. See you next month ...