Kick Off Your Season with Purpose: The Power of Goal Setting in Sports

It’s that time of year again—practices are starting up, and athletes are returning to their respective sports. As energy and anticipation build, there’s no better moment to talk about one of the most powerful tools for success: goal setting. Establishing clear objectives now can set the tone for your entire season, keeping you motivated, focused, and on track for improvement.

Understanding Two Types of Goals: Overarching vs. Process

When it comes to goal setting, it’s helpful to think in terms of two main types: overarching goals and process goals.

• Overarching or outcome goals are the big dreams—the ambitious achievements you’re striving for. Maybe it’s winning a championship, finishing first in your event, or achieving a personal best in the weight room. While these goals are exciting and inspiring, they can sometimes be outside of your direct control. Even when you give your all, factors such as weather, health, or a competitor’s exceptional performance can affect the outcome.

This is where process goals take center stage.

• Process goals are smaller, more specific, and completely within your control. They’re designed to guide your growth, provide valuable feedback, and keep you accountable throughout the season—regardless of the final result. The best way to develop effective process goals is by using the S.M.A.R.T. goal framework.

Get S.M.A.R.T. About Your Process

S.M.A.R.T. stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant/Realistic, and Time-bound. This approach ensures your goals are clear and actionable. For example, a S.M.A.R.T. goal for a runner could be: “Reduce my 400-meter dash time by 2 seconds by the end of a 10-week training period.” This goal is focused, trackable, and realistic, making it a powerful motivator and a true indicator of your hard work.

Even if you fall just short of big, overarching ambitions, well-structured process goals mean you can still see—and celebrate—meaningful improvements.

Staying Flexible and Accountable

It’s important to remember that process goals aren’t set in stone. If you find yourself crushing them ahead of schedule, don’t hesitate to set new, more challenging targets. On the flip side, if you’re struggling to keep up, adjust your goals to better fit your current situation. The key is to use goals as a tool to hold yourself accountable and maintain focus on what matters most to you.