Some of the most important moments of a season can happen in the first few weeks. Whether you are chasing new ambitions or looking for a fresh start, the beginning of a season can be an exciting catalyst for positive change. Passion, enthusiasm, and determination are invaluable qualities that are needed throughout a season. So how can you channel your excitement and stay committed for the long haul?  

It all starts with goals…

We're not just talking about setting goals; we mean going after your goals, day after day, week after week, and so on.

How can you make sure your actions each day at practice match your ambition?  

What is your plan to get there & what work will be required?  

- The best way to chase your ambitions is to break them down into the most important parts. Dr. Angela Duckworth (Grit author/researcher) and many other psychologists recommend placing your goal into a hierarchal structure -- connecting your long-term goal with smaller goals.

- Place your long-term goal (outcome goal) at the top of the pyramid. Then break it down; what are three things (process goals) within your training that you should focus on to achieve your outcome goal. Even further, what can you do each week or each day (actions) that will improve your three process goals? Be as specific as possible.  

- Share your outcome goal, process goals, and actions with your coaches. Their feedback might help with developing your goal(s). This shows that you take ownership of your sport and have a vision for what you want to accomplish. They can attest to whether your goal is achievable and what it will take to earn it.  

- Specify when you want to accomplish your goal. This not only helps with planning but also can give you the necessary urgency to get started.

- Regularly evaluate your progress, both individually and with your coach, along the way and be receptive to feedback.

How can you make sure you will hold yourself accountable?

- Now that you have actions you can take each day that align with your outcome goal, how can you stay committed to those daily goals?  

- Try sharing your outcome goal with a teammate or coach. But don't end there. Tell them your daily goal each day before practice too. One of the best qualities of being a teammate is that you can help keep each other motivated and accountable.

- Start a journal, practice log, or some type of evaluation process. Make sure to specify which process goal/action you focused on at practice. This can help you become more diligent at practice. Not only can logging improve your accountability, but it also helps build confidence when you are progressing with your training.  
- It all starts with having a clear vision of what you want to accomplish. Visualizing yourself achieving your goal can help keep your motivation burning.  

What are potential setbacks & how will you respond to them?   

- If you set a truly ambitious goal, it will take both patience and persistence. Buy into the process, find small victories in practice, and embrace being out of your comfort zone.   

- No path to true success happens without a few roadblocks or failures along the way. The key is to be prepared for setbacks and respond in a positive and productive way.

- Take feedback from your coaches and put it to use. Make the necessary changes.  

Want vs. Will -- are you willing to put in the work, time, & energy?

- Breaking your goal down into smaller steps (process goals and actions) helps lay out the game plan.

- Many want, few are willing.  

- Once you know what is necessary to achieve the goal you want, are you willing to embrace the grind?

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