As discussed in Part 1, there is a big difference between goals and results/dreams. Once you understand this, you can set more detailed, purposeful and meaningful goals. Creating your goals will require time, thought, and revision. If you want to get the most out of your goals you cannot take any shortcuts when creating them.
To get started, take a sheet of paper and divide it into three columns: Dreams/Results, Scouting Report, and Plan of Attack.
Dreams/Results: In this section list the dreams that you have and the results you want to achieve. This section should contain a mix of short-term and long-term items. This section should answer the question “What do I want to do?”
Scouting Report: In order to move forward in achieving a desired result, you must know where you stand right now. We can evaluate this using a S.W.O.T. Analysis. S.W.O.T. Analysis’ are often used in the business world, but I believe they can equally valuable on a personal level. Divide this section the following 4 categories
- Strengths – What you do well right now
- Weaknesses – What you don’t do well right now
- Opportunities – What opportunities are available to you to aide in achieving your dreams. For example, open gyms, basketball camps, skills training, etc.
- Threats – What are the threats to you achieving your desired results?
It is extremely important that you be thoughtful and honest with all you answers. It may be wise to ask someone close to you what they think, possibly a coach, parent, or trainer. (For some insight on this section, read Mike Lee’s blog on Player Evaluations here). You may not like what they have to say, but the truth will set you free! This section will serve as your own personal scouting report.
Plan of Attack: In this section list all the different things that you can do to take you closer to achieving your dreams. This list can be somewhat general because you will get into more detail when you set your goals, but should contain action verbs like practice, develop, create, etc. This section should answer the questions: How do we get there? How do we achieve our dreams?
Once you’ve completed your sheet, you’ve laid the foundation for setting S.M.A.R.T. goals. A S.M.A.R.T. goal is:
- Specific (and strategic): Describes a clearly defined and observable action or behavior, using action verbs (practice, attend, create, etc). The goal is focused on one defined area. It answers the questions – Who? And What?
- Measurable: Success or action towards meeting the goal can be measured. This portion answers how much? How often? How many?
- Attainable: The goals you set are realistic, reasonable, and can be achieved in a specific amount of time.
- Relevant: What is the reason, purpose, or benefit of accomplishing this goal? How will the goal help you and/or your team?
- Time Framed: Goals have clearly defined time frames. These time frames can include specific target dates, frequencies, milestones, and/or deadlines.
Examples
Not a SMART goal: Become a better dribbler.
This example isn’t goal. It’s not specific or strategic and there is no action present. This statement also lacks measurement and a time frame. specific or strategic and there’s no action present. It also lacks measurement, identification of why the improvement it needed or how it will be used, and a time frame. This is a better example of something that should be in your “Plan of Action” section.
SMART goal: I will get a list of 10 ball-handling drills from Coach Lee by March 1, 2013. Implement the ball handling drills immediately into workouts three times a week from March 1 to May 1.
Not a SMART goal: Start on the Varsity team
This is a result, not a goal. It is specific, but there is no measurement or time frame. A better approach would be to create S.M.A.R.T. goals that will lead to accomplishing this result. One example of a better goal for this result is listed below.
SMART goal: Starting March 1, I will make 100 3pt shots 5 times a week through the end of the month.
Make sure you have a good mix of short-term and long-term goals. If you are writing out your goals for the first time, start with 3 or 4 goals that are realistic. Once you’ve completed this list you can start to make your goals more demanding. The most important thing is that you begin to form “Goal Completing” habits. Remember, you have to crawl before you walk and walk before you run!
Check back soon for Part 3: Goal Follow Through