Goal Setting Flashcards
Outcome goal
A goal set against the performance of others and based on a result
If this goal is realistic then motivation will be maintained
Technique used becomes irrelevant - such performances are said to be outcome oriented
Disadvantages of an outcome goal
- If the goal is not achieved, then motivation will be lost
- If the performer is less experienced or less relented then performance goal may be more suitable
- Outcome goals require comparison with other performers so if the athlete feels they are not as good as other performers then motivation may be lost
- They are more likely to cause stress especially if the goal is not achieved
- Motivation may be lost if the performer perceives the goal as being too difficult to achieve
Task oriented goals
- Focuses on getting a better performance; these goals are concerned with improvements in technique or performance
Advantages of task-orientated goals
- Motivation can still be maintained when using this type of goal (a personal best time can still be achieved when finishing third)
- The athlete does not compare with others but instead makes an evaluation based on their own past performances
- The goal can still be achieved even if they don’t win the race
Performance goal
- When the athlete sets a goal to better their own performance rather than comparing with others
- To achieve this goal, it may by appropriate to break down the performance into techniques used at various parts of the race
Examples of performance goals
- Achieving a personal best time in a 50 metre swimming race
- Achieving a personal best time in a 100 metre sprint race
- Making a specific number of tackles in a rugby / football match
- Scoring a certain number of goals in the season
Examples of outcome goals
- Finish in the top three
- Winning a trophy
- Finishing in a certain place in the league
- Winning a certain number of matches in the season
Process goals
- Based on improving technique
- An improvement in technique will result in a better performance
Advantages of performance goals
They reduce anxiety in competition and provide more consistent motivation
Advantages of process goals
- They are short term goals so they provide a means for reassurance
- They don’t involve comparison with others
SMARTER
Specific, Measured, Achievable, Realistic, Time-bound, Evaluate, Re-do
Specific
Goals should be clear and precise, perhaps using data; these goals should be specific to the performer and the sport. They should focus on improving specific aspects of performance
Measured
- Some form of assessment should occur to aid motivation
- Performers should have access to statistics
- Measurement allows the performer to see how much progress is being made towards completing the goal
- Feedback should be precise to allow progress to be measured
Achievable
- The performer should be able to achieve their goal
- By reaching their target with a controlled amount of effort, motivation and self-satisfaction are improved and the willingness to extend the target can be achieved
Realistic
- The goals should be within reach to promote motivation and sustain effort
- The player will gain satisfaction and confidence from reaching their set target
- If the goal is too difficult it may cause anxiety
Time-bound
- Short-term and long-term steps should be clearly defined so that there is a clear deadline for coach and player to assess if the goal had been reached
- The player and the coach can then gauge progress and keep motivation levels high
Evaluate
- The performer and coach should evaluate how and when the goal was achieved so that future attempts at reaching targets can be assessed
- The coach and player should consider the methods that worked well and the methods that were not so successful, so that only the best ways to succeed are used in the future
Re-do
- If the goal has not been reached, if progress is slow or after evaluation the performer thinks that something could have been done better - it’s best to do it again
- The target can be adjusted to help ensure success
