Goal setting Flashcards
Importance and effectiveness of goal setting
- More effective attentional focus: The performer’s attention is directed to what needs to be done to attain success, and distractions are less likely.
- Increased persistence on tasks: When the task becomes difficult, or if there is initial lack of success, the performer is more likely to continue to make maximum effort to reach their goal.
- To monitor performance: Performers and coaches can assess the effectiveness of progress towards reaching the goal, which brings about the benefits above
- Control of arousal and anxiety. This is because the performer believes that success is likely with sustained effort, which reduces worry. This in turn enables effective attention and cue utilisation
- Setting goals can increase a performer’s confidence and self efficacy; this is because effective goals are achievable, and so with effort the performer can achieve success.
3 types of goals
Outcome goals are related to the end result. Sports people
and their instructors often set goals to win or are concerned
with the outcome of the competition
Performance goals are concerned with performance judged against other performances – perhaps a certain time to be achieved in order to better the last time recorded. Performance goals relate to specific behaviours and may affect outcome goals.
Process-oriented goals concentrate on the performer’s technique and tactics – what a performer has to do to be more successful
Time-phased goals
Short-term goals: Intended to give immediate success, reinforce positive feelings and control anxiety levels e.g. Score 10 goals in the next 6 games. A progressive process to the achievement of long-term goals. Form a link between athlete’s initial ability and long-term goal of achievement
Medium-term: Occur during the short term goal sequence e.g achieve a certain points tally halfway through the season. Improve access and motivation towards achieving long term goals. Endorse the effectiveness of short term goals
Long-term: An ultimate aim- e.g. Winning the league. Major changes in behaviour cannot be achieved immediately through the pursuit of long-term goals. May appear daunting causing increases in anxiety. A long term goal on its own does not improve performance
SMART goals
Specific: The goal must relate to the task and individual
Measurable: Progress should be assessed using a direct comparison to a standard
Achievable: Goals must be challenging, but attainable with sustained effort
Recordable: The goal and achievement/progress towards it should be written down
Time-Bound: Goals should have a specific deadline
