Goals, Commitments, or both

I am so excited for the 2016-17 Track & Field season to begin!  I have a great group of athletes returning.  We also have a newcomer as well.  Awesome things to look forward to this season.  As we transition to the start of the season, rather than discuss goal-setting with my throwers, I plan on taking a different approach.

Rather than just focus on our outcomes, or season goals, my focus will be on commitments.  My intention for the season is for my athletes to focus on the process of obtaining their goal(s) by implementing a road map to get us there.  I emphasize the word us because it will take both of us to make that vision a reality.  How are we going to get there?

I emailed all the throwers a road map sheet that outlines what they should focus on as we begin the season.  Our plan describes outcome goals and commitments.  Their outcome goal is their big picture vision they will have for the season.  Their commitments will help them achieve their goal.  Without both, we really have nothing.

Jon Gordon recently wrote a nice article about telescopes and microscopes.  The telescope helps us focus on the big picture.  The microscope helps us focus on that big picture goal.  Without a telescope or vision, the microscope may help us with the daily grind, but really won't lead us anyplace because we don't have an end goal.  A telescope without a microscope is just as useless.  Having a big picture goal in mind without a plan to get there won't help either.  I never looked at goal setting quite like this.

My first athlete individual meeting is this upcoming Friday afternoon.  I'm really excited about discussing visions with my athletes.  I have implemented a similar plan for a high school athlete and coach I will begin working with this Sunday.  I will be sure to report back how that first meeting and practice goes.

Until then, thanks for reading!

Charles