If you really want to improve in triathlon, it is important not only to have some vague goal of “doing well” in your next race, but to write down specifics. When what you want to acheive is written out in front of you it solidifies your desire. You don’t have to save this exercise for big, long-term goals either. Writing down daily goals specific to your workouts (my goal is to focus on feeling the water and not dropping my right elbow at the catch; the goal is to negative split each lap but stay in aerobic zone 2 etc.. ) or even to things like eating habits at work (I’m going to eat an apple instead of a chocolate muffin from the cafeteria; I’m going to fill up my water bottle at least 3 times during the day) gives you a concrete sence of purpose and makes you more accountable. Stick your goals up with sticky notes where you will see them frequently and chek them off and congratulate yourself when you achive them. One of the most important goals you can set for yourself is a goal of self-acceptance. Dream big so that you keep the door open for doing big things, focus fully on attaining realistic best performance goals, and always remember that you are a valued and worthy human being – and will continue to be one quite apart from your athletic achievements!
Vocalizing or writing down the goals is certainly beneficial. I found if I kept my goals to myself I would always make small changes along the way. Having them written out or in the ears of another person keeps me on track.
Great tip. I agree 100%. I think people tend to set vague and unmeasurable goals and wonder why they’re not useful in helping them achieve their ultimate goals.
Remember what you learned in school….SMART goal setting
Specific
Measurable
Attainable
Realistic
Timely