Now it is time to set some goals!

Goal setting.  It is something we all do whether we realize it or not.  As swimmers, one should be constantly creating and evaluating one's goals.  Most coaches will have swimmers do this at the beginning of the season.  That is a minimum as to when and how often they should be done.  Goal setting is really a continual process.  Age group swimmers will need help through this process as it probably will be the first time they are formally creating and documenting their goals.  In this blog entry, I will go over some of what I consider important for an age group swimmer (and some advice for parents) to do when setting goals.  Also, as a part of goals, I will discuss the support system you want and can provide as one works to reach their goals.

So here are some of my opinions on goal setting for age group swimmers.
1. Create a goal time for all events.  Since I believe that every swimmer should try all events, one should have goals in all events.  It is important to have a purpose (working towards your goal) each time you step on the blocks.
2. Goals are not just times you want to achieve in a race.  Think about what you must do in practice and out of the water to achieve your goals.  Is their a specific set or technique that you can improve on to help you achieve your goal?  Would getting more sleep or eating healthier be of some benefit?
3. Specify a time frame for each goal.  There are short term and long term goals.  Specify by when you want to achieve goals.  Yes, this creates a little pressure and urgency, but used the right way this is a great motivator.  If something is months or years away, it is naturally hard to stay focused on that long term goal (still important to have long term goals).  Therefore, one should create short term goals to achieve along the way towards that long term goal.
4. Swimmers, try as much as possible to work on your goals by yourself.  These are yours, and yours alone.  If you have trouble, I suggest a swimmer go to their coach for help first.  Now, parents, this is probably the hardest part of the process.  You want to help your child, but letting them own their goals will truly help them.  These goals should be their goals and no one else's goals.  Just be there to help them and support them on the journey towards achieving these goals.

Once a swimmer has created their goals, what now?  First, the swimmer should share these goals with their coach.  The coach is the one there to help guide the swimmer to achieving these goals.  The coach may provide some constructive feedback on a swimmer's goals.  Some examples may be that the coach thinks the goal is too easy or too hard, some intermediate short term goals are need related to a long term goal, etc.  A good coach ultimately will let the final decision on the goals be with the swimmer as these are the swimmer's goals.  They are not the coach's goals either.  I suggest a swimmer share their goals with some trusted friends/teammates.  Having a support system in place can be an immense help.  Some people will be the ones that will keep the swimmer honest when they get lazy and are not working their hardest towards their goals (this happens to even the best of us).  That support system also will be there when you hit some setbacks along the way.  Sometimes you will need to re-evaluate your goals due to setbacks.  Your support system, including your coach, will be there to help you.  Just as much as you need a support system, be there for your teammates and friends.  They may not say it, but they need and appreciate you.  You do not need to have the answers, but being there to listen and let them talk can be just what they need.

So, you have created and shared your goals.  Now is the time to get working and achieve those goals.  Remember once your goals are met, it is not the end,  It is time to start the process again and create some new goals.  Good luck!