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The Athlete’s Mindset: Goal setting

Last Modified: July 09, 2026

Healthy Mind, Sports & Exercise

athlete

Watch the video: The Athlete’s Mindset: Goal setting

Let’s talk about something crucial to your success, goal setting. Specifically, setting SMART goals that will help you get the results you're chasing.
 

What are SMART goals?

SMART stands for:  

Specific

Measurable

Achievable

Relevant

Time-bound 

  • Specific: Instead of saying, "I want to improve my performance," try, "I want to increase my free throw percentage by 10% in the next three months." Being specific gives you a clear target.
     
  • Measurable: Regularly measure how you're doing. That way you can see if you're moving closer to your goal or if you need to adjust your approach. 
     
  • Achievable: Ask yourself, "Is this goal attainable with the effort and resources I have?" If the answer is yes, you're on the right track.
     
  • Relevant: Ask yourself, "Why is this goal important to me? How does it fit into my bigger picture?" If it contributes to overall development as an athlete, it's a relevant goal.
     
  • Time-bound: Set a deadline for your goal, like, "I want to achieve this by the end of the season." This helps you stay motivated and on track.

Now you're ready! Start setting those SMART goals. Break them down into actionable steps and stay consistent. With this approach, you're not just setting goals, you're setting yourself up for success. So go out there and make it happen.

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