Here we find ourselves again, welcoming a new year and all it will bring into our lives. About 45% of Americans take this opportunity to set the tone for the rest of the year by making New Year’s resolutions; whereas, 38% of Americans never set specific goals for the New Year. It’s easy to see why so many people opt out of making resolutions, because only 8% of people actually achieve their goal. As with most ventures, solid preparation in setting goals and resolutions will help people follow through on their goals.

This time presents an excellent opportunity to teach young athletes about goal setting. The process of setting goals guides athletes to understand their current level of skill and achievement and their ability to progress. Establishing goals may seem simple, but to do so effectively requires an understanding of the types of goals, especially related to athletics, and the process to set, monitor, and accomplish an objective.

Types of Goals

Outcome Goals are related to the big picture of athletics and competition, such as winning a game or making it onto a particular team. It is important to realize that oftentimes, athletes have very little control over the external factors which could affect their outcome goal. This type of goal is important as it can serve as motivation for an athlete as they may encounter obstacles in accomplishing the performance and process goals, which we describe below. An outcome goal is the “prize” in the saying, “eyes on the prize.” An example scenario for this would be for a young woman who decides she wants to be on her high school basketball team.

Performance goals are excellent benchmarks for mapping one’s progress as they strive to meet their outcome goal. Let’s follow the illustration of the young basketball player who wants to be on her high school’s team. Tryouts involve a variety of challenges, such as running a mile in under 14 minutes or being able to make a certain percentage of free throws. The athlete would establish these measurable targets as her performance goals.

Process goals relate to the everyday aspects of meeting the larger outcome goals, and they are the “how” in accomplishing performance goals. Unlike outcome goals, athletes are typically able to have complete control as they strive to accomplish process goals. In the case of the young basketball player, her stance when on the free throw line or her form when running, can impact the performance goals that will allow her to make it on the team. This is where practice, determination, and sometimes frustration come in. An athlete may feel discouraged if they have difficulties making progress with these goals, and that is why it is always important to help them realize these are steps in a bigger picture.