The New Year of 2011 has begun. It is a time to look forward to the coming year. It\u2019s a time to reflect on the changes we want to make in our lives. It\u2019s a time to resolve to make those changes. Have you made your New Year\u2019s resolutions and stuck to achieving them? Committing to making a change in the New Year is different from other resolutions in that it is done at the end of the year when we have good intentions to improve our lives.<\/p>\n
Why do New Year\u2019s resolutions fail?<\/strong> Once you have broken a resolution, it\u2019s easy to feel like a failure and give up altogether. But as you achieve each small goal, you will feel that you are on the right track and are moving in the right direction to accomplish the success of your ultimate goal. In a research study by Locke, Shaw, Saari & Latham (1981) involving specific and challenging goals, they concluded that 90% led to higher performance than did easy or no goals.<\/p>\n When I go to the pool for water aerobics, the instructor says for us to \u201cdo our personal best\u201d with each new exercise. What does this mean?<\/p>\n Locke and Latham state that people who are told to \u201cdo their best\u201d will not do so. To accomplish a mental or physical skill a person has to have a clear view of what is expected from him\/her. Therefore, setting a goal is important because it focuses your efforts in a specific direction.<\/p>\n Think in terms of what you\u2019d like to improve in your golf game,<\/strong> Good goal setting means setting precise goals. Champions know where they are going, what their plan is along the way. Most golfers never reach their goals because they don\u2019t define them or seriously consider they are achievable. In setting your goals, keep in mind the following criteria.<\/p>\n Have Specific Goals<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Goals should clearly define what you are choosing to do. Defining what you want to happen will help you to focus your efforts. Make your short term goals clear and easy to accomplish. In setting your goals, ask yourself the following What, Why and How questions. Have Realistic Goals<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n You must want to achieve the goal and not just wish it to happen. Once you have broken a resolution, it\u2019s easier to feel like a failure and give up altogether. Set goals that you can attain with some effort. If it is too difficult you set yourself up for failure. If it is too easy there isn\u2019t any motivation to improve.<\/p>\n Have\u00a0Measurable\u00a0Goals<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Your progress in golf is easily measured by your handicap, and other stats such as number of putts, fairways and greens hit in regulation, ups and downs, sand saves, etc. By measuring your progress you stay on track, know where you are in your progress and can enjoy the success of achievement that motivates you to move on to the next goal. By writing down your mental goals you can also track your progress.<\/p>\n Have Attainable Goals<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n You must believe that you can achieve the goal. Conversely, some people don\u2019t set goals high enough because they don\u2019t want to be disappointed. It is important to set goals where you have a 50% chance of success or more. You don\u2019t want to have unrealistic expectations just to make yourself feel good. You probably won\u2019t commit to goals which are too far out of your reach. Although you may start with the best of intentions, the knowledge that it\u2019s too much for you means your subconscious will keep reminding you of this fact and will stop you from even giving it your best.<\/p>\n Have Positive Goals<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Your goals must be positive. If your goals are negative about what you want to avoid you will not form any new habits to move you forward. If you focus on accomplishing short term as well as intermediate goals, it can help to cure anxiety and burnout or \u201cthe poor me\u201d (pity pot) syndrome. You need a positive plan to decide what you need to develop in yourself and in your golf game.<\/p>\n Time Manage Your Goals<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Time management is about being clear about your short and intermediate-term goals, and choosing a plan that will help you achieve those goals. Once you have written down all of your goals, focus on your short-term goals by posting them on your computer or around the house. Change is an on-going process. Reward yourself when you stick with the process of accomplishing your goals.<\/p>\n Set a timeframe for the accomplishment of each goal. This gives you a clear end point. If you don\u2019t set a time, your commitment will be too vague and you may not even get started.<\/p>\n LONG TERM GOALS<\/strong> SHORT TERM GOALS<\/strong> MENTAL GOALS<\/strong> Goal Setting Questions<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Now is the time to program your golf game for this year and the next ten years. Your current thoughts are going to create your future. If this is the winter off-season for you, this is the best time to develop a solid mental game. Answering these questions will help you create well-defined, compelling and attainable goals, and provide a pathway to their natural realization. Without goals, and plans to reach them,<\/em><\/strong> Entrain Your Heart & Brain for Peak Performances!<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n \u00a9 Copyright PMI 2011. All Rights Reserved.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The New Year of 2011 has begun. It is a time to look forward to the coming year. It\u2019s a time to reflect on the changes we want to make in our lives. It\u2019s a time to resolve to make … Continue reading
\nGenerally people resolve to change long standing habits such as exercise, weight loss, or smoking. Unfortunately, many of these resolutions are broken and their life reverts back to old habits. The intention to improve one\u2019s life is a very positive life step. However, a better way to be successful is by setting short as well as long term goals.
\nResolutions can be overwhelming as they stay the same; \u201cI will exercise more this year.\u201d On the other hand, goals can be broken down into small steps that can increase in difficulty bringing you closer to your overall goal. As you accomplish the initial steps you become accustomed to the change and develop new lasting positive habits.<\/p>\n
\nIf you find the resolution too difficult, it is easy to discard it. When you set many small goals and you find it difficult to achieve one, you can choose a new one that will lead you to the same end result.<\/p>\n
\nnot what you think isn\u2019t good enough.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\u2022 WHAT do you want to accomplish with each goal? Be specific.
\n\u2022 WHY is it important to do it at this time?
\n\u2022 HOW are you going to do it? List short term and intermediate goals.<\/p>\n
\nLifetime:
\nFive Year:
\nOne Year:
\nSix Months:<\/p>\n
\nOne Month:
\nNext Tournament:
\nNext Round:
\nNext Practice:<\/p>\n
\nPositive Attitude:
\nMental Rehearsal:
\nPositive Self-Talk:
\nVisualization:
\nConcentration:
\nMental Rehearsal:
\nPre-shot Routine:<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 What do I need to do to make this goal(s) happen?
\n\u2022 What physical or mental skills do I need to develop or improve on?
\n\u2022 What will I need to do on a daily or weekly basis to accomplish this goal?
\n\u2022 What will I need to change in my thinking to achieve this goal?
\n\u2022 How will I know when I have achieved my goal?
\n\u2022 What will I see, hear and feel at that time?
\n\u2022 What effect will this goal have or create?
\n\u2022 Imagine how you will feel when you have achieved this goal.
\n\u2022 The first thing I will do is:<\/p>\n
\nyou are like a ship that has set sail with no destination.<\/em><\/strong>
\nFitzhugh Dodson<\/strong><\/p>\n