Corporations large and small are used to setting SMART goals to meet company objectives and to measure personal performance. It is a method that allows you to set goals in a way that will help to hold you accountable for your own actions. The concept of SMART goals is believed to have originated from a management theory associated with Peter Drucker, a renowned management consultant, educator, and author. The SMART criteria was then introduced for goal-setting in 1981 by George T. Doran, a consultant and former director of corporate planning for Washington Water Power Company. Doran's SMART criteria provided a framework that has since been widely adopted not only in business management but also in various other fields, including education, personal development, and sports.
Now that we know the history of where it came from, let's talk about what SMART stands for.
SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. Here's how you can apply the SMART criteria to set goals in the context of sports:
Specific:
Clearly define what you want to achieve. Be precise about the skill or aspect of your sports performance you want to improve. If you are saying "I want to improve", that is too vague. What exact do you want to improve upon? Break it down into small bite-sized goals that are very specific. If you want to get faster, that can't just be your goal. Stating that you want to shave a half second off your time from home plate to first by working on your speed and agility drills, is way more specific!
One more example: Instead of a vague goal like "improve my basketball skills," a specific goal could be "increase my shooting accuracy from 60% to 80% in the next three months by improving my arm mechanics."
Measurable:
Establish criteria for measuring your progress. Quantify your goal so that you can track your achievements.
Examples: Measure the shooting accuracy in terms of the number of successful shots out of a total number attempted or Clock you running time for a baseline measurement and then check your progress in intervals over a timeline.
Achievable:
Ensure that your goal is realistic and attainable. Consider your current skill level, available resources, and time commitment. Dreams become reality, one goal at a time.
Example: If your current shooting accuracy is 60%, aiming for 80% improvement in three months might be challenging but achievable with consistent practice.
Relevant:
Make sure your goal is relevant to your overall sports objectives and aligns with your personal values and priorities.
Example: If your long-term goal is to become a starting player on your team, improving shooting accuracy is relevant and contributes to your overall performance.
Time-Bound:
Set a specific timeframe for achieving your goal. This adds a sense of urgency and helps you stay focused. Measure that goal throughout your timeline to see your progress.
Example: "Achieve an 80% shooting accuracy in the next three months" is time-bound, providing a clear deadline for your goal.
Applying the SMART framework to your sports goals not only helps in setting clear objectives but also in maintaining motivation and tracking progress. Regularly reassess and adjust your goals as needed, and celebrate your achievements along the way. Remember to break down larger goals into smaller, more manageable tasks to make the overall process more achievable. We encourage you to write S.M.A.R.T vertically down a piece of paper or in your sports journal. Fill out each section for each goal you want to accomplish, and then it is up to you! Time to work on those goals and celebrate the small improvements along the way.
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