Goal Setting - Mind Advantage #001

Tennis is not only a physical sport, but also a mental one. Mental strength is one of the keys to success in tennis.

The right goals can help you take your performance to the next level and become mentally stronger. But how do you set goals that are really effective?

High and specific goals

Science shows that high and specific goals lead to the best average performance. To achieve the greatest possible success in tennis, you should therefore set yourself high goals and formulate them as specifically as possible. However, this type of goal only leads to high performance if there is a high level of goal commitment.

What does Goal Commitment mean?

‘Goal Commitment’ describes how strongly you feel connected to your goal. It's about how hard you try to achieve your goal - even when obstacles arise. Two factors play a central role in achieving a high level of goal commitment:

1. Expectation: Do you believe that you can achieve your goal?

Work on your self-confidence and make sure that your goal is challenging but achievable.

2. Value: What does the goal mean to you?

Think about why this goal is important to you. The higher the personal value, the higher the motivation.

Tip: The higher your expectations and the subjective value of your goal, the more committed you will be to it. So: Set yourself a goal that inspires you and stick with it even when you have setbacks!

The SMART method helps you to formulate goals that are as ambitious and specific as possible with a high level of commitment.

SMART method for formulating goals

A good goal must be clearly formulated. This is where the SMART method comes into play. It helps you to define your goals in such a way that you can achieve them. The abbreviation SMART stands for the following attributes:

Specific: What exactly do you want to achieve?

Measurable: How can you check your progres

Attractive: Is the goal motivating and challenging?

Realistic: Is it achievable but also ambitious?

Time-bound: By when do you want to achieve it?

With this method, the attributes should be included in the goal formulation.

Example:

‘By the end of the summer season - before the clay courts close - I would like to have beaten at least five opponents who have a rank than me.’

This goal is not only clearly formulated, but also challenging and motivating.

Goals that are formulated using the SMART method are clear, challenging and motivating.

Conclusion

To achieve the best possible performance and mental strength on the pitch, you should set yourself ambitious, specific and realistic goals. The SMART method helps you to formulate these goals. To achieve a high level of goal commitment, you should have confidence in your abilities and think about the value of your goal. It is advisable to write down your goals in a journal and record your progress.

Sources:

https://www.orghandbuch.de/Webs/OHB/DE/OrganisationshandbuchNEU/4_MethodenUndTechniken/Methoden_A_bis_Z/SMART_Regel_Methode/SMART_Regel_Methode_node.html

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