There are three different types of goals in the sporting world. Outcome goals relate to winning and losing or specific results of a competition. Performance goals are related to statistics that can help an athlete improve at what they are trying to do, whether it be a certain lap time or beating a certain Strava segment. Process goals relate to performance goals; they are what an athlete should focus on while performing a sporting skill. In terms of track cycling, when in the starting gate, some prepare early rather than later and for others, it’s vice versa. It all depends on what works for the individual.
Goals should go by the SMART acronym, meaning they’re Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-bound.
Specific
A goal should be specific in the matter of what you want to achieve, covering the five questions: who, what, when, where, and how.
Measurable
This is a goal that’s able to be evaluated and compared to see how far you’ve come in development, and therefore able to see progress within the time allowance.
Attainable
Your goals should be achievable and realistic. Push what you want, even if it involves going outside your comfort zone, but keep your goals possible.
Relevant
Make sure the goal you’ve set is what you want, not dependent on others' goals or others' results. Keep control over your set goals.
Time-bound
Goals all need a reasonable time allowance; there’s no point setting a big goal and only allowing a month to reach for it, they take time to achieve.
Share your goals with those who can help you achieve them, whether it be a coach, a friend, family, or a support network you’ve created. Look back at your goals while you’re working on them so you know that’s where you’re headed, it’s not always easy and there will be bad days on the bike, but that’s all part of it.
Remember to dream big and shoot for the stars, and if all else fails, you’ve tried.
By Alice Culling - Pushys Sponsored Athlete