A brief overview of the mechanisms and principles of goal-setting

1. Goal Setting Understanding & Applying the Principles of Goal Setting Jodie Lightfoot jodie@lightfooted.ca April14, 2010

2. Presentation Outline Why set goals? Goal Functions Goal Mechanisms Goal Moderators Application to Athletes Application to Us Setting Effective Goals

3. Why set goals? Goal-setting affects performance ALL effective coaches, athletes & students set goals 90% of the studies from 1969 – 1980 indicated that specific and challenging goalslead to higher performance than easy goals, “Do your best” goals or no goals at all (Locke et al., 1981)

5. Goals affect performance by: Directs Direct attention & effort toward goal-relevant actives and away from unrelated activities Energizes Challenging goals lead to greater effort than easy goals Persistence When ppl are allowed to control the time they spend on tasks, hard goals prolong effort Action (indirectly) Leading to the arousal, discovery and/or use of task-relevant knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA) The 4 Goal Mechanisms

6. Goal setting is most likely to improve task performance when: The goals are specific and sufficiently challenging You have sufficient ability to complete the goal Feedback is provided to show progress in relation to the goal Rewards such as praise, money and greater responsibility are given for goal attainment Goals are pursued in a supportive environment Assigned goals are accepted by the individual Goal-Setting Affects Performance

7. Olympic Athlete Goals The 3 Most Important Goals: Have Fun Winning Improving overall performance

8. Setting SMART Goals SMART Goals: S  Specific M  Measurable A  Attainable R  Relevant/Realistic T  Timely/Time-bound

9. Goal-Setting Techniques “Expert” Advice State each goal in the positive Be precise Set priorities Write down the goals Keep operational goals small Set performance goals, not outcome goals Set realistic goals “Jodie’s Advice” Set “By-When’s” “By ______ I am/have/ ________” Keep a goal-setting journal Use goal-setting software For every goal, set 2 actions, one that must be completed in the next 24-hrs

10. Asking the Right Questions Starting the ball rolling on goal-setting: What are the5 most important elements (values) in my life RIGHT NOW? What are the 3 most important goals in my life right now? What I would do if I won a million dollars in the lottery tomorrow? What would I do if I only had six months left to live: What I have always wanted to do but have been afraid to attempt?