| Goal setting is important whether it is at work, in | | | | initial goal setting phase as we will then be able to |
| management, in sports or even just dealing with | | | | realistically set goals which we will be able to |
| our personal commitment. With proper goal | | | | realize eventually. |
| setting, it not only helps to realize our dreams, it | | | | SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, |
| also constantly serves as a motivation to us and | | | | Achievable, Realistic and Timely. The following are |
| also providing us with a sense of direction of | | | | the steps used for setting and realizing our |
| where we should be focusing. Without goal setting | | | | dreams and we will be using Taichi sports to |
| and resolution, we would not be able to achieve | | | | illustrate on the SMART Goal setting procedures. |
| much in the long run. All successful people are able | | | | 1. DREAM |
| to set and achieve their own goals which will in | | | | 2. Breakdown into Goals (Short & Long |
| turn lead them to achieving higher goal setting. | | | | Term) |
| Year 2007 has come to an end and it is now time | | | | 3. Breakdown into STEPS |
| to set new goals/resolution for the year 2008. | | | | 4. Focus on STEPS, seasonal goal will take care of |
| But before doing so, perhaps we should individually | | | | themselves. |
| review the goal setting we have set for year | | | | BASIC GOAL SETTING |
| 2007 and whether or not we have achieved all | | | | (STEPS) |
| our goals. If yes, then my congratulations to you, | | | | Goal Setting - Using SMART guideline to help |
| and do keep up the good work, if not, perhaps | | | | athletes in establishing seasonal goals: |
| we should review and understand the reasons for | | | | Specific - Goals stated must be specific, |
| not being able to achieve our goal set for year | | | | behavioral terms, within a given time duration and |
| 2007. | | | | define standard of success. Plan long term goal |
| One of the most common reasons for not being | | | | follow by mid term goal and finally short term |
| able to realize our own dreams is due to the fact | | | | goals to focus on achieving. An example is to |
| that most people often have the wrong | | | | achieve kicking above shoulder level in a slow |
| misconception about setting dreams. Dreams are | | | | & controlled manner during Taichi routine. |
| very often too unrealistic and not achievable in | | | | Measurable - Goals must be quantifiable and |
| reality, for instance just merely dreaming to | | | | progress must be measurable. An example is |
| become a millionaire, dream of losing weight, | | | | computing the success rate of movement during |
| dream of having a well toned body or even | | | | practices to measure improvement. |
| dream of having a condo but without actually | | | | Achievable - Goals set must be achievable by |
| properly plan and working hard for it will always | | | | athlete's capability, both physically and mentally. |
| be waiting for a dream to come true, where they | | | | Realistic - Goals set must be realistic. The above |
| are just waiting for things to happen and the | | | | goal set must be realistic with proper training |
| same dream can remain year after year. | | | | planning by the coach and commitment by the |
| However, with proper planning by using SMART | | | | athlete during training. |
| goal setting, we are able to quickly realize our | | | | Timely - Goal set must be timely, that is it must |
| dreams by focusing on both short term and long | | | | be measurable, realistic and achievable. For |
| term goals where we are able to bring out our | | | | example, a time frame of 10 weeks for progress |
| individual potential to its own limits. | | | | to be seen in the improvement of the above |
| Having a real understanding and being able to | | | | technique is easily achievable by most athletes |
| recognize our current standard, both our | | | | with proper guidance and commitment during |
| weakness and strength is the most crucial in the | | | | training. |