SMART Goals: A plan to improve

[chris3putt]

This is as old as the hills, but for those who haven't heard of it, I humbly submit the S.M.A.R.T plan for goal setting, be it in golf or any other pursuit......

S is for Specific : What do you want to do? Simply saying " I want to impove" isn't enough. Break it right down to the result you ultimately want to see happen. Then break THAT goal down into steps that will get you there. Write them down.

M is for Measured : How do you know that you are moving toward your goal? What is the result of today's game that will prove you are on track to getting there?

A is for Accountable : A funny thing about the human mind is that we tend to work harder and perform better when we know that someone will be checking our progress, even if it's our spouse, partner or regular playing companions. Having the courage to tell someone else your goal often unlocks a mountain of support that we didn't realise was there.

R is for Realistic : Both for your goal, and for the steps that get you there. For instance, according to the New Zealand Golf handicap website, I currently rank in the top 27% for the country. Aiming to get into the top quarter is my current "step goal", which entails reducing my handicap by about 2 strokes. I'm encouraged by this goal, because I truly believe it's within my capabilities with my current game. An unrealistic goal is just a recipie for frustration.

T is for Timed : Without a timeframe, a goal is just a wish. I want to be in the top 25% of NZ handicaps by the end of the year . If I don't get there by then, I need to reasses my goal.

That's it. The one final thing is that goals are there to serve you, not the other way around. If you don't happen to reach a particular goal, it isn't a comment on your value as a person. Simply re-assess your progress, and re-set your goal. Happy golfing!!