Often times when people think about goal setting they think of developing this astronomically large life goal. For example, I will be the number one pickleball player in the PPA tour in 2026. However, in order to achieve these long term goals you first need to break that down into medium size goals, micro goals, and tasks. All goals are all broken down by a time period adjustment.
Long term goals are an essential part of the process to have a well established understanding of where you want to go in a period of time. These goals should be developed as a 5 year + plan. Medium size goal should be developed for a 1-5 year period of time and micro goals can be anywhere from 3-6 months. Anything else shorter than that is considered a task.
Goals are NOT developed on a “fixed” document. Instead, goals are developed on a “working document”. These goals can be evaluated, and reevaluated time and time again and adjustments can be made in order to meet these goals.
Goals should also be developed as S.M.A.R.T goals. Goals should be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time based.
Goal setting allows you to be present and provides you with a sense of direction which ultimately keeps you grounded in your “why” and allow you to reach your optimal performance on and off the court.