Goal Setting Tip Sheet

A clear and compelling goal is more achievable than a general, or poorly defined goal. Goal clarity can be achieved through envisioning – the process of visualising what is possible.

Visualisation is an evidenced based technique used by athletes, amongst others, to improve performance. If you watch closely, you may see athletes practising visualisation before they perform in competition.

There are two types of visualisation – outcome visualisation and process visualisation.

Outcome visualisation relates to achieving a goal.

Process visualisation relates to the actions required to achieve a goal.

Visualising the outcome of a goal creates clarity around indicators of success and the benefits of goal attainment – begin with the end in mind.

What would the achievement of your goal look like…feel like…sound like? What would you notice? What would be evident? How would you benefit?

Visualising the process required to achieve a goal assists in building capability and commitment to demonstrating goal directed behaviours.

What actions are required to achieve your goal? How would they be demonstrated? What would they look like? What would indicate they were being demonstrated to the standard required to achieve your goal? Mentally practise the actions required to achieve your goal.

Here are a couple of tips:

• The clearer and more enriched goal achievement can be envisioned, the more compelling it becomes
• Envisioning is a process and, like any process, capability, confidence and competency are developed through reflective practice of the process over time.

So, what is your goal? What would the achievement of your goal look like…feel like…sound like?