Joe Shaw:
THE PROGRAM
Each week we'll be presenting another part of Joe's revolutionary coaching programme, that helped guide David Palmer and John White to the top of the game.

The Program is applicable to all sports, and represents an invaluable resource for any coaches who have the foresight,
the inspiration, and the commitment to make it work for them.
 

The full program,
as originally published,
is available on the
Coaching section of
David Palmer's website.
www.davidpalmer.be

 

 

26-Sep, Week NINE:
 
GOAL SETTING AS PERFORMED
BY DAVID PALMER
 
David set his Goals on an ever changing basis, and early in the piece, like most Athletes he failed to achieve them for many and various reasons. It is time for all of you readers to recognize that fact, and re-invent your own Goals.

Goal setting is a vital skill that requires constant change. When we set Goals we develop direction, channel energy, and enhance our performance in a shorter period of time.

People do not set Goals because of the following points:

1. The importance of Goal Setting is not understood.
2. They do not know how.
3. Fear of Ridicule. They set a Goal, and listen to others who say that it is not achievable. (Remember that David set his Goals, and was informed by the AIS Coaches that he would never make the top 50 in the World. That has received a lot of publicity, but it is a serious example of this point).
4. Fear of Failure. Failure is an important component of achievement. It is the only way that you learn the lessons necessary for achievement.

Goals can be broken down into three categories:

1. Family and personal Goals for love and pleasure.
2. Business and Sporting Goals to enable financial security.
3. Self improvement Goals.

Goals must be realistic but challenging, written in concise detail, within a certain time frame with a deadline set for attaining a major Goal. David ultimately achieved his too quickly, and was not ready to handle it. Another valuable lesson for us.

His next Goals is to regain his no. 1 ranking in the World. There must always be absolute belief and ability to accomplish these Goals. Let us follow the 10 steps that David Palmer lists in his Goal Setting.
  1. Desire - The Motivator that impels you towards your Goal
  2. Belief - Without it, you cannot achieve any Goal
  3. Written - Without putting it in writing, it is only a Wish, not a Goal
  4. Benefits - Determine the Benefits that you are going to receive. Write them out. List them in order.
  5. Analysis - Analyse your present status, your current ranking right now.
  6. Deadline - Set a time frame to accomplish each Goal.
  7. Identification - Identify the problems and obstacles that are to be overcome.
  8. Collation - Collect all of the knowledge and information required to accomplish you Goal.
  9. Support - Shaun organises the Support Group. The Facilitator, Mentor, Trainers, Masseurs etc
  10. Plan - Combine steps 7, 8 and 9 to devise the Training and Planning Program.

David sets Goals for all of these areas. You must do the same. That attention to detail is one of the reasons why 98% of all Elite Athletes fail to achieve their full potential. It is a reason that you are failing. Attend to it now.

Physical Technique, Fitness, Strength, Power, Speed, Aerobic, Anaerobic, Cardio-Muscular, Deception, Strategy, Mental Skills, Sleep Elements, Nutritional, Communication, Time, Management, Performance Outcome, Recovery Sessions, Social Goals and Trust.

Now learn how to set your Goals:

Ask yourself these key questions:

a) Where am I now?
b) Where do I want to be in one month time?
c) Where do I want to be in six months time?
d) Where do I want to be in 2 years time?

Then list five of your strengths and five of your Weaknesses.

Then Prioritise your areas to work on.

Set a long Goal with a specific target date. With the long term Goal in mind, set up Medium and Short term Goals.

Ensure that your Short Term Goals are achievable, challenging, positive, realistic, and can be Measured and Evaluated.

Change as required.

Finally, Goals reflect improvement, identify Strengths and Weaknesses, give Direction, Motivation, Focus on Attention to Detail, and they foster new strategies.

Are you one of the 98% of Athletes that are going to continue to fail to achieve your full potential, or are you going to set Goals following these rules and get into the 2%.

It is your choice.

CHANGE IS INEVITABLE. SETTING GOALS HELPS US CONTROL THE DIRECTION OF CHANGE IN OUR LIVES

 
 

"THE FIFTY REQUIREMENTS
OF SQUASH"
Psychological Profiling
of the four key areas

 


 

 

CHANGE IS INEVITABLE.

SETTING GOALS HELPS US CONTROL THE DIRECTION OF CHANGE IN OUR LIVES

 

 

 

 

Coming in week 10:
FORCES AFFECTING YOUR SPORTING CAREER