| PCRI Tech
Tips from Oh Pawlak
Goal Setting
One of most serious problems for most competive players is the indifference
they put onto goal setting. Very few players take the mind game of goal setting
as serious as they should. What is goal setting? Simply put, goal setting
is the process in which we pull from our minds where we want to be at a
particular time and set forth the necessary steps to attend this achievement.
The clear result of failure to set goals is the formation and acceptance
of the "status quo". Moreover, most players don't even realize they haven't
set any goals for themselves. They just go along with the moment "hoping"
for the best. This kind of aimless thought warrants as much merit as playing
the lottery instead of going to work every day to put your career one step
ahead. Therefore, every serious minded player should follow a few key steps.
1. Before any journey, we must first decide on our destination. Where do
you want to be one month from now? Where do you want to be one year from
now? Make sure your goals are within reason but not too easily attainable.
Make sure your goals are also measurable. For example, several years ago
I wanted to be able to play both right and left handed without having to
"think" about it. I set forth a time table and within time and hard work
I was able to achieve my goal. The worst possible scenario is developing
a goal that can't be measured on a daily or monthly basis.
2. Once your goals have been decided, design a map to reach your goal. This
map should contain drills, words of encouragement, advice from experts and
people you look up to and a measuring device to gauge your progress. The
best source of information is from people who have already achieved the level
of success you wish to attain. Stay away from people who use words like
"if...it's not my fault...I would have...". These are not the eagles you
will soar with, but rather the daydreamers who will never work towards anything
because there is always someone else to blame for their misery and shortcomings.
Look for the people who are willing to take the blame even when it isn't
their fault. These are the people who take it upon themselves to make success
happen.
3. As you work towards your goal, remember time is on your side and not your
enemy. It may seem like a crawl, but eventually, through practice and repetition,
success will be around the corner. A key phrase to remember is "NEVER GIVE
UP". You may fail initially, but as long you "NEVER GIVE UP"; your goal will
be attainable. Try to remember that most successful people are not naturally
gifted, but rather they take what limited skills they have and mold them
into their highest level. Not all of us can play effortlessly like the Shane's
(Ironmen), LD's (All-Americans) or the Danny's (Aftershock) of the world.
Some of us (myself included) have to work on a daily basis to hone what limited
ability we possess to their fullest.
4. Finally, try to have fun with your goal setting. The worst possible outcome
of goal setting is achieving what you want and not being happy. Have fun
along the way and remember, failure only comes when trying no longer exists.
When the critics say you're not good enough...PROVE THEM WRONG!!!
Oh Pawlak |
