Mental Performance Coach, Tom Dawson-Squibb, provides invaluable insights on goal identification to assist you with reaching your full potential to beat your best!

A question one needs to ask is; what is the purpose of a goal? The simple response is that goals are there to give you direction and the subsequent motivation you will get from having something to strive for – ultimately leading to a positive behavior change. It is important to note that there are different types of goals, with each serving its own specific purpose.

The three integral goals to consider when striving to beat your best are Outcome goals, Process goals and Habit goals.

An Outcome goal is often the ultimate goal and something that is not entirely in your control. A Process goal sits underneath your Outcome goal and is a more controllable. An immediate goal that if achieved would set you on the path to achieving the Outcome goal. Setting an Outcome goal is useful, but not in the absence of the subsequent Process goals which give you tangible targets to aim at along the way.

A third and useful goal to have is a Habit goal.

These are even smaller targets you would set designed to shift habits that you may have which is perhaps  hindering your ability to achieve your goal.

For example:Outcome goal: Finish the Cape Town Cycle Tour

Process goals: Ride 80kms per week in training; Attend 1 spinning class per week; lose 4kgs

Habit: Cut out midnight snack habits, get out of bed before 6am, Stretch daily for 10 mins 

Each of these play an important role in goal setting, which will ultimately lead to positive behaviour change.

When setting your goals, remember that although some sacrifice might be needed to achieve them, try to:

Make them realistic – challenge yourself, by  setting unrealistic goals will more than likely lead to stagnation or low motivation

Emphasise your strengths and enjoyment areas - you should not need to only focus on your weaknesses or make the process unenjoyable. Allow your strengths to come through as they are more likely to lead to confidence building

Create mini-milestones – Breaking up big goals and being able to monitor small wins or progress along the way is a vital part of the process in terms of maintaining energy, learning about yourself and building confidence 

Good luck and enjoy!

Powerade’s ‘Power to Beat Your Best’ aims to provide athletes with the tools to achieve a personal best time and will be working with a number of South Africa’s foremost running, cycling and training experts to challenge athletes to beat their best in 2017. 

For more information on ‘Power to Beat Your Best’ visit www.powerade.co.za - the official hydration partner of the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon and the Cape Town Cycle Tour