As the 2016 season draws near it is time to sit down and write your season goals out – if you already have not. I know some of the events, and event dates, are not finalized, however, there are still enough in place to allow you to start the process. There are several things that you should do when goal setting to optimize your success.  They are:

1) Write your goals down and display them in an area in which you will notice them often: Thinking about something can be beneficial.  Talking about it can also have a positive effect. But nothing will keep you more focused, and make you more accountable to your goals, than seeing them on display on a daily basis. This constant reminder will help fire your drive to make your plans a reality.

2) Make your goals concrete : For example state -“I want to finish on the podium in the category 3 state criterium championship.” Versus, I want to go well at x, y or z race. When you make your goal a concrete event it helps keep you focused on the exact end point, and the work that you need to do to get there.

3) Make your goals realistic : It’s great to shoot for the stars, but if you are a 1st year racer it’s not realistic for you to state, “I want to race in the Tour de France this summer.” A better goal would be to state,” I am going to complete 10 category 5 races this year so that I can upgrade to category 4.” The 2nd is a realistic, and attainable goal. With the right amount of focus, and hard work, this racer would be able to achieve this goal, and be pleased with their accomplishment in the process.

Hopefully you have trained hard this winter and are ready to get the season rolling. The best way to honor your hard work, and help your chance of success, is to develop a set of goals for yourself for the 2016 season. Spend some time this week evaluating where you are at, and where you want to be. Set some goal stepping stones to help you get from one spot to the next.

-Jason