Most people involved in competitive sport set goals. Golfers aspire to lower their handicaps, long jumpers set targets for distance jumped and runners aim to reduce their times.

Whilst this seems a natural thing to do for sport, it is rare for people to set goals for their personal lives. This is in spite of research that shows that the small percentage of people who set goals and write them down enjoy far more success than those who do not.

Setting goals has been proven to bring results, so any goals are better than none. However, setting goals well is a skill in itself. Make them too far removed from the current reality and you become discouraged. Set them too close to where you are and they don’t provide sufficient challenge to inspire and motivate you.

You need both long-term and short-term goals. My long-term business goal is based on the working pattern I want to achieve in my coaching practice; in sport it is to be World Field Archery Champion. Yours might be to have the top sales in the company or to be CEO. Short-term goals are set by breaking down the steps that lead towards your ultimate vision. For example the numbers of customers you want to win each month. My short-term archery goals are based on scores and training levels.

It is best to write goals down and to review them regularly. You can set goals for each important area of you life such as work, sport and health.

As a coach I can help you:

• think through and articulate your ultimate goal
• set contributing long term and short-term goals
• establish measures to track your progress