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Goal Setting - Stage 1 Goal setting is important for any type of athlete, whether elite or amateur.  Goal setting is widely used as a technique to enhance concentration, build self-confidence and to manage time and other resources  efficiently. Two types of goals There are generally two types of goals used in goal setting, process goals and outcome goals.  Process goals are goals that can be totally controlled by you (your performance).  An outcome goal is one that is dependent on the performance of others (winning a race). Research has shown that the best and most consistent performances occur when athletes set process goals rather then outcome goals.  Athletes who commence using process goals report that the reduced emphasis on the outcome makes them feel more confident, less anxious and better able to concentrate. For example... Sure, you might think my goal is to win every race I enter.  But that would be an outcome goal.  I don't want to be at the starting line of a marathon on a freezing cold morning thinking to myself that I have to win this race or else I haven't achieved my goal.  Or have negative thoughts entering my mind before I have to endure a 42km slog! By setting an outcome goal such as "My goal is to win the race", I would lose site of what I was actually there for and what I stand for as an athlete.  I'd only be disappointed and frustrated if I didn't achieve my goal.  Then I'd beat myself up over not being good enough and I could end up lacking the self-esteem and confidence every individual is entitled  to. Then on the other hand... If I set myself a process goal, "My goal is to do the very best that I can, to give it my all and to not think about any possible outcome" (Can you see what I'm getting at!) there's no set outcome in my goal setting process.  Only you can determine if you gave it your all. If you didn't, then you know that next time your goal will be to push that little bit extra.  You can't beat yourself up about doing your best. So your process goal is generally far more achievable than any outcome goal you set.  If by chance your very best effort turns out to place you first in a race then that's an added bonus. I don't set out to win. I don't set out to win races but to do the very best I can.  To push myself beyond the limits, to find new strength and to satisfy my desire to run.  Every goal I set is a challenge but I never think that it's unachievable. I'm only human and sure I might not achieve my goals at times but you'll never see me giving up trying. I wish you luck with your goal setting and sporting achievements... Sam Hughes www.runwithsam.com  P.S  Click here for Stage 2 of the goal setting process.