Exploring the world of goal setting and achievement can be an arduous task with so many unique opinions and approaches. Student athletes are influenced daily with themes related to goal setting, planning, motivation, and expectation. The “X-Factor”, with all of the above is finding an approach and strategy that is personalized, achievable and symbiotic within a student athletes’ lifestyle, personality, and circumstance. 

"The great danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low and achieving our mark." –Michelangelo

So, Let's Dive In:

The Foundation for Goals/Achievement/Success: “The 2 Hour Challenge” 

Several years back, I presented on a podcast called “Vertical Lessons” - with Manley Feinberg (Award Winning International Keynote Speaker) and introduced him to the 2 Hour Challenge. This strategy involved breaking a day into two-hour segments. Manley was fascinated that all typical goal setting and planning involved days, weeks, months and years when in essence the day-to-day self management, planning and vision for an individual become the true building blocks for setting and achieving goals. 

Each time a new block commences the mind re-sets and dials into the new theme. This is a critical key to the process as purpose and intention lead to habit, execution, and achievement. 

A Day at a Glance: 

The Wake Up & Mobilization Block: 6:30-8:30am - The first block sets the foundation for the day. Within this block decisions are made regarding hydration, nutrition, organization, family communication/support and so forth. Simple choices like having a glass of water, eating a healthy breakfast, making your bed, helping a sibling, remembering to take your lunch to school all set the baseline for the next block.  Your personal DNA is constructed based on the choices you repeatedly make and ultimately become the characteristics of who you are and who you will become.

Let’s Go Block: 9:30-11:30am - School is in session and I am awake, alert and engaged to learn and attempt to do my best in both morning subjects. During this block my social media tools are turned off and I’m in my “genius zone” which is a space where I always attempt to do my best regardless of my aptitude in the subject. Goals are related to seeking help when stuck, work with classmates, build relationships, strive to be positive. 

Zen Time Block: 11:30-1:30pm- All of us require down time, relaxation, humour, and socialization. This block may be varied in duration, but the key is to release stress connect with friends, feed the hunger with a solid nutritional meal, and feed the soul by being around supportive peeps as you laugh and love! 

Re-Focus and Completion Block: 1:30-3:30pm - For many this is challenging block. Days can seem long and fatigue sets in especially if the subjects are not interesting. The mind wanders and the quality of performance in this block can falter. Internal drive and commitment to a larger cause, becomes paramount. Within this block students are to look within yourself and not rely on external “cheerleading”.  Where there is a will, and a way and people can find that will and way within their own character and makeup.

I’m Home Block: 3:30-6:30pm - The school day has ended, and students look forward to this block, which is diverse, exciting and can involve all aspects of life. This is also a very dangerous block as it affords many opportunities to move off the track make decisions contradictory to your goals. Balance, parental support, humour, and connectivity are key to this block. 

Sport Performance Block: 6:30pm-8:30pm - Show Time!! Train with purpose, passion, and intent. Take risks, grow and understand failing fast and failing often =’s development and growth. 

Wind Down Block:  9:00pm-Bedtime - Snack, socialize and bedtime. Reflect on the day that was and be proud of what you achieved. 

Rinse and Repeat!

Transitioning our daily habits, goals and daily vision into a bi-weekly template can be a very simple process. Record the goals in a notepad which is to be kept by your bed. Review your goals every evening prior to going to sleep.

The objective is to set two goals every two weeks within each of the following areas of your life. Feel free to create your own categories and customize as you see fit.

My Academic / Study Goals                           

My Practice / Training Goals                          

My Game Performance Goals                       

My Mental Health Goals                  

My Social & Lifestyle Goals                           

It is important to note that goals can be interchanged from week to week or can remain the same over a longer period. Strive to be as specific as possible and avoid generalities. The more specific the goals the more direct and focused your intention will be.

Best of luck and know that a few minutes a day to design your future will enhance the remainder of your life.

Written by: Mark Maloney, founder Village Sports