Like most sports, the first step of achieving success in baseball is to establish proper and reasonable goals. These goals are meant to serve as guidelines for tracking progress and player development. The authors of the book The Mental Game of Baseball, Dorfman and Kuehl, say that before any real progress can be made, you need to be able not only track your goals but follow them with undying determination. (5) I was a firm believer in setting goals for baseball before reading book however, this chapter gave me new insight regarding the importance of seeing my goals through to the end and also how I should go about setting reasonable goals. "The successful player sets goals in order to stimulate himself to act in a way to achieve his objectives. He focuses his attention and energies. In other words, the more aware he is of what he wants, the more likely he is to do what is necessary to get it."(5)
Goals can be classified into three different types:
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| Physically writing your goals down is very important |
Long range
Intermediate range
Short-term goals
By setting a fair amount of each type of goal, one can expect great results if the goals are achieved. However, " You cant allow yourself to forget that you possess the goal; the goal should not possess you." (8) Keeping this in mind, I was able to create several of each type of goal. I was also able to maintain my freedom by making diverse goals that cover all aspects of baseball. One even pertained to the visualization aspect of baseball that was covered in my last post. Another idea mentioned in the book was writing your goals down, so that they "set in stone". This way you can refer directly to the goal and also make notes about your progress.
In conclusion, setting proper goals is a big part of finding success in baseball. I was able to write several of each type of goal that according to the book, will ultimately lead me to finding more success in baseball.
How important do you think setting goals is?
Dorfman, H. A., and Karl Kuehl. The Mental Game of Baseball: A Guide to Peak Performance. Lanham, MD: Diamond Communications, 2002. Print.
How important do you think setting goals is?
Dorfman, H. A., and Karl Kuehl. The Mental Game of Baseball: A Guide to Peak Performance. Lanham, MD: Diamond Communications, 2002. Print.
I think goals are very important to set especially when you want to achieve something big. I feel like from now I will write down my goals so I won't forget them.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that this post could be of use to you
DeleteThis was a very good post! I think short-term goals are very important because in the end, they will definitely affect your long-term goals and how you achieve them. Goals in general are the key to success.
ReplyDeleteThanks Shawny! I agree. Goals are a good way to keep track of progress.
DeleteGoals are a big part of being successful and this post explains that very well so good job. Making goals is a big deal because it gives you something to work for.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ben. Goals are a great way to show your progress and hard work!
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