Goal Setting — SMART Goals

Setting goals is an important part of improving as a rider. However, there are some common mistakes that people often make. It’s important to set SMART goals. Here’s what to think about:

• Specific: You are more likely to achieve your goal if you make it specific to what you would like to achieve. ‘I want to ride my mountain bike twice a week’ is much more valuable than ‘I want to be a better mountain biker’
• Measurable: You should be able to measure your progress towards your goal. If not you won’t know how close you are to achieving it. By measuring your goal, or your progress towards your goal, you should be able to stay motivated on your journey to achieving it.
• Attainable: With the appropriate hard work and dedication you should be able to achieve your goal. By choosing a goal which is possible you will create a positive environment to work in. If you choose an unrealistic goal, or aim too high, you can dishearten yourself. We often dream about the pinnacle, however sometimes it’s better to set more manageable goals on the way to greatness.
• Relevant: Goals should be relevant to the type of bike rider that you want to be. By keeping goals aligned with the direction or style of riding you want to do, you’ll develop the focus and self motivation you need to get ahead and be successful.
• Timed: Set a timeframe by which you would like to achieve your goal by. If you don’t set yourself a time to do so then your can be demotivated and you can make excuses as to when you want to achieve your goal.

By setting yourself SMART goals you are more likely to achieve what you set out to do. You are also more likely to improve as a rider on the whole.

Good luck!