INTERPRETING THE GOAL IMPLEMENTATION SCORE ON THE MSA

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The athlete who effectively implements goals creates specific plans for tracking and achieving the goals that he/she sets. A high score on goal setting does not ensure a high score for goal implementation. The athlete who implements goals effectively keeps a record of goals, tracks progress toward goals frequently (e.g., daily or weekly), identifies milestones that indicate progress toward goals, and makes adjustments to goals, as needed. The athlete who successfully implements goals anticipates obstacles to achieving goals and plans ways to overcome the obstacles.

 

WHAT CAN INFLUENCE THE GOAL IMPLEMENTATION SCORE?

Goal Implementation is enhanced by effective Goal Setting and Task Confidence. Goal Implementation is diminished by low scores on Self-Worth and Open to Feedback. Effective Goal Implementation increases Effort and performance Satisfaction.

 

TIPS FOR ATHLETES

How well do you implement the goals you set? Is your MSA score high or low? What are your Goal Implementation BITEs?

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1. Goals are intentions and expectations of you. There is no guarantee that you will implement them over time. Your best chance of implementing your goals is to have specific plans for each goal you set.

2. Make adjustments to your goals based upon a review of the records you kept about your goal progress. Recognize that some of your goals may be more difficult to achieve than you originally anticipated. Set less challenging goals and recognize that these less challenging goals are really sub-goals on the path to achieving eventually the original more challenging goal.

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TIPS FOR COACHES

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What methods do your athletes have for tracking goal implementation? Do you emphasize specific milestones towards meeting a goal? Do your athletes generally accept the team's goals as their own?

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1. Review your athletes’ goals and sub-goals and make adjustments to improve them but be sure to include the athlete in any decisions to adjust the goals and sub-goals. If the athlete does not genuinely accept the goals as their own, there is a greater risk that they will not achieve them.

2. When making adjustments to goals that were not met because they may have been too difficult, avoid any suggestions that the athlete is not capable of achieving the more challenging goal at a later date. Instead, describe the more challenging goal as one to be achieved at a later date and the new, still challenging, but more realistic goal is still a positive step toward achieving the longer term, more challenging and currently unrealistic goal. Especially avoid negative comments or BITEs regarding the athlete’s character, innate ability, or self-worth.

 

TIPS FOR PARENTS

How well does your athlete implement goals? Is his or her Goal Implementation MSA score high or low? What are your athlete’s Goal Implementation BITEs?

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1. When it is necessary to set less challenging goals because a goal is not being met, be sure your athlete recognizes that the less challenging goals are really sub-goals on the path to achieving the original more challenging goal. Avoid negative comments and BITEs about your athlete’s character, innate ability, or self-worth.

2. When obstacles occur, assist your athlete with the implementation of the plan established to overcome the obstacle. Reinforce the value of goal implementation planning, comment positively on their ability to continue making progress toward their goal, despite the obstacle (Personal Control).