When is an athlete SATISFIED with his or her performance?

Performance Satisfaction is a judgment that the time and effort exerted to achieve valued goals was worthwhile; the result is worth the effort. Performance Satisfaction is important to long-term commitment (e.g., more than six months) to achieving goals; it is less important to initiate a new training program than to maintain it.

Take The MSA

INTERPRETING THE SATISFACTION SCORE ON THE MSA

Satisfaction is important to long-term commitment (e.g., more than six months) to achieving goals; it is less important to initiating a new training program or setting new goals. Athletes who have high Performance Satisfaction scores set effective short and long-term goals and have plans to implement them. High Performance Satisfaction scores indicate athletes who are more likely to succeed over the long haul.

WHAT CAN INFLUENCE THE SATISFACTION SCORE?

Performance Satisfaction is enhanced by effective Goal Setting, Goal Implementation, and Personal Control. Performance Satisfaction is diminished by setting only short-term goals and poor scores on Effort and Open to Feedback.

TIPS FOR ATHLETES

What is the evidence for and against the presence of Performance Satisfaction? Is your MSA score high or low? What are your Performance Satisfaction BITEs?

Consider how your short term goals for skill development are related to your long-term goals for skill development (see Goal Setting). If they are not aligned, fix them so they are.
Seeing and appreciating the linkage between your short and long-term goals will help make you feel successful and satisfied that you are achieving your long-term goals as you accomplish your short-term goals.

TIPS FOR COACHES

How important are goals to your athletes? Do they distinguish between short-term and long-term goals - do they realize the different amounts of effort that they require? How do your athletes chart their progress?

Provide emotional and verbal support for the athlete after failures and setbacks and provide supportive comments and examples of previous successes or examples of progress.
Monitor the level of perceived effort compared to perceived level of performance to be sure the athlete believes that the performance justifies the effort.

ATHLETES

When I set a goal, do I usually follow through and implement a plan to reach that goal?

Do I layout a specific plan to reach a goal?

COACHES

Do my athletes believe in and adapt the goals put forward by the team?

Do I recognize when I may need to suggest modifying an existing goal for an athlete?