How to set goals in MMA

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GOAL SETTING

At times it is easy to lose focus on what we need to do when we should start, why we are attempting something and seeing where we will achieve the task is clouded in a foggy haze.

It is common when faced with a real struggle, like making weight for a contest, or when coming back to training after a spell on the physio table.

Even if you have just had a successful performance, getting back into the habit of training can be a real struggle despite the victory you may have just earned.

This process looks to help you confirm the goal and be specific yet honest about the challenge it presents.

We are looking to reaffirm why you are attempting it and help to activate your brain to focus on the successful pursuit of the task in order to set you up to go out and give maximum effort.

WHAT

Choose a goal. Now break that down into something very specific

For example: I am looking to make an improvement in my striking, so I have decided to work on technique and landing 80% of all strikes cleanly in training lifts rather than focusing on power

Be honest about the goal in terms of your perception of ability to achieve it and the challenge that it represents, including any factors that may present additional consideration, such as physical, environmental, emotional or social factors

For example: I want to ensure I nail 80% of all strikes in training this week. I am comfortable in my ability to do this as I have successfully done this before. This does pose a significant challenge and a test of my discipline ensuring I am controlled and convict to each shot in terms of maintaining my focus on the target at all times.

I am wary that I am up against a number of very fast sparring opponents who are skilled at reading my shots. I feel well-rested but I am hungry and not quite fully awake as it is 5 am but I am also aware that I have a fantastic support network around me to keep me comfortable and confident of succeeding. I am encouraged by the fact that I am in a comfortable and well-established gym to complete the 80% success rate

WHY

Think hard as to why you are setting yourself this goal in terms of what the goal means to you

Consider a number of motives as to why achieving this target is particularly important to you. Consider motives such as:

CHALLENGING MYSELF IS IMPORTANT AS I AIM TO CONSTANTLY WORK ON IMPROVING AS AN ATHLETE
SUCCESS IS IMPORTANT TO ME IN TERMS OF ALWAYS PUSHING MYSELF TO ACHIEVE MY BEST
RECOGNITION IS KEY FOR ME IN TERMS OF BEING ACKNOWLEDGED BY THOSE WHO I VALUE FOR THE HARD WORK AND EFFORT I EXPEND ON MY JOURNEY TO GREATNESS
ENJOYMENT IS VITAL, I UNDERSTAND THAT I MAY NOT ENJOY EACH STEP UP THE LADDER BUT I KNOW THAT WITHOUT THE GRAFT THEN THE PLEASURE WOULD NOT BE EARNED

WHERE

Now vividly picture yourself successfully completing the goal in a training environment, and then see yourself translate this to the competitive arena.