It’s back-to-school time and things are getting busy. When you’re an athlete and a student, you’re dealing with lots of responsibilities—from after-school practice to homework. On top of all that, you’ve got friends, family and maybe a few hobbies you’re passionate about. How do you manage? What are your goals for this year? Here’s why it’s important to set them.
Goals get you pumped
When you’re chasing your deepest desires, you’ll be more likely to reach higher. Whether you’re working on your slap shot or your timing on the balance beam, think about the skills you most want to improve. When you make a goal, you’ll try harder and work longer.
Consider giving yourself a reward after you achieve a goal. An incentive can help you stay motivated—maybe saving allowance money for new sneakers or a video game.
You’ll get better and grow
When you push toward your next academic goal, you’re gaining knowledge and growing your mind with more passion. That dedication is a key to success as both an athlete and a student.
What drives you to do better? Beyond gifts or prizes, think about the honor of earning a special distinction. It could be making the honor roll, reaching MVP status or simply mastering something that used to be hard.
You’ll feel more confident
Stressing over school and athletics is exhausting. Instead of focusing only on the negative, put your energy toward something positive: reaching the next step or milestone.
You don’t always need to be the best on the team or in class, but you can become better on your own terms. If you learn a new skill and make it stronger than before, you deserve to feel confident about your growth.
When a goal is set, you truly can reach higher. Remember that every goal in life, no matter how small, is worth working toward. Make one worth reaching for.