Why Every Athlete Should Keep a Goal Book
Competition is fierce everywhere we look in the sporting world; every day we hear about new outstanding feats being performed in every event from basketball to track and field. We hear how far athletes will go all the time to get that little extra from their performances and practices .
The typical high performance runner will keep a log to track performances, while a swimmer might use a swimming log to do the same. In both cases, they are getting valuable information from these books with which they can apply to future performances. The fact is, keeping a goal book or a log book is probably the easiest way for any athlete to get an easy-and legal–edge over their competition. What makes this timeless tool so effective?
When athletes keep a log they are able to track their performances in both competition and in their daily practices. This can be monitored over the short term, as well as the long term. They are given instant and valuable insight into their diet and sleep patterns. They can also get an overview of their stress and mood levels, and any other variable that could impact their performance. By being given all of this information, they can tweak and adjust as necessary, giving them an improved chance at succeeding. Additionally, a log book or goal book can drastically improve motivation within the athlete; no longer will the athlete be confused about why they performed poorly, and in viewing their previous successes they will be given confidence leading into their next phase of practice/competition.
Additional benefits:
- By viewing prior wins and success the athlete is given a sure-fire way to get motivated.
- The athlete can see if they are being over-trained. This is a state that is hard to see when you are in the middle of training at peak levels.
- The athlete can detect patterns in their performances, noting where they are doing well and where they are doing poorly.
- Most importantly, the athlete can see what is working and what is not and adjust accordingly.
All goal books are not the same. The athlete would be well advised to search for a log book or a goal book that is specific to his or her sport and needs. However, once done, and the training diary is commenced, the athlete will be well on their way to out-achieving the competition. Goal books and log books vary widely across sports and discipline, so be sure to find one that is appropriate to your needs and discipline. Once you begin it, however, you will quickly see the value in tracking and monitoring your goals and performances.