The Hidden Challenges of New Year’s Goals for Athletes
Jan 07, 2025The Hidden Challenges of New Year’s Goals for Athletes
New Year, New Goals – But Let’s Talk About the Hard Stuff
As the clock strikes midnight on December 31st, many of us feel that spark of excitement. A new year feels like a blank slate—a chance to set big, bold goals and chase them with everything we’ve got. For athletes, this might mean aiming for a higher level of performance, scoring more points, or finally breaking into the starting lineup.
But here’s the thing no one talks about: most goals fail—not because athletes lack talent or motivation—but because the approach is all wrong.
Why Most New Year’s Goals Fail
The statistics are clear: 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail by February. For athletes, this often happens because goals are:
- Too vague:
Goals like "I want to get better this season" don’t provide clarity or direction. How will you get better? What specific actions will you take? - Unrealistic:
Big dreams are inspiring, but setting an expectation like "I’ll train every single day without fail" creates unnecessary pressure. Life happens, and flexibility is key. - Outcome-focused:
Goals like "I need to win every game" or "I have to score X points" rely on factors outside of the athlete’s control, leading to frustration when things don’t go as planned.
The Messy Middle: Where the Real Growth Happens
Even when goals are set thoughtfully, many athletes struggle with the hardest part of achieving them: the messy middle.
This is the stage where:
- Progress feels slow.
- Setbacks seem bigger than they are.
- The excitement of starting something new begins to fade.
It’s easy to feel stuck or even give up entirely during this phase. But the truth is, the messy middle is where mental toughness is built. It’s where habits are formed and resilience is tested.
How to Set Goals That Stick
Instead of falling into the same patterns, here’s a better approach for athletes as they prepare for 2025:
- Focus on the process, not just the outcome.
Instead of "I need to win," set goals around what you can control, like "I’ll improve my shot accuracy by practicing for 15 minutes three times a week." - Keep it realistic.
Start with small, manageable goals that build consistency. For example, commit to one extra strength training session per week instead of seven. - Celebrate small wins.
Progress isn’t always linear, but every step forward counts. Take time to acknowledge your growth—even if it feels small. - Prepare for the messy middle.
Have a plan for when motivation dips. This could include leaning on mental tools like positive self-talk, visualization, or accountability partners.
A Mindset Shift for the New Year
The best goals aren’t about perfection—they’re about progress. They’re about creating habits, staying consistent, and trusting that growth will come over time.
For athletes, parents, and coaches, the new year is an opportunity to build stronger routines and mental resilience. When you approach goals with a focus on small, sustainable actions, you set yourself up for success—not just in the short term, but for the long haul.
As you plan for 2025, I challenge you to rethink your approach to goal setting. Lean into the process, embrace the messy middle, and remind yourself that setbacks are part of the journey.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re looking for tools to help your athlete stick to their goals and build mental resilience this year, check out my programs designed specifically for athletes and parents. Let’s make 2025 a year of growth—on and off the playing field.
What’s one small, process-based goal you’re working on for the new year? Send me an email at [email protected]—I’d love to hear from you!
