Dreams and goals –

Dreams are stories we tell ourselves about the things we wish for.

Goals are things we actually have to do to make our dreams come true.

Positively stating goals –

You identify what you want to achieve.

You do not focus on what you don’t want to have happen.

You avoid words and phrases like “don’t” or “avoid” or “stop doing”.

Negative goal = “Don’t hit the ball in the water”.

Positive goal = “I want to hit the ball in the fairway”.

Setting specific goals –

The goals you set need to have some measurable indication of when the goal will be reached. Specifically stated goals do not use general comparative words like “good” or “better”.

Non specific goal = “I want to be a better putter”

Specific goal = “I want to sink 75% of all of my putts from inside four feet by July 12th”.

Goals that are under your control –

It is important to set goals that the outcome of which are primarily under your control, and can be reached by the things that YOU do and not by something that you have no control over.

Goal that is not under your control = “I want my teacher to be an easy grader”.

Goal that is under your control = “I want to become certified at the Birdie level”.

The goal ladder –

A goal ladder is a plan of action, or series of steps, to reach your goals. Think of your plan like a ladder. Your goal is at the top, and you have to climb each rung one step at a time until you reach your goal. You begin at the bottom with the most basic steps and progress to more difficult steps as you move up the ladder.

STAR –

STAR is an acronym for STOP, THINK, ANTICIPATE, and RESPOND. The First Tee participants use it, as a problem solving technique. For example, when you are faced with a difficult problem the first thing you need to do is :

STOP and take a deep breath.

THINK about your choices.

ANTICIPATE what could happen as a result of each choice.

RESPOND by picking the best choice.