(4/28) Mindset Monday: Goal Setting

In wrestling—and life—goals are not just wishful thinking. They’re a map. A tool to give direction, focus, and purpose to every practice, every rep, and every match.

But here’s the key: goals aren’t set in stone. They are meant to guide, not define you. And they should exist at three levels:

1. Long-Term Goals (2–5 Years Away)

These are your big dreams—the ones that give your journey purpose.

Examples:

Qualify for Fargo or Nationals

Make your varsity lineup

Earn a scholarship or compete in college

Write them down. Keep them visible. They remind you why you're working.

2. Short-Term Goals (This Season/Year)

These are the steps that move you toward the long-term goals.

Examples:

Compete in 5 freestyle tournaments this season

Improve your mat returns

Journal after every competition

Short-term goals help track progress. They're easier to measure and keep you motivated daily.

3. Daily Goals (Every Practice or Week)

The small, consistent actions that lead to big change.

Examples:

Hit 10 solid reps of your best move in live

Push yourself through every sprint

Encourage a teammate or learn one new thing

These goals keep you locked in and make every practice meaningful.

Setting & Adjusting Goals

Start with your long-term vision, then reverse-engineer the short-term and daily goals.

Make them specific, measurable, and challenging—but realistic.

Check in often. What’s working? What needs to change?

Adjust as you grow. As you improve, your goals should shift with you.

Final Thought

Goals are not about perfection. They’re about progress. And when your short-term and daily goals stay aligned with your long-term purpose, you’ll always know where you’re going—even when the road gets tough.

Let your goals guide you, not define you. You’re not chasing a number—you’re becoming the kind of wrestler who earns it.

This Week’s Goal Challenge

Take 10 minutes this week to set your own 3-tiered goals:

1 Long-Term Goal (2–5 years from now)

2–3 Short-Term Goals (for this season)

1 Daily Practice Goal (to focus on this week)

Write them down. Keep them in your locker, journal, or phone. Talk to a coach if you want help shaping or adjusting them.

Bonus Challenge:

Check in with a teammate at the end of practice and ask them:

"What’s one small goal you’re working on this week?"