Goals and Setting Them Part Two

GOAL-SETTING! Goals are one of the most common and important aspects of mental performance. Therefore, goal-setting will be split into three parts: SMART Goals, WOOP Goals, and Creating a Goal Ladder. In this second part, we will focus on WOOP Goals, which focuses on the bigger picture of what you want and obstacles that could arise.

WOOP Goals

W: Wish

This step of WOOP Goals is where you write down a wish you currently have. Don’t worry about sentence structure, organization, if it is specific, or anything along those lines. Just write down a wish you have.

O: Objective

This next step is about taking your wish and choosing an objective or goal that will help that wish become closer to reality. Make sure it is SMART!

O: Obstacles

Expanding from SMART goals, this step of WOOP involves thinking about possible obstacles that could make it difficult to reach your goal.

P: Plan

Now that you have some obstacles written down, the last part of WOOP needs to come into affect. Identifying and writing down a plan to overcome the obstacles.

Completed WOOP Example:

W: I want to be a better basketball player and I am hoping to play basketball in college.
O: I will increase my 60% free throw percentage to 80% by the end of this season.
O: Not getting chances to shoot free throws; getting frustrated if there is not progress “quick enough”; injury; not wanting to practice
P: make chances in practice, on your own, and taking more shots or drives to the basket; reminding yourself change doesn’t happen overnight and every time you practice is progress; can’t change getting injured but can make sure I do what I can to prevent injury and then alter my goal timeline if needed; we all should take days off but remember your wish and why you set this goal, having an accountability buddy to help get through those tougher days.

Just like with SMART Goals, I recommend writing down your WOOP Goal on something you will look at daily and even sharing it with a friend, parent/guardian, and/or a coach, so that you have accountability and can share in the challenges and triumphs of working towards a goal.

Content Created by Kathryn Colby, M.Ed.