Goal Setting is Outcome-making

In 8th grade, basketball was my life. My grandma Shirley gave me my first basketball for Christmas, and shortly thereafter, I persuaded my dad to purchase and hang a hoop on our corn crib.

 

I played 6-on-6 girls’ basketball. As a forward, I had only two dribbles per play, making the game highly strategic, for I didn’t want to waste my dribbles.

 

The summer before my freshman year of high school, I made a commitment: improve my left-handed layups. I wanted to surprise my guard with fakes, double fakes, and have the strength to do so. 

 

I wanted to make varsity.

 

Each day, I dribbled 100 layups on my left side, and only 50 on my right.

 

I envisioned the outcome.

I set a specific goal.

I practiced every day.

 

To improve your communication skills, you must set a goal.

 

Say it out loud.

Write it down.

Tell someone.

 

That’s the first part.

 

Now, the real work happens.

Practicing what needs improving isn’t easy.

 

Finding opportunities to talk in front of an audience, craft thoughtful content, and practice takes time.

 

By making the abstract goal of “getting better at public speaking” more concrete, “I will do one video every week,” you’re setting yourself up for success.

 

Through diligence and hard work, I made the team.

 

You can do the same.

 

It takes setting a clear goal, taking specific action, and having accountability to making your speaking goal happen.