Baby Steps are Key by Katie Jackson

     Writing goal sheets is one of the first things we do at keeners. They are important to let the coaches know what we want to work on, and to give ourselves something to work towards. They need to be attainable goals- for example perhaps don't list the "flatwater phonics" when you still find it difficult to get more than three ends cartwheeling as I did. Stephen and Clay also pointed out the making it your goal to win something is not a great idea since you have no control over how the other competitors will compete. You could have the best ride of your life, but perhaps someone else has the best ride of their life and it's better than yours. Should you be disappointed that you lost? Definitely not. You should be thrilled on hitting your best ride yet! 

     One of my goals was to be able to back paddle longer. I'm still glad I made this a goal (especially since my posture has now improved), but I realize a flaw in it. I never specified how long I want to be able to back paddle. I've now made it from the sneak all the way to the Lorne backwards three times. I'm thrilled I've made it that far, but now I'm not sure if I've finished my goal or not. Yet, this question made me realize something else crucial about goals. They can evolve and be never ending. Perhaps there can be multiple levels of achievement within each goal, which is why I really liked Claire's skill wheel. In this wheel, each goal has different levels so that the goal may be accomplished in pieces. It's much more gratifying to be able to mark off bits of progress rather than waiting for the final check mark of completion. It's also much more realistic. Back to the back paddling example: the first stage could be to make it from the sneak to the main current; second stage to make it to the Lorne; and third to make it to the Lorne and back. This gives more gratification throughout the process instead of frustration that I haven't yet accomplished the final goal. Baby steps are key. They can make any goal feel within reach and ensure you have a process to reach the final check mark.