We know how easy it can be to get swept up in the rush of everyday life and work. When you’re moving at a million miles an hour and juggling many responsibilities as an athletic trainer, it can be tempting to put off planning goals, especially when that planning seems arduous.
But we have good news: goal setting and vision planning don’t have to be overwhelming or time-consuming. In fact, the more intentional you are about your goals and future vision now, the more time you’ll save later.
Setting goals and vision planning are some of the most critical components you’ll use as a professional. It will help you gain clarity, get organized, improve your focus, and increase your motivation and confidence.
Here’s how:
- It helps you get clear about what you want and where you’re going. Without that, you’ll feel like you’re just floating along in a sea of unconnected tasks and projects.
- It gives you the framework for deciding how to prioritize all that is in front of you, choosing which projects to take on, and organizing your time.
- It allows you to set your sights on something bigger than your immediate circumstances. If a project is too small or not big enough, it can leave you feeling unfulfilled. Goals and vision planning give you the ability to look beyond the immediate now and see other possibilities.
To get started, we have some simple tips for you:
1. Make your goals SMART: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely.
2. Write down what you’ve accomplished in the past week. Were they on track with where you want to get or did they take your time and attention away from your big picture goals?
3. Use visualization to imagine your ideal self and write it down! Once you get clear on your ideal self and life, use visualization to see yourself accomplishing those things as if they’ve already happened. Pro-tip: if you can see if you can achieve it and visualization is a great tool to use as a “dress rehearsal”.
4. Share your goals and vision with someone who cares about you and your success. Their support will help encourage you along the way!
5. Keep going! As long as you are making progress toward your goals, no matter how small, you’re making progress. You never know how far chipping away a little each day can get you.
To take this a step further we created a planner specifically for ATs to get clarity around their goals, vision, prioritize personal development, and MUCH more.
This 45-page resource takes you through:
- Identifying your athletic training origin story
- Setting intentions
- Your why
- Vision casting
- Moving through adversity
- The art of reflection
- Reframing your relationship with the profession
The “More Than A Trainer Planner” created specifically for ATs is available as a digital download, this month only, for just $11. Join the dozens of other ATs who have already purchased theirs by grabbing yours HERE.
Pro-tip: you can print it out and write in it like a physical planner.
Let us know in the comments below what other resources you would find helpful in your role as an athletic trainer.
