SETTING ACHIEVABLE GOALS
Dancing is not just an art; it’s a journey of self-discovery and continuous improvement. No matter your ability level, setting goals is essential to enhancing your dance skills and reaching new heights.
Why should you set goals?
Setting goals in dance is like charting a roadmap for your dance journey. It provides you with direction, motivation, and a sense of purpose.
HOW do you make those goals effective and achievable?
I heard this analogy about goal setting and I think it sums up how to approach a goal perfectly.
“When you get into your car, you usually know your destination. When you start driving towards your destination, you are focused on making sure you reach it, which helps you to adjust when you encounter obstacles; such as closed roads or traffic. Being thoroughly committed to reaching your destination, you are more willing to remain flexible in your approach to getting there depending on circumstances and time of day.”
Think if we approached all our goals with this same mindset!
“My goal is to get my triple pirouette. The way I initially thought I would train doesn’t work. That’s okay, I will try this other option. I know it will take me longer than anticipated, but I will still get there.”
YET, time and again, we “turn the car back around” and abandon our journey after we hit the first sign of “traffic.”
Often the reason we abandon our journey is because we don’t set ourselves up for goal success. We don’t create a detailed “road map.”
With goal setting, start with two questions:
Where do I want to go?
How am I going to get there?
Recognize that goals have different time lines.
Long-Term (1-3 years)
Midterm (6months-1 year)
Short-Term (1-6 months)
Immediate: (24 hours-1week)
Just like planning a car ride to a new location, have the end in mind and create smaller goals to arrive at the intended destination.
1. Pick 1 Long-Term goal: This is your guiding light. The “pièce de resistance.” Remember to be realistic, but don’t be afraid to DREAM BIG! The only limits that exist are those that you create.
2. Pick 2-3 Midterm Goals: These goals are what Dr. Lief Smith refers to has “Process Goals” or goals that deal with HOW you plan on doing things.
3. Pick 2-3 Short-Term Goals: These goals are necessary for the achievement of your Midterm Goals. These are also called “Performance Goals.” Here is where you apply numbers and measurable actions to the goal.
4. Pick 2-3 Immediate Goals: These are the goals that you set to support your Short-Term goals.
Additional pointers for goal setting:
· When setting goals make them specific. The more specific you are, the more likely you are to achieve your goals. When your goals are vague, your focus tends to be less attentive, leaving too much room for you to deviate and create excuses.
Example: “To have more consistent pirouettes- I will do 10 prep to passé hold drills. I will record how long I can hold each one in my journal. My goal is to increase my time by 5 seconds in 2 weeks’ time.”
· Goals should challenge you. The only way to truly find what you are capable of is to get out of your comfort zone. Have your goal be something that is realistic, but seems to be just out of your reach. It is proven that goals that are too easy, lead to a lack of motivation and plateaued performance and growth.
· Promise yourself that you will commit to the actions needed. Action is the foundational key to achieving all goals.
Specific Action + Unwavering Commitment = Goal Achievement
· Giving each goal a timeline makes each goal more realistic than theoretical. Deadlines keep you focused on making the goal a priority. Put the deadlines on a calendar. This is another useful tracking and planning tool.
· Track your goals in your journal. We will discuss this further in the next blog: #1 Mental Performance Tool: Journaling (May 27, 2025).
· Create a Support System. Have your support system assist with accountability and help remind you of your Long-Term Goal. Additionally, making goals “public” help to motivate your continual commitment, especially during times of mental, physical, and emotional challenges.
· Be Flexible. Goals need to be treated as fluid. Some goals you may achieve quicker, while others may need more time. The most predictable thing about life is that it is unpredictable, just like the traffic in the car analogy. Don’t turn the car around, pick a different route. Obstacles and set backs are simply part of the process.
FOR EXAMPLE:
Long Term Goal:
Make a college dance team (April 2026)
Midterm Goals:
1. I will have all the required elements for auditions based on my previous research.
2. I will attend all clinics for the college program and/or available combines.
3. Through continuous work on my mindset and mental toughness, I will have the fortitude to not let mistakes distract me and be the most emotionally committed dancer on the floor.
Short Term Goals:
1. To improve my working leg in my a la second turns, I will do [insert specific leg strengthening exercises+ reps] and record in my journal.
2. To improve my mindset and mental toughness, I will do one mindset/mental toughness exercise each night before going to bed. I will record activity and outcome in my journal.
Immediate Goals:
I will set a goal for each practice, write it in my journal, and follow through at practice
I will reach out to the college dance team coach to understand what I need to make the team.
I will set up S.M.A.R.T* goals to work on any skills I need to audition for the team.
*Another popular goal setting guide is using the S.M.A.R.T Method.
(S)pecific- What exactly do you want to accomplish?
(M)easurable- How much/how many? How will I know when the goal is accomplished?
(A)chievable- How realistic is the goal?
(R)elevant- Why is it important to me to achieve this goal? What role does this goal play in the bigger picture of my dance journey?
(T)ime-bound- How much time would I like to give myself to achieve this goal? What is the end date?
Remember, keep your number of goals to a minimum. Too many goals will divide your focus and energy. Pick the one that is most important, once that is achieved move on to the next. Consider displaying your goals where you can see them daily as a reminder of where your hard work is taking you.
Setting goals in dance is a powerful tool. It provides direction, motivation, and a sense of purpose to your dance journey. Remember when setting goals to break them down into manageable steps and stay consistent in your efforts. With dedication and a clear vision, you can achieve your dance dreams and continue to evolve as a dancer. Embrace the journey and let your passion for dance drive you towards success!
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