Setting SMART Goals for Adult Skaters
Achieve your skating dreams with effective goal-setting
🎯 Why SMART Goals Work
Vague goals like "get better at skating" rarely lead to success. SMART goals provide clarity, motivation, and a roadmap to achievement. Whether you're a beginner or advanced skater, SMART goal-setting transforms dreams into reality. This guide teaches you how to set and achieve meaningful skating goals.
What Are SMART Goals?
Clearly define exactly what you want to achieve.
Vague vs Specific:
- ❌ "Get better at jumps"
- ✅ "Land a consistent waltz jump"
- ❌ "Improve my skating"
- ✅ "Master backward crossovers in both directions"
Include concrete criteria to track progress and know when you've succeeded.
Not Measurable vs Measurable:
- ❌ "Do better spins"
- ✅ "Hold a one-foot spin for 5 rotations"
- ❌ "Skate more often"
- ✅ "Skate 3 times per week"
Set challenging but realistic goals based on your current level.
Unrealistic vs Achievable:
- ❌ "Land a triple axel in 3 months" (as a beginner)
- ✅ "Land a waltz jump in 6 weeks" (as a beginner)
- ❌ "Compete at Nationals next month" (never competed)
- ✅ "Compete in a local adult competition in 6 months"
Ensure the goal aligns with your overall skating aspirations and values.
Questions to Ask:
- Does this goal matter to me?
- Does it align with my skating journey?
- Will achieving this help me reach bigger goals?
- Is this MY goal or someone else's?
Set a specific deadline to create urgency and focus.
No Deadline vs Time-Bound:
- ❌ "Eventually learn backward skating"
- ✅ "Master backward skating by March 15"
- ❌ "Someday pass my test"
- ✅ "Pass Pre-Bronze test by June 1"
SMART Goal Examples
Beginner Goal Example:
Goal: "Master forward crossovers in both directions by February 28, 2026"
- Specific: Forward crossovers, both directions
- Measurable: Can complete full circles using only crossovers
- Achievable: Realistic for 2-3 months of practice
- Relevant: Essential skill for progression
- Time-bound: February 28, 2026
Intermediate Goal Example:
Goal: "Land 8 out of 10 waltz jumps consistently by April 30, 2026"
- Specific: Waltz jump with 80% success rate
- Measurable: 8/10 landed cleanly
- Achievable: Realistic for intermediate skater
- Relevant: Foundation for more advanced jumps
- Time-bound: April 30, 2026
Advanced Goal Example:
Goal: "Compete in and complete a 2-minute program at the Spring Adult Competition on May 15, 2026"
- Specific: Complete 2-minute program at specific competition
- Measurable: Finish program without stopping
- Achievable: 5 months to prepare
- Relevant: Competition experience goal
- Time-bound: May 15, 2026
Goal Categories
Short-Term Goals (1-4 weeks):
- Learn a new skill
- Improve consistency on existing skill
- Attend X skating sessions
- Complete off-ice training routine
Medium-Term Goals (1-3 months):
- Master a jump or spin
- Pass a test level
- Improve flexibility to specific level
- Prepare for competition
Long-Term Goals (6-12 months):
- Compete at specific event
- Complete a full program
- Achieve specific skill level
- Master multiple advanced skills
Long-term goals sit at the top. Medium-term goals support them. Short-term goals form the foundation. Each level builds toward the next. Break big dreams into smaller, actionable steps!
Tracking Your Goals
Methods to Track Progress:
- Skating journal: Document each session's progress
- Video recordings: Visual proof of improvement
- Checklist: Mark off milestones as achieved
- Progress photos: Track physical changes
- Coach feedback: Regular assessments
See our complete progress tracking guide for detailed methods.
Review Schedule:
- Weekly: Review short-term goals, adjust as needed
- Monthly: Assess medium-term progress, celebrate wins
- Quarterly: Evaluate long-term goals, set new ones
Adjusting Goals
When to Adjust Goals:
- You're consistently exceeding your goal (make it harder)
- Goal proves unrealistic (make it more achievable)
- Priorities change (set new relevant goals)
- Injury or setback occurs (adjust timeline)
- You achieve the goal early (set a new one!)
⚠️ Don't Give Up Too Soon
Adjust goals when truly necessary, but don't abandon them at the first sign of difficulty. Progress isn't linear—plateaus and setbacks are normal. Give goals a fair chance before changing them.
Staying Motivated
Motivation Strategies:
- Write goals down: Makes them real and concrete
- Share with others: Accountability and support
- Visualize success: See yourself achieving the goal
- Celebrate milestones: Reward progress along the way
- Track progress visually: Charts, graphs, photos
- Remember your why: Connect to deeper purpose
- Find a goal buddy: Support each other
Goal-Setting Worksheet
Use This Template:
My SMART Goal:
[Write your specific goal here]
Specific: What exactly will I achieve?
[Your answer]
Measurable: How will I know I've succeeded?
[Your answer]
Achievable: Is this realistic for my current level?
[Your answer]
Relevant: Why does this goal matter to me?
[Your answer]
Time-Bound: When will I achieve this?
[Your answer]
Action Steps:
1. [First step]
2. [Second step]
3. [Third step]
Potential Obstacles:
[List challenges]
How I'll Overcome Them:
[Your strategies]
Goal-Setting Tips
- Start small: Better to achieve small goals than fail at huge ones
- Focus on process: Control what you can (practice, effort)
- Be flexible: Life happens—adjust as needed
- Celebrate everything: Every step forward deserves recognition
- Learn from setbacks: Failure teaches valuable lessons
- Keep goals visible: Post where you'll see them daily
- Review regularly: Goals need attention to stay relevant
- Balance challenge and achievability: Push yourself but stay realistic
Achieve Your Skating Goals
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