Goal Setting with 5th Graders

Last week I got a chance to talk to Mrs. Lueth's 5th grade class at Minnewashta Elementary. We talked about setting goals and what type of goals we all had. As I told the class, goal setting is very important in my line of work. Every new season begins with a new goal. I have to set goals that are realistic and at the same time challenging enough to not limit myself.

For me, the most important part of setting a goal is to believe in it 100%. If I tell myself I want to be the best 100 Backstroker in the world, I have to believe not only that I can do it, but that I can do the work necessary to make it possible.

Once I set a goal I try and remind myself of it every day, especially when I am training my hardest. Remembering what I am working towards makes it all just a little bit easier. Then once I am done with the hard parts of the season and taper time rolls around I try and relax as much as possible about racing. The work is done and racing is just the "icing on the cake."

Thanks again to Mrs. Lueth and her class for inviting me to speak. I had a lot of fun!