Missing the Goal

My sister has played soccer from the time she knew what the game was.  She played all throughout childhood, middle, and high school.  Even as she attends college at the University of Central Florida, she is coaching the JV girl’s soccer team at her high school alma mater.  As we discovered her ability to play the game our whole family had to learn a little about the world’s favorite sport. 

From what I gather, the point is to get the black and white ball into a net to score a goal.  I realize this over-simplifies a dynamic and energetic sport, but at the end of the game the only thing that gets you a “Win” is how many times you get a goal.  The whole world watches to see how many times the ball gets kicked or headed into the net.  It is why everyone collectively groans when the offense misses the goal or a defender deflects a ball away from the net.  Getting the goal is a moment of elation.  Missing the goal drives fans and players into a depression. 

So how do you bounce back from a missed goal?  Everybody has them.  A resolution made in January can become February’s forgotten failure.  For many, the finish line to our goals can be elusive.  It can be depressing to continually set goals that you never attain.  Over time, it can keep you from setting goals at all.  Instead, you may choose to settle for status quo instead.  But missing a goal does not have to be like this.

Every time you miss a goal, there is a wealth of information that makes your goal much more attainable in the future.

Learn From Your Mistakes – More often than not, we are the reason that we didn’t make it to our goals.  Decisions we made and commitments we failed to keep are the often the reason we didn’t accomplish what we set out to do.  When you miss a goal, reflect on what you could have done differently.  Otherwise, you will be tempted to fall victim to the same mistakes again. 

Define The Obstacles – Since you ventured a portion of the pathway to your goals before, you know what some of the obstacles are.  These outside influences are sure to be there waiting for you when you try again.  Therefore, plan for them on your next attempt.  Figure out a way to come up against the obstacles you face to work your way around them.

Keep Going – You are able to accomplish the practical goals that you set for yourself.  After you miss a goal, there is always the temptation to give up.  DON’T!  You can accomplish what you set out to do.  Don’t let the baggage of past failures weigh you down.  You would be surprised at your own ability to overcome if you put yourself to the test.  Keep going.

Missed goals are a part of life.  Watch the World Cup next time it is played.  You will discover that the best and most talented often miss the shots they take at the net.  Still, they don’t give up.  They learn from mistakes, define the obstacles, and keep going.  Those qualities make them contenders and champions.