“I tell them to work hard. I tell them to dream big and set goals. I believe in writing out your goals and working hard to accomplish those goals, and to keep dreaming. I tell them to have fun. I tell them they need to enjoy trying to accomplish that goal.”
Peyton Manning when asked for advice for young athletes

Most football players who find success on the field learn the importance of goals in developing mental toughness and growth in their game. The mind’s ability to focus drives the body’s ability to perform at a higher level. Process goals are mini goals that strengthen mental focus and help maintain a positive mindset which also improves performance both on and off the football field.

Sports psychologists for football promote the use of process goals to keep an athlete’s thoughts focused on their present play, and not worrying about past mistakes or future pressures.

During the establishment of process goals it is important to incorporate two different types, both performance and mental process goals. Both eliminate worry about an outcome, but rather maintain a constant focus on what happens right now.

Performance goals are strictly concerned with action in the present time. A great example would be to give 100% effort, which is easily stated but sometimes difficult to adhere to in the fourth quarter when your body is exhausted and sore. The athlete with this performance goal would constantly push to go all out and leave every amount of physical energy on the field. During practice or a game they would analyze their current effort and decide if they were truly giving their all.

Another great performance process goal might be to “play with power”. Again this sustains an encouraging mindset not concerned with the result aggressive play. It simply allows the player to keep a persistent mental focus by managing their thoughts.

Mental process goals are also concerned with the present, but rather focus on the mental game of football. An example of a mental process goal would be to “keep it positive”, where thoughts and reactions were analyzed so that any negative behavior was eliminated. Was player upset over a perceived bad call from an official? How did their behavior and reaction affect their ability to play at their peak on the very next play?

An effective mental goal resets their thoughts to a positive plan of action, not a reaction to a negative experience. Another possible mental process goal would be to “dominate”. No matter what your position, the goal to dominate the opponent is a mindset and focus to keep your thoughts in the present. All of the player’s focus is directed at the present play, rather than being fractured into negative concern over previous mistakes.

The power that an athlete’s mental game for football plays into the overall success they find on the field is just as important as their physical abilities. Football confidence is strengthened and maintained by developing an effective plan for mental toughness and focus.

Process goals provide one facet in maintaining an overall mental toughness for the game, and establishing a “live in the moment” attitude.

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