Let’s be honest—how often do you set goals that are so ambitious, so far-reaching, that instead of motivating you, they end up overwhelming you? We’ve all been there. You set too many goals, or maybe just one massive goal, and deep down, you know you won’t achieve it within the time you’ve given yourself. Instead of pushing you forward, these goals actually hold you back.

The Trap of Overwhelming Goals

Here’s the problem: When your goals are too big or too numerous, they can become more of a burden than a motivator. You might think you’re being ambitious, but what you’re really doing is setting yourself up for disappointment. And when you start to fall short, the motivation that got you started turns into frustration, and that’s when you begin to lose trust in yourself.

So, how do we avoid this trap? How do we set goals that are challenging enough to push us but not so overwhelming that they paralyze us?

Setting Goals That Truly Motivate You

At 10is Academy, we emphasize a concept we call “Goals from the Heart.” This is about setting goals that resonate with your gut instinct—goals that are realistic but still stretch you beyond your comfort zone. These are not the goals that just sound good on paper or are expected of you by others. These are the goals that you genuinely feel connected to, the ones that come from a deep place of personal desire and commitment.

Sometimes, the best goal isn’t about taking on something new or massive. Sometimes, it’s about consolidation—building on what you’ve already started, refining your skills, or strengthening your current position. This kind of goal might not sound as flashy, but it can be incredibly powerful because it’s rooted in reality and personal growth.

A Powerful Tool for Goal-Setting

Here’s a strategy that can help you stay focused and motivated throughout the year: Write a letter to yourself, dated December 20, 2024. In this letter, describe what you’ve achieved over the year, but write it in the past tense, as if you’ve already accomplished everything you set out to do. Be specific—what have you done, how do you feel, and what does your success look like?

This simple exercise serves two key purposes:

1. Visualisation: By writing your goals as if you’ve already achieved them, you’re helping your mind visualize success. This isn’t just wishful thinking—visualization is a proven technique used by top athletes and successful people across all fields to prime the mind for achievement.
2. Ongoing Motivation: Reading this letter regularly—daily if possible, but at least weekly—keeps your goals front and center in your mind. It reminds you of what you’re working towards and keeps you motivated to stay on track, even when things get tough.

Trusting Yourself to Achieve Your Goals

One of the most important aspects of effective goal-setting is learning to trust yourself. This means setting goals that you truly believe you can achieve—not because they’re easy, but because they’re meaningful and aligned with who you are and where you want to go.

At 10is Academy, we don’t just teach tennis skills; we teach life skills. Part of that is helping our players learn how to set and achieve goals that matter. Whether you’re aiming to improve your game, achieve a personal milestone, or simply become a better version of yourself, it all starts with setting the right goals—goals that motivate you without overwhelming you.

So, the next time you’re setting goals, take a moment to reflect: Are these goals truly coming from the heart? Are they realistic yet challenging enough to push you forward? And most importantly, do they help you build trust in yourself?

If you’re ready to take control of your goal-setting process and start achieving real, meaningful progress, I encourage you to try the letter-writing exercise and see how it transforms your mindset and motivation.

Remember, at 10is Academy, we’re here to help you not just set goals, but achieve them. Let’s make this year your most successful yet, one realistic, heartfelt goal at a time.