Ability to Hold a Long-Term Goal

One of the most important aspects of grit is the ability to hold on to a long-term goal. Great athletes aren’t just focused on today’s practice or this week’s game; they can connect what they are doing now to the bigger vision of what they want to achieve years down the road. That long-term vision becomes the compass that guides their daily decisions, their sacrifices, and their persistence through setbacks.

Breaking It Down: Short-Term Goals Build Long-Term Success

Gritty athletes excel at connecting the small steps to the bigger picture. They set short-term, process-oriented goals that keep them engaged and motivated in the moment. Whether that’s refining a technique, building endurance, or improving consistency, these goals allow athletes to experience progress and momentum. Each small win becomes another building block toward the larger dream.

This process helps them celebrate the journey, not just the destination. By breaking their long-term goal into manageable steps, gritty athletes prevent themselves from becoming overwhelmed or discouraged. They are constantly reminded that progress is happening, even if the ultimate prize is still years away.

Staying Committed to the Dream

Another hallmark of gritty athletes is their ability to stick with their long-term goals no matter what obstacles arise. They don’t abandon their dreams when things get tough. Instead, they double down, using challenges as fuel to keep going. This ability to hold the vision, even in the face of setbacks, shows their passion and perseverance over time is the exact formula for grit.

Shaun White, for example, spent decades chasing Olympic excellence in snowboarding. He endured injuries, intense competition, and setbacks, but his long-term goal to stay at the top of his sport never wavered. Each training session and comeback was fueled by the clarity of that bigger vision.

Flexibility Along the Way

Grit doesn’t mean being rigid. The best athletes know that long-term goals may need to evolve as circumstances change. Injuries, competition shifts, or personal growth may lead them to refine the vision. But gritty athletes don’t abandon the pursuit; they adapt their goals while keeping the long-term direction intact. This balance of persistence and flexibility allows them to continue making progress no matter what life throws their way.

The Mental Skill: Holding a Long-Term Goal

For athletes, the essential mental skill is learning to hold on to your long-term vision while focusing daily effort on the short-term steps that will get you there. When you practice today, connect it to the dream. When you train tomorrow, remind yourself it’s part of the bigger journey. Over time, that combination of clarity, persistence, and adaptability unlocks your ability to achieve at the highest level.

This is Mental Strength.

For Players

Do:

• Set both short-term process goals and long-term vision goals.

• Celebrate small wins along the way to stay motivated.

Don’t:

• Focus only on the long-term prize and forget the steps needed to get there.

• Give up on your dream after hitting one setback.

For Parents

Do:

• Encourage your athlete to connect daily practice to their bigger goals.

• Celebrate their effort and progress, not just outcomes.

Don’t:

• Pressure them to achieve too quickly—it’s a long journey.

• Overreact when their goals evolve or shift; flexibility is part of growth.

For Coaches

Do:

• Help athletes break down long-term goals into achievable short-term steps.

• Reinforce their vision during tough times by reminding them of progress made.

Don’t:

• Let athletes lose sight of their long-term goals by only focusing on immediate results.

• Discourage adaptation; instead, help them refine goals when circumstances change.