Kristine Lilly is a legendary U.S. Soccer World Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist and Steward’s Community Wellness Ambassador.
The biggest goal for any soccer player playing in a forward position is to score goals with the hope of leading the team to victory.
Whenever I played the midfield, I always set two personal goals that I would try to accomplish during every soccer game. One of them was to make a few five-yard passes to a teammate. Once I accomplished that, then I would move on to make a longer pass. The short passes gave me success and the confidence to play longer balls.
Another goal I set was to get back in position early and then rest. An example of this would be if the ball went out for a goal kick for the other team. I would sprint back into position while the other team was organizing for their goal kick enabling me to be ready and in position for their goal kick.
Small goals help us reach our big goals. Having goals for yourself will help you grow as a person and feel better. We call this in soccer “getting out of our comfort zone.” To grow as a player and a person, we have to get out of the comfort of everyday living and spread our wings. Spreading our wings can be a bit scary and unnerving, but it is essential for our growth. Every time we accomplish something, it builds our self-esteem and confidence, and, then you’ll feel like you can accomplish more.
I teach the soccer kids I coach that when they are doing a skill, and it becomes comfortable, then they need to set a goal of going faster to move out of their comfort zone. I find that if they focus too long on going through the motions of the skill, then they won’t grow as a player. When one of my kids tries doing the skill a bit faster, and they realize they can do it, I see them feeling more empowered.
It’s time to be comfortable being uncomfortable. Set some small goals for yourself and then move on to bigger goals. You will feel better after each small goal you accomplish, and you will constantly be transforming yourself and growing as a person.
Always Believe!
To find a doctor or schedule an appointment, visit Steward DoctorFinder™.
