Goal Setting To Hit Your Tennis Targets

It is well known that to be a great tennis player you have to use your mental as well as your physical skills.
These tennis mental skills are as vital in terms of your tennis training as hitting forehands and backhands.
Let's be honest, the more successful players are mentally tougher than the others!
Is it a fluke that Federer and Sampras have so many titles and Safin so few for a player of his ability?

What do people mean when they say Nadal is so mentally tough?
Can your mind game get you through matches?
Is your mental approach more important than than your technique?
One of the most powerful tennis psychology skills is that of goal setting.

Goal setting is a powerful way to turn your tennis vision of the future into reality. By knowing exactly what you want to achieve you will be able to concentrate all of your efforts in the right directions as well as being able to quickly spot any distractions that may pop up.
Also, you will find that well-set goals are very motivating.
Your self-confidence will explode as you start setting and achieving goals and get nearer to your overall target.

How To Do Goalsetting

First create your "big picture" of what you want to do with your tennis.

Second, break these down into smaller and smaller chunks that become weekly goals.

Finally, now you have your plan, start working towards achieving it.

SMART Goals

The best way to make goals more powerful is to use the SMART mnemonic.
SMART stands for:

S Specific (e.g. I want to improve my tennis rating from 6.2 to 5.2 NOT I want to improve my tennis.

M Measurable (you must be able to measure exactly whether you are reaching your targets or not.

A Attainable (can you eally win all 4 Grand Slams this year?)

R Relevant (e.g. improving your 1st serve % WILL help your game but mowing the lawn on a regular basis wil not!)

T Time-bound (Give yourself an exact date to do things by as this will stop you wasting time!)

PLEASE NOTE - As you make progress please don't react wrongly to any goals that you don't achieve.

These are NOT failures!

Because everything you do provides you with valuable feedback, you just have to learn to use this feedback you get to re-align your goals as necessary. You really need to realise that this is a normal process that you must follow.

By using the above system to set your goals followed by regularly checking progress and making any adjustments necessary you will find yourself hitting your tennis targets and your tennis goals on a regular basis - NO QUESTION!

Paul Gold has a Masters Degree in Sport Sciences and is a regular contributor to many tennis publications around the World. For more information, visit http://www.tennis-training-central.com He has also just released a special report on footwork for tennis at http://www.footwork4tennis.com

Who is Stealing Our Time and Exactly What Did They Take This Time?

Many people get very upset if they feel that their time has been wasted. They become angry because there is something that they would have rather been doing. You cannot buy time, as time is not for sale and each person has a same amount of time.

That does not mean that you have free time, as many people might call it. All the time you have is free and everyone gets the same allotted amount of time. How you manage your time and what you do with the hours and days that you have here in your life experience will determine your ultimate success and probably your happiness to.

If you are wondering at the end of the day where did all the time go? Then you need to look and figure out where you waste your time during the day. Did you waste in traffic; did you waste time talking to someone that you do not wish to talk to?

Did you spend precious time in your day doing something that wasn't of relevance that you could easily have delegated to someone else? Someone who was much more prepared to handle such an event?

One of the best ways to figure out how you're wasting time and who is stealing your time is to start writing down everything you do during the day on a schedule and when your schedule starts getting off or you fall behind; write down those things that caused you to lose time.

Then ask yourself; "Who stole my time and how much did they take this time?" After doing this for a few weeks you will determine exactly where you are wasting time and how you can become more efficient with your time management. Then you can determine what you really care about and where you really want to spend your time and you'll have more time to spend on the things that you love to do.

Lance Winslow - Lance Winslow's Bio. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/.

Repercussion Of Faith

Long considered as the bastion of feudalism, Catholicism and religion always seem to be untouchable. It was often dangerous to remark something against it because individuals who do so were often declared as heretics. As a result, religion's potential as a social force and power has always been limited to spirituality. Its potential to develop societal beliefs, norms, and influence on political paradigm shifts had been obscured by its more obvious function. But new researches had shown and proven that religion, particularly the dominant Catholicism was a dominant influence in the political movements that shaped the nation.

The time of the Inca or the native Indians saw a wide differentiation of faith. There was no Catholicism and religion to speak of. The natives worshipped idols and the elements of nature. It was noted that how they practiced "religion" or faith was also the way they governed their lands. In their faith, there were many idols, each respected and worshipped. It was also the same way with their politics wherein they were governed by a council. Though there was usually a chieftain, he had a council of elders whom he consulted before any decision was made. In effect, there were many leaders. But despite the many leaders, evidences indicated that the natives never fought among themselves. They chose the strongest and wisest warrior to rule their land without any political parties. The decision is made by the council, the chieftain, and the community, in general.

The invasion of the colonizers and their own brand of religion brought significant changes in the political nature of the land. Catholicism and religion took hold of the land even with the resistance efforts of the Indians. Suddenly, there was only one God and the idols were banished. Coincidentally, this one-God mania also brought forth a change in the economic and political system of the land. There was only one recognized ruler, and that was the Catholic king. There was also a monopoly of goods in trade. But this Catholicism was obscured by the coming of the Puritans and The Quakers. Over time, America became a state that offered a diversity of religion.

Curiously, this diversity of religion mirrored the shifts of political movements and economic trends. As there were many faiths, the country in practicality, was also ruled by federal system and democracy. There was also what was popularly known as the free trade or free market, wherein different individuals started their own trade rather than being apprentices to established companies. Thus, the religious diversity gave rise to capitalism. Possibly and probably, political and economic trends were dictated and determined by the dominant religious practices. It was also probable that the system worked in the opposite, with religious practices ordered by the economic and political atmosphere. But whatever direction this system has pursued, its repercussions were felt and influenced people's lives.

For more valuable information on Catholicism and Religion, please visit http://www.bellinter.net

Is Busy A Good Thing - Self Help Tips

"Dan, you've been in the office since early this morning, do you want to go for a walk?"
"Id love to but I'm too busy."

"I've got supper ready. Can you stop for a few minutes to eat with me?"
"Thanks Carol but, I'd better not. I'm too busy."

"Dan, it's 11:30. Are you going to quit for the day and get some rest?"
"I'm busy right now. I'll finish this first."

Busy. Do you use that word?

It seems that many people choose to wear the "busy" word as a badge of honour, as if it indicates productiveness, worthiness, and success.

My perception is that the "busy" word is the curse of the new millennium.

"Busy" is a thought-choice. When we verbalize the thought by saying, "I am busy," it reaffirms the thought, magnifies it in our mind, and proves to us that we are busy. "Busy" creates physiological reactions in our body. Our muscles become tense; we lose focus, become irritable, and may experience anger. "Busy" causes great stress and the result is the common cold, headaches, heartaches, and dis-ease.

Common Cold

Im not talking about the sniffles and coughing. The common cold I refer to is our habitual lack of attention to and compassion toward others we are cold to them. Because we are so "busy," we don't take the time to listen to others. We assume we know what they are thinking, and make judgements based upon our assumptions. The common cold eventually destroys relationships.

Headaches

When we convince ourselves that we are "busy." our head begins to swim with confusion and yes, it may even hurt. We think we have so much to do and not nearly enough time. We attempt to multi-task, which is physically impossible. We can do only one thing at a time. When we choose to be "busy," we bounce back and forth between duties and projects and none of them are completed. Or they are not done well.

Heartaches

"Busy"-ness often leads to neglect, resentment, and apathy toward others, and especially to those closest to us our life-partners, children, family, and friends. We tend to not treat them in a loving, caring way because we are too "busy." They may think you are a pain in the butt. That may be true and hearts ache and are being broken.

Dis-ease

Ease is a state of effortlessness and simplicity. In the state of ease, we experience love, joy, and happiness. "Busy"-ness creates dis-ease (lack of ease), and a state of hard work, struggle, and difficulty. In this state, we experience hurt, anger, fear, and sorrow.

With these things in mind, do you still want to be busy?

As usual, I have a challenge for you, if you choose to accept it. Don't get your shorts in a knot; there are only two things.

1. Give yourself a "busy-ectomy." Eliminate the word "busy" from your vocabulary (mentally and orally). Every time the "busy" thought enters your mind, or you start to say it, stop yourself. Instead say things like, "I've got some great projects on the go" or "I'm really enjoying the challenges in front of me" or "I have ample time to do the things I need to do."

2. Consciously notice the changes in how you feel, think, and act.

If you think you're too "busy" to accept my challenge, change your mind. Just as you chose to be "busy," you can choose another experience. At least notice how often the word "busy" is used by people around you, and be aware of how it affects them. Does it do the same for you?

In the past, I was so "busy" making a living that I didn't take time for a life. Since I eliminated "busy." I am more focussed, at ease, and productive. I find that I have oodles more fun making a living and having a life. I experience great pleasure, joy, and happiness in everything I do. Yup, everything. It is a choice I make.

Trash the "busy" badge, turn up the edges of your mouth, jiggle, chortle, snigger, bellow out a big "yahoo" and have fun!

Copyright 2007

Dan Ohler is Thinkin' Outside The Barn!

Dan writes and speaks internationally on relationships, happiness, and change. Through Dan's insights & humour you learn to apply the basics of human psychology the natural laws that create life-long flourishing relationships, and abounding success

Visit Thinkin' Outside The Barn
for FREE how-you-can-do-it-too articles. You can see Dan in action, or order your copy of "Thinkin' Outside The Barn And Steppin' Into Fresh B.S" while youre there!

Phineas Quimby

Goal Setting - - Self Help Tips

You're a contractor not a stockbroker so why should you have to deal with goal setting? It seems like a silly buzz word that people in those other non hands on businesses like to throw around. But, goal setting applies to the contractor business just as much as it applies to those other businesses. Without goal setting your business is like a rudderless ship just lurching about from project to project with no clear direction. Any contractor should sit down and have a conversation with themselves about what they would like to achieve and how to go about it.

The contractor business is tough and getting even tougher in this economy. Having a clear agenda on how to deal with the here and now is important. Dealing with the future is even more important. Setting goals may seem like some esoteric thing you read about in self help books, but they really do help especially if you have problems keeping focus, which a lot of people in the contractor business do. It's easy to lose your way when you are running around trying to get projects done on time and on budget. But, if you set up and initial goal setting plan and stick with it you will find your business will run a lot more smoothly and make a lot more money.

If you are a contractor who realizes goal setting should be a priority then you are well on your way to establishing a competitive advantage over others in the contractor business. By setting goals and keeping to them you will establish a winning plan that both you and your customers will notice. The effect of goal setting can be enormous and can make you appear to be more of a professional than you already are.

And, you shouldn't be nervous about starting up a goal setting plan. Start small. Think about what you want to accomplish tomorrow. Write it down and then stick to the plan. After a while you will find yourself setting longer and longer goals for your contractor business and will start to reap the benefits quicker than you ever thought. Goal setting is not just another fluffy buzz word. It is a concept that works. It's all about discipline and like everything it may be hard at first but once you get into the groove you'll wonder how you ever survived without it.

Josh Macmichael

http://www.contractorblab.com
http://www.contractorblabblog.com

Getting Up Earlier

Motivate Teenagers to Achieve

I think most of parents agree that the cause of their children's underachievement in school is often simply a lack of motivation. What can parents do to motivate their teens? Here are some ideas I want to share with you.

1. Be your teenager's supporter
Teenagers are different with young kids. A teenager wants to be treated like an "adult". I think "respecting your teenager "is the key to build a trust relationship between parents and your teens. Parents should give your teenagers as much support as you can, not control but guide your teens.

2. Expose your teenager to various ideas and areas
Sometimes a teenager lacks motivation because he or she hasn't yet been exposed to what might be a life passion. Look for different programs, give your teen a chance to try them, and keep an open mind, to help your teen to find his or her interests and passion.

3. Help your teenager make connection between schoolwork and his interests
Sometimes children lack motivation because they do not see a connection between the work they are being asked to do and their interests and goals. A teenager who wants to be a doctor should know that math and science is important in those jobs. Parents may give examples how these courses help.

4. Teach your teenager responsibility
Parents should try to make your teenager understand that freedom and power brings along some responsibilities. If your teen wants to make his or her decisions, the teen will have to take the responsibility for them.

5. Guide your teenager to find his or her goals
Individuals who have goals are highly motivated because they know what they want and work hard towards the goals. For most of teenagers, they do not know what they want to be yet, they are exploring and trying to find their values and believes and their future paths. They are usually driven by the sheer joy of participating in something they love now, and do not consider them in a long run. Parents should talk to your teens about things they enjoy right now and guide them to find what they believe about their life and set up their goals as soon as they can.

6. Set high expectations
High standards lead to high performance. If parents set clear goals and expectations for their teens and support them to achieve their goals, the teenagers become successful. This success motivates teens to feel fulfillment and do even better.

7. Use short-term goals and rewards
Sometimes a teenager gets overwhelmed by a large task and gives up before he or she even begins. Help your teen separate the task into a series of smaller tasks. Make each small task a goal and try to setting an age-appropriate reward for that goal may help.

8. Help your teenager learn to manage time
When they start school, some children usually had few problems keeping up with school work because they could learn quickly and easily, so they did not get chance to learn to manage their time in order to get work done. After they become teenagers, they face more challenge tasks, they may feel overwhelmed by the work they need to complete and do not know how to set time aside to complete their tasks. Teaching your teenager how to create and use a time-management schedule will be helpful.

These are 8 Ways to motivate teenagers. As parents, we should be good models as well. Think positively, learn and make progress constantly lifelong. Keep ourselves motivated, then we can motivate our children more effectively.

Cana has a PhD and passion on education. She believes that Kids Are our Future, she is focusing on cross-culture parenting and education. The motivation for her is to learn and explore some parenting and educational issues in order to help children to achieve in the global society.

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How Harmful Can Some Words Be

Could you imagine someone telling you that if you don't do something, you're going to suffer a horrible punishment and possibly death, because you chose to ignore their message. Can simple words create powerful beliefs, isn't this what some religious doctorines create? Even the media does it, think about it the next time you turn your television on or read the newspaper.

You seem to believe something because someone told you that's how it is and when you go to question them, they simply repeat the simple statement, that's how is. It's hard to imagine a few words, articulated almost perfectly can create an overwhelming emotion in someone.

The Germans used propaganda to create fear with a few of these words. It's not just a few of these words, there's more power behind these words if their repeated often. These words can build up someone's hopes and dreams or tear them apart.

Is there a quote that you're fond of? You probably memorized it and it has some sort of significance or creates a certain feeling when mentioned. Quotes are organized words that create powerful beliefs in some people.

If I mention the words," I have a dream" you probably think of Martin Luther King. These four words meant a lot to people that were struggling for their freedom, not only in America but around the world. These words are a example of powerful words that have created a wonderful feeling.

When these powerful words create fear you know it. If you watch the news, night after night and they keep telling you how bad the economy is, it doesn't take long before you believe it. You tighten up your budget and stop spending money, because you are now fearful and don't want to lose what you have. When everyone starts holding onto their money, the economy actually does become worse over time.

Can simple words create powerful beliefs? Yes obviously they can and they do, so be careful when listening to words that create fear and try not to spread this fear around to others. Fear can be turned into relief if the right words are used, I would suggest using happy words to create a happy world. Have a nice day.

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development. Check out one of his recommended books, The Magic of the Believing

Greg is currently working on a self improvement articles filled with great subjects on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.

Why Do People Go To Church