The Future of Sports: Insights from Athletic Director Desmond Gumbs

As a life and sports coach, Desmond Gumbs has had a front-row seat to the moments that define a person’s journey. He has seen gifted athletes crumble under pressure and underdog teams achieve legendary victories. He has worked with executives who felt lost and students who were unsure of their path, helping them find a new level of clarity and drive. Through all these experiences, one truth has been forged in the fires of both victory and defeat: success isn’t accidental. It’s designed. The architects of success, the champions in every field, all start with the same tool: a powerful blueprint built on effective goal setting strategies.

Many people think of goals as vague wishes—”to be healthier,” “to be more successful,” or “to be happy.” These are fine starting points, but they are not goals. They are dreams without a deadline, energy without direction. A true goal is a target one can see, aim for, and hit. It’s the difference between wandering in the wilderness and following a map to a hidden treasure. The right goal setting strategies provide that map, turning the deepest aspirations into an actionable plan for achievement.

Why Most Goals Fail Before They Even Start

Before building the blueprint, it’s essential to clear the land. Why do so many New Year’s resolutions and ambitious plans fizzle out by February? It usually comes down to a few common mistakes:

• Lack of Clarity: The goal is too vague. “Get in shape” has no finish line.
• No Emotional Connection: The goal doesn’t connect to a deeper purpose or “why.” Without that fire, motivation dies when challenges arise.
• Overwhelming Scope: The goal is so massive that the first step seems impossible, leading to procrastination.
• No System for Tracking: Without measuring progress, it’s easy to feel like you’re not moving forward, even when you are.

Recognizing these pitfalls is the first step toward avoiding them. The next is to build a framework that works.

The Foundation: SMART Goals Reimagined for Champions

Many have likely heard of SMART goals, but it’s time to look at them through the lens of a coach. This isn’t just a corporate acronym; it’s a training regimen for success.

• Specific: Don’t just say “I want to grow my business.” Get specific. “Acquire three new high-value clients for the consulting business.” See the difference? One is a wish; the other is a mission.
• Measurable: How will success be measured? “Increase monthly revenue by 15%.” This provides a tangible metric that can be tracked, analyzed, and celebrated.
• Achievable: This is crucial. A goal should stretch you, not break you. A rookie quarterback doesn’t aim to win the MVP in their first season. They aim to master the playbook, improve their completion percentage, and lead their team effectively. A goal should be a challenging step forward, not a superhuman leap.
• Relevant: This is the “why.” Does this goal truly matter? Does it align with core values and the long-term vision for your life? If a goal isn’t relevant to what is fundamentally wanted, it will be abandoned at the first sign of hardship. “Increase revenue by 15% to provide more security for my family and invest in personal development.” That’s a goal with a soul.
• Time-Bound: “Acquire three new high-value clients and increase monthly revenue by 15% within the next six months.” A deadline creates urgency and a clear timeline for action. It transforms a passive goal into an active pursuit.

Beyond SMART: The Athlete’s Edge in Goal Setting

The SMART framework is the foundation, but champions add extra layers to their blueprint. This is where the process is infused with the intensity and focus of elite sports.

1. The Power of Visualization

Before a sprinter explodes from the blocks, they have already run the race in their mind a thousand times. They’ve visualized every stride, the feeling of the tape breaking across their chest, the roar of the crowd. Visualization is not daydreaming; it’s mental rehearsal.

Spending five minutes every morning visualizing the successful outcome of a goal is a powerful practice. One shouldn’t just see it; one must feel it. What emotions come with achieving it? Pride? Joy? Relief? Connecting emotionally to the outcome primes the brain for success and makes the path to achieving it feel more familiar and attainable.

2. Break It Down into Plays

A football game isn’t won in one heroic play. It’s won through a series of smaller, well-executed plays that move the ball down the field. A big, time-bound goal is the touchdown. The “plays” are the daily and weekly actions that must be taken to get there.

If the goal is to write a book in a year, the weekly play might be to write 1,500 words. The daily play might be to write for 30 minutes before checking email. These small, consistent actions build momentum and make the larger goal feel manageable.

3. Embrace the “Game Film” Review

Teams don’t just play the game; they study it. After every performance, they review the film to see what worked and what didn’t. The same discipline must be applied to goals.

Set aside time each week to review progress. Were the plays executed? What obstacles were faced? What was learned? This regular check-in allows for strategy adjustments, celebration of small wins, and staying engaged with the process. One shouldn’t wait until the deadline to realize they’ve gone off-course.

Frequently Asked Questions (Your Coaching Corner)

Q1: How many goals should be set at once?

A: Coach Gumbs recommends focusing on 1-3 major goals at a time. Trying to chase too many rabbits means you’ll catch none. Focus energy on what’s most important right now. New goals can always be set after the current ones are achieved.

Q2: What should be done if motivation is lost?

A: Motivation is fleeting; discipline is reliable. When motivation wanes, it’s time to reconnect with the “why.” Re-read the Relevant part of the SMART goal. Remind yourself why this matters so much. Then, fall back on the daily plays. The act of doing, even without the feeling, is what creates momentum and often brings motivation back.

Q3: A big goal feels terrifying. How does one start?

A: By focusing only on the first step. A mountain isn’t climbed by staring at the summit; it’s climbed by focusing on where to place the foot next. Identify the absolute smallest, easiest action that can be taken toward the goal and do it today. That small win will build the confidence needed for the next step.

Your First Step Starts Now

The difference between a dream and a reality is a plan. The goal setting strategies outlined here are a personal blueprint for success. They are tested on the field, in the boardroom, and in the lives of thousands of people who decided they wanted more.

But a blueprint is useless if it stays rolled up on a shelf. The journey begins with a single, decisive action. So, right now, take out a piece of paper or open a new document. Write down one goal that truly matters. And then, transform it using the SMART framework. Define the “why.” Break it down into the first few plays.

This is the moment. The whistle has blown. It’s time to get in the game. What are you waiting for?