The Power of Setting Goals: A Personal and Team Triumph
As a physiotherapist, I’ve spent years guiding patients through their rehabilitation journeys, helping them set and achieve goals that matter to them. I’ve often spoken about the importance of SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-based. But what happens when you walk through the process of setting and achieving goals yourself?
Four years ago, I never could have imagined how much my own understanding of goal setting would evolve. A freak accident left me with a broken hip, and the road to recovery seemed endless. But recently, I completed my first 5km fun run since the accident—and I wasn’t alone. Several colleagues, friends and family, inspired by their own goals, achieved incredible feats too. Together, we celebrated our wins, big and small.
Why Do We Set Goals?
Goals give us purpose. They are not just about the outcome but about what they make us do in the process. They push us to be better, to move forward even when the path seems long or uncertain. Without goals, it’s easy to lose focus. As a clinician, I often witness this in my patients—when the light at the end of the tunnel seems too far away, it’s easy to lose motivation. But breaking down big dreams into smaller, more achievable steps gives a person something tangible to work toward. It keeps hope alive when all feels like a distant wish.
From Injury to Recovery: A Journey of Small Wins
When I fractured my hip, setting goals became not just a professional tool but a personal lifeline. The long-term goal was clear: get back to racing my bike. But at 10 days post-surgery, when I couldn’t even roll over in bed without help, that seemed impossible. The idea of racing again felt like a far-off dream. Instead of fixating on that far-reaching goal, I started focusing on small, incremental objectives: showering independently, putting on a sock, walking with just one crutch at the 8-week mark. Each of these mini goals kept me on track and built the momentum I needed to work towards my bigger dream.
As my family, colleagues, surgeon, and teammates supported me, I began to believe that what felt impossible was, in fact, achievable. Each small win reinforced the idea that no goal is too big when broken down into manageable pieces.
Goal Setting and Motivation: Finding Your Drive
Whether intrinsic or extrinsic, motivation plays a huge role in goal achievement. Personally, I’ve always been driven by an inner desire to reach my goals—whether it’s getting back on the bike or improving my professional skills. But after the accident, I saw just how much external motivation helped. I was lucky enough to have a community of supportive people around me—family, friends, and colleagues—who helped me take those first painful steps.
For others, especially those who struggle to get started without external pressure, knowing that a teammate or friend is relying on them can make all the difference. This was especially true for me when I got back into cycling. I had my teammates cheering me on, pushing me to take that first ride after my recovery. It wasn’t glamorous, and it wasn’t fast, but it was a huge milestone.
Celebrating Small Wins
The beauty of goal setting lies in how it helps us celebrate progress. I’m not where I was before my injury, but I’ve achieved far more than I thought possible. In fact, as I crossed the finish line of that 5km run, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude—not just for my body’s ability to heal, but for the support system that helped me along the way.
And I’m not alone in this. Some of my friends, family, colleagues and clients who set their own personal running goals saw their dreams come true in that same event. These victories weren’t just about the finish line—they were about the hours of hard work, setbacks, and perseverance that led up to that moment.
What I’ve Learned About Goals
- Set SMART Goals: Whether you’re recovering from an injury, training for a race, or simply striving for a personal milestone, SMART goals provide structure and direction. The framework of being Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-based ensures that you’re working towards something achievable and meaningful.
- Break Down Big Goals: Don’t let the thought of a distant goal overwhelm you. Break it down into smaller, more manageable objectives. These short-term goals keep you focused and motivated, making the larger goal feel less insurmountable.
- Embrace Support: Whether it’s from a coach, friends, family, or teammates, having a support system is invaluable. Sometimes, you don’t have to go it alone. Their encouragement and belief in you can make the impossible feel possible.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Every step forward counts. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small it may seem. These victories build momentum and keep you moving toward your larger goal.
- You Can Achieve More Than You Think: I’ve learned that our bodies and minds are more resilient than we often give them credit for. With the right mindset, support, and focus, we can achieve things that once seemed out of reach.
The Bigger Picture: Goals Beyond the Finish Line
As I reflect on my journey and the achievements of my teammates, I realize that goals aren’t just about the result. They’re about the process—the lessons learned, the perseverance developed, and the strength gained along the way.
Setting goals gives us purpose, and working toward them helps us grow, both physically and mentally. It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, striving for a new personal best, or simply working toward a healthier lifestyle, setting goals can help you push beyond what you thought was possible.
And remember, no goal is too small—each step forward is a victory.
So, what’s the point of setting goals? It’s the journey, the growth, the triumph over adversity. It’s about proving to yourself that you can do more than you ever thought possible. And when you achieve that goal, no matter how big or small, you’ve already won.
The finish line is just the beginning.
Michael Pierce
Sports Physiotherapist
Lake Health Group
