Great idea, Beth Crabtree! Here's what she has to say...
Do you set goals at the gym, the office, or at home? How about on your boat? I’ve had some fuzzy summer sailing plans at the beginning of past summers, but this is the first year that I’ve committed them to writing. Here’s how it came to pass and how you can do it too.
Last February I was rereading the April 2012 and 2013 editions of SpinSheet for inspiration and preparation before writing an article. Somewhere between the chartering articles and the stories about spring commissioning, I stopped outlining my new article and began daydreaming about new sailing skills I’d like to acquire, potential family cruising adventures, racing aspirations, and much-needed upgrades to our boat. I began jotting them in the margin of the page, and suddenly there they were: a set of sailing goals for the upcoming season.
Setting goals for sailing is very similar to setting goals for work or exercise. They should be specific and measurable. “I’ll sail more” is too general. Instead try, “I’ll do an overnight race,” or I’ll sail on three types of boats — a schooner, a dinghy, and a catamaran.” Goals need a set a time period; in Chesapeake Country Thanksgiving is a good end point. Write your goals on your computer, smart phone, or a sheet of paper, brainstorming first and then choosing the most important. Next, post them where you can see them— perhaps at your desk, on the bathroom mirror, and aboard your boat. Finally, share your goals with people who will hold you accountable, such as your crew, competing skippers, and spouse or significant other.
Often one of the hardest parts of committing to a goal is that it means saying “No” to something else. Be prepared, because this is especially tough when it comes to recreational activities. Most of us feel busy already, so think critically about how you’re going to make time to achieve your goals.
Looking for some inspiration or a little group accountability? How about membership in the new SpinSheet Century Club for sailors who get out on the water at least 100 times this summer? If the century mark is a little too ambitious for you, simply set your own goals. Whether they’re about winning races, cruising, moving up, or acquiring new skills, we’d love to hear them. Share them with us at [email protected]
