Goals & Progress
Dream big. Take the next small step.
Give your dream a place on the wall. Then give yourself room to learn, try again and change direction.
01
What's your big, bold dream?
Write it down, draw it or pin it somewhere you can see it. Perhaps you want to qualify for a championship, win a medal or try something that feels a long way away. Choose something that matters to you.
Your dream gives you a direction; it is not a promise you must keep to anyone. Getting closer can be an achievement worth celebrating. So can the skills, friendships and experiences you gain along the way, even if your destination changes.
02
Build your stepping stones.
Break the big dream into smaller milestones. A medal at a local event or qualification for the next level can be a milestone, but results are not fully within your control. Include actions and learning goals too.
Here is a fictional example to discuss with your coach. It is a conversation starter, not a training plan or a prediction.
- My dream: qualify for a championship.
- My next milestone: understand the qualifying requirements with my coach.
- My next action: agree on one skill to practise within my planned sessions.
- My next check-in: discuss what I am learning and what needs adjusting.
03
A setback does not make you a failure.
You are allowed to try something and not get the result you wanted. You are also allowed to feel disappointed. One result does not tell your whole story.
When you are ready, write down what happened. Be honest without being unkind to yourself. A setback can give you something to learn from; it does not mean you must punish yourself with more training.
Trying again might mean changing your approach, asking for support or taking time to recover. It does not always mean pushing harder.
- What went well?
- What was difficult?
- What did I notice about my effort and how I felt?
- What could I try differently, and who could help?
04
Notice progress beyond the podium.
Understanding an instruction, asking a useful question, supporting a teammate or keeping an easier session controlled can all be worth noticing. Some days will feel different from others. You do not need a personal best every time.
Keep your reflections somewhere private if you choose to write them down. If something hurts or worries you, tell a trusted adult rather than trying to diagnose it yourself.
05
Your goal belongs to you.
You can aim high and still change your mind. Revisit your goal with the people supporting you: does it still matter to you, and does the next step still make sense?
Celebrate what you have learned. Your result does not decide your worth.
Sources & further reading
These guides use original A2TK wording. Jack Daniels' published running principles inform our discussion of individual differences, session purpose and reflection. Youth-sport sources inform the recovery and family-support topics. These references do not imply endorsement or affiliation.
- Jack Daniels: The basic laws of running — Human Kinetics
- Australian Sports Commission: Nurturing a child's sporting development
General education, not an individual training plan, diet or medical advice. Discuss individual needs with an appropriately qualified professional.
The A2TK approach
Methodology first. Athlete centred.
A2TK is a kid-focused training methodology built into an easy-to-use application that helps young athletes understand their training and work towards their goals. These guides bring that focus to everyday conversations about purpose, progress and support.