Elevating Student and Athlete Welfare: Embracing the Think Set Go Approach

As educators and coaches, we all share a common goal: to improve the welfare and well-being of our students and athletes whilst they are achieving their ambitions. We understand that their success extends beyond academic or on field achievements; it encompasses their emotional, social and personal growth in order to maintain their drive, passion and ability to continue learning.

In the pursuit of excellence, it is essential to remember that each person’s journey is distinct. Some may find it easier to achieve goals, while others may struggle due to various factors such as pressure, personal challenges, emotional stress, fear of failure, detrimental comparison and perfectionism.

Think Set Go has been designed to promote conversation around the power that mindset education has on decreasing stress in the realm of goal achievement. At its core, Think Set Go is not just a concept; it's a compassionate and empathetic approach that values the uniqueness of each individual.

Here’s is a rundown of how it can be explored and implemented:

Think: The ‘Think’ element involves seeing situations for how they really are. It focuses on identifying truth as well as nurturing a growth mindset. Through story-telling, learning from others and personal insight, capabilities can be accurately explored and participants can gain a positive and solution-oriented outlook. When thoughts are inaccurate, they can result in higher levels of stress than necessary and a decrease in motivation. It’s essential that this is addressed if students and athletes are to progress with their goals feeling calm and in control.

Set: The ‘Set’ category focuses on setting participants up to have a positive experience. This doesn’t always mean a successful experience, but rather a focus on the idea that what is learnt along the way, is more important. By defining their aspirations and breaking them down into manageable steps, participants feel empowered to plan their journey, find it more enjoyable and decrease stress by staying focused on what matters and on what’s in their control.

Go: The ‘Go’ category is all about taking action. With the right mindset and well-defined goals, participants can decrease the hold that self-doubt and fear of failure can have on them. These expressions of human emotion are not always bad as they emphasise what is important to a person, but embracing challenges with determination and knowing that setbacks are merely stepping stones towards success, is a more productive focus. The ‘Go’ category encourages both large and small movement and incorporates strategies to help participants actually do what needs to be done!

By integrating the Think Set Go approach, educators and coaches can create a safe space where students and athletes can voice their concerns, seek help, learn from their own and others experiences and decrease unnecessary stress whilst achieving their goals.