Using Nonspecific Goals in Sport: Guidance for Sport Psychology Practitioners

Goal-setting guidelines traditionally promote the use of specific goals in sport. Although specific goals are linked to increased confidence and motivation, and have been associated with improved performance of athletes, they can lead to detrimental outcomes in some circumstances. There is evidence to suggest nonspecific goals could also be associated with positive outcomes, yet these goals have received less attention in comparison to specific goals. Drawing from the growing literature on nonspecific goals, the purpose of this paper is to present information on nonspecific goals that sport psychology practitioners can utilize when considering these types of goals with athletes.