“Tomorrow, I go for gold.”

“I want to win the Olympics.”

“I want to make the podium at the Combined World Championships in Bern to qualify for the Olympics.”

“I want to win PanAms to qualify for the Olympics.”

These are the kinds of bold statements we occasionally hear from top athletes, including climbers, before a major competition. Just before the Olympic speed climbing finals, for example, American speed climber Samuel Watson shared his goal publicly on his social media channel. As a multiple-time world record holder and multiple-time World Cup winner, this goal was both realistic and ambitious—and something he absolutely deserved.

However, for others, openly declaring such ambitious goals might feel daunting. They might worry about coming off as arrogant or being perceived as a show-off. The fear of judgment—of being seen as overconfident—can hold them back from sharing their true aspirations.

Let’s take a closer look at the psychology behind this – what impact can it have, and how can one manage it?

The practice of athletes openly declaring their goals before a competition, such as saying “I want to take gold,” is very interesting from a sports psychological perspective. This approach can have both psychological benefits and potential downsides, depending on various factors such as the athlete’s mindset, personality, and the nature of the competition.

But is publicly stating one’s goals really something to shy away from?

Absolutely not. In fact, openly declaring goals can be a powerful psychological tool that not only enhances motivation but also provides focus, clarity, and a supportive network.

Benefits of Openly Declaring Goals

When athletes voice their goals, they create a sense of accountability. The very act of sharing a goal publicly can push them to work harder, knowing that they are now committed not just to themselves, but to everyone who heard or read their declaration. It’s not about arrogance—it’s about confidence and commitment and using that commitment to fuel their journey.

Moreover, sharing goals can strengthen an athlete’s mental game. It helps clarify what they are striving for, making the path to success more tangible and organized. It also builds resilience by preparing them to handle pressure, which can ultimately boost their confidence and future performance.

Articulating a goal can reinforce positive visualization. By stating their goal, athletes often engage in mental imagery where they see themselves achieving that goal, which has been shown to improve performance.

And let’s not forget the power of social support. By being open about their ambitions, athletes can garner encouragement and validation from their community—coaches, teammates, and fans alike. This external reinforcement can be the extra push they need to believe in themselves and achieve their dreams. So, positive feedback from others after declaring a goal can increase an athlete’s confidence, making them more likely to believe in their ability to succeed.

To sum it up, openly declaring goals isn’t about showing off; it’s about harnessing the psychological benefits of commitment, focus, and support. For athletes, speaking their goals into existence can be one of the most effective strategies to turn those dreams into reality.

The Hidden Risks of Speaking Your Goals Out Loud: When Ambition Turns Into Pressure

For many athletes, the decision to openly declare their goals before a competition seems like a natural step—something that could boost motivation, focus, and even garner support from fans and teammates. But is it always a good idea? While sharing ambitious goals can have its benefits, there are also significant risks that come with making those declarations public.

When an athlete boldly states, "I want to win gold," or "I’m aiming for the podium," they may unknowingly be inviting a new level of pressure that can be difficult to manage. The weight of these expectations can (doesn’t have to!) turn into performance anxiety, where the fear of not achieving the goal becomes overwhelming. This fear can magnify any setback, leading to self-doubt and potentially harming future performances.

Moreover, there’s the risk of overconfidence. Some athletes might fall into the trap of assuming that publicly setting a goal is enough to ensure success, which can lead to complacency in their preparation. When too much emphasis is placed on the end result, the critical process of getting there—step by step—can be neglected.

And for the superstitious, there’s always the concern of jinxing. The mere act of stating a goal can sometimes feel like tempting fate, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy where anxiety about failing to meet the goal actually causes the failure itself. Even without superstition, the pressure that comes from a public declaration can lead to stress that undermines performance.

How can athletes navigate the fine line between ambition and the pressures that come with it?

Understanding these risks is crucial for any athlete looking to achieve their best without being weighed down by their own words. The impact of openly declaring a goal before a competition is complex and depends on the individual athlete’s psychological makeup, their relationship with pressure, and their belief systems. For some, it can be a powerful motivator that sharpens focus and enhances performance. For others, it can increase anxiety, fear of failure, and self-imposed pressure, potentially leading to negative outcomes.

Athletes and coaches need to carefully consider these factors when deciding whether to publicly declare goals. For some, it might be more beneficial to keep goals private and focus on the process, while for others, the public declaration of a goal can be an essential part of their competitive strategy.

Or to sum it up with Sam Watson’s words, who ended up with a bronze medal at the Olympics (after beating his own WR again!):

“Yes, I wanted gold, but I have no regrets. Through speed climbing, through the Olympics, I have become a much better, more mature person who truly believes he can do anything. I am happy that I shared the stage with the greatest speed climbers in the world. I am happy for how far the sport has come.”

What a great mindset, what a mind-blowing performance, and what great sportsmanship! Congratulations on your Olympic medal! 💙

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