How to Crush a Goal — On the Court or Off

Why this coaching combo is leveling up rec players everywhere

Maybe you’ve got a pickleball goal, finally nailing that third-shot drop, beating your buddy who always aims for your backhand, or getting through a full game without saying “Sorry!” every other point.

Or maybe your goal isn’t about the court at all, something big, small, or somewhere in the “I should really get around to that” category.

Wherever your goal lands, one truth holds: goals don’t magically crush themselves. (If only.) But with a little structure, a little grit, and a lot of heart, you can turn that ambition into actual progress. Here’s how to crush a goal, pickleball or otherwise, as summarized from Joyce Shulman’s Goal Crushing February. 

1. Pick the Right Goal

Sure, you could say your goal is “become a pro by February,” but we’re going for something a bit more achievable. Your goal has to mean something to you and actually fit your life.

A good goal should feel like a friendly challenge, not a punishment. Ask yourself:

“If I reach this goal, will life look noticeably better, happier, or more fun?”

If yes, ding ding! Winner.

If not, refine it until it feels worth the effort.

2. Build a Plan, Not a Pinterest Dream

Now that you’ve named it, you need a plan. Goals don’t get crushed because we aren’t capable, they get abandoned because we never made them real.

Break your goal into steps so small you can’t talk yourself out of them.

Want to get stronger? Put training sessions in your calendar, like actual appointments.

Want to move better? Plan your mobility work before Netflix gets involved.

Want to improve your pickleball footwork? Add 5 minutes of lateral steps before each match.

And let’s talk obstacles. They’re coming. Travel, work, kids, the dog eating your schedule… life happens. The trick is to expect hurdles and decide ahead of time how you’ll keep going.

3. Show Up, Track It, Cheer Yourself On

No one crushes a goal with one big heroic effort. It’s the little repeats done over and over — the unglamorous, quiet reps, that stack up into something impressive.

Track your progress in whatever way feels good. Notebook, notes app, tally marks on your water bottle, if it helps you see progress, use it.

And celebrate the tiny wins.

Hit five solid serves in a row? Victory.

Showed up for your workout even though you didn’t feel like it? Gold star.

Did the thing instead of thinking about the thing? Absolute champion.

4. Accept the Bumps

Every goal journey has days where you’re basically a motivational poster… and days where you’re a deflated pickleball. Both are normal.

The point isn’t perfection, it’s persistence. If you fall off, hop back on. If you slow down, keep inching forward. You don’t need magic. You just need momentum.

Final Word

Pick a goal that matters, make a plan you can actually follow, and keep showing up, even on the days you don’t want to.

That’s how goals get crushed.

On the court, off the court, wherever you’re aiming, this is how you win the long game. And if you want to get some help along the way, check out Joyce Shulman’s Goal Crushing February. Because once those new year's resolutions have faded, you’ll have a secret weapon to keep going!