GPS Goal-Builder | The Quiet Edge for Parents

How this works

The GPS Framework from Episode 7 turns outcome goals into daily process focus: Goal → Process → Scoreboard. This tool walks you through the four-step goal conversation to have with your athlete — so you can support their goals without adding pressure. Fill it out together or use it to prepare before the conversation.

Step 1 of 5

Before We Start

The Outcome Goal

Before building a process goal, name the outcome goal that's been driving conversations. This could be something your athlete mentioned, or something you've been most focused on.

Your athlete's name (optional)

Their sport / team

The outcome goal that's been in focus

This is the destination — not a direction. We'll convert it to a GPS route in the next steps.

Quick check: Who named this goal — your athlete, or you? If it was you, that's important information. The most powerful goals start with what they want.

GPS — Goal

Let Them Name It

The most powerful goals start with the athlete's own words. Your job here is to ask the question and listen — not suggest the answer before they've had a chance to think.

The question to ask: “What do you actually want to get better at this season? Not just the outcome — what skill or area feels most important to you right now?”

What did they say? (their words, not a paraphrase)

If you're not sure what they would say, that's valuable insight. Your next conversation should start with this question.

Why does this matter to them? (what they said, or what you observed)

GPS — Process

Build the Daily Actions

Process actions must be 100% within their control — no opponents, no coaches, no luck. Each action should be specific enough that they can check it off daily or weekly.

Parent tip: Offer 2–3 ideas, then ask “Which of these feels right to you?” or “What would you add?” Process actions they choose are ones they'll actually work.

3 specific process actions that point toward their goal:

GPS — Scoreboard

Measure the Process, Not the Outcome

The scoreboard tracks whether they're working the process — not whether they're winning. A process scoreboard removes the pressure of results and puts control back in their hands.

How will they track their process actions?

Keep it simple. A tally, a notebook page, or one weekly question is enough. The method your athlete suggests is better than the one you propose.

What does a “good week on the process” look like?

Define this clearly — so you both know what to celebrate that has nothing to do with the scoreboard on the wall.

Weekly Rhythm

The Check-In Plan

A weekly process check-in replaces post-game score-focused conversations. It should feel low-pressure and short — five minutes is enough. The goal is to ask about the process, not the result.

Day:

Setting:

Format:

The one question you'll ask each week:

One question. About the process — not the score, not the coach's decisions. Commit to asking it every week.

The Quiet Edge · Parent Edition · EP. 7

GPS Goal Card

Season Goal Plan

Outcome Goal (Starting Point)

G — Goal (Their Words)

P — Process Actions

S — Scoreboard

Weekly Check-In

The Quiet Edge for Parents · Episode 7: Process Goals Over Outcomes · thequietedge.com