Set goals, fly better: Why personal goals change your flight
- Bernhard Fercher
- Sep 15
- 3 min read
What makes a paraglider a better pilot? Better equipment? More theory? Maybe. But often, progress begins much more simply: with a goal.
A goal gives your flying meaning, direction, and purpose . It helps you make decisions—and stick to them!
Why goals are important
Flying without a goal can be wonderful. But if you really want to improve, it helps enormously to consciously set a goal. Because people who have a goal are more likely to make decisions that bring them closer to that goal.
A goal motivates. It makes your progress visible. And it creates a focus – on your path in aviation, not that of others.
Personal instead of comparative
Important: Your goal is yours . You don't have to fly 200 km just because others are doing it. Maybe you just want to get out regularly, better understand the local thermals, or explore new launch sites. It's not a competition—unless you want it to be. What matters is that your goal suits you . And that you allow yourself to change it if your life or priorities change. That's not giving up—that's maturity.
Set and achieve goals with Sidekik
With the Sidekik app, you can now set your flying goals and track your progress live. This way, you stay motivated and see how you're getting closer to your goal week after week.

A few examples:
🗻 Summit Challenge
Set yourself (and your club) the goal of discovering new peaks – new launch sites, new spots. Adventure guaranteed. This motivates you to leave your local mountain and explore new routes.
📅 Flights per month/year
How often do you want to take to the skies? Set a realistic goal, such as "2 flights per month" – and track your progress in the app. Every takeoff and landing is a valuable experience.
🕒 Collect airtime
More time in the air means more experience. With each flight, you'll better understand and control your device.
🥾 Hike&Fly frequency
Do you want to do more hike & fly? Having a goal in mind makes it easier to get started.
🪂 Flying routes
Is your dream a 50 km flight? Follow along step by step as you improve – from 10, to 20, to 35 km…
The importance of goals in paragliding
Goals are not only a motivating force, but also a crucial factor in your progress in paragliding. They help you improve your skills and reach new heights. Setting a goal helps you create a clear vision for your flights.
Goals and personal development
Personal development is an essential aspect of paragliding. By setting goals, you not only improve your flying skills but also your self-confidence. Every goal achieved strengthens your confidence in your abilities and motivates you to keep going.
Adjust goals and remain flexible
It's important to remain flexible and adapt your goals. Life can be unpredictable, and sometimes our priorities change. It's perfectly fine to change or redefine a goal. This adaptability shows that you're mature and ready to move forward.
Conclusion
Goals don't automatically make you better—but they make it more likely. They give direction to your flight and help you develop further—at your pace, according to your ideas.
So, what is your next goal?
✍️ Define it now in the Sidekik app – and start your personal flight journey with more motivation, focus and joy.
Goal setting is included in the Sidekik Plus subscription.
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