Abstract

Self-regulation is any effort undertaken by individuals to alter their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours in the pursuit of desired goals, values, and ideals (Baumeister, Heatherton, & Tice, 1994). It is a deliberate and effortful process that involves making choices, planning actions to reach these standards, and regulating the execution of these actions. Self-regulation involves a set of skills that enable individuals to take initiative, direct their efforts, sustain or improve persistence and determination, as well as focus attention as needed (Zimmerman, 1986). In this chapter we overview the key ingredients and models of self-regulation and we provide examples of how self-regulation can facilitate our understanding of goal strivings in sport.