I have that at the local (junior) club where I play. I joined the club and soon rose to the top, and have for the last year been trying to desperatley hold onto the top, because no matter how many I win other people stayed abrest. Then 2 weeks ago I lost one, and I have now slipped to number 2, so need to regain that in 2 weeks time!
The downside of reaching one's goal
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Everyone has to face this eventually, because we're all going to decline at some point, and have our high water mark to remember fondly. The advent of this situation is similar to your own, although you can certainly continue to improve. And it sounds like you're on your way up :)
The danger is focusing on the number itself when learning becomes secondary... but in your case it seems more of a positive motivation to continue to study. Just remember we all go through ups and downs, and ratings are always approximates of your strength. If you're at move 58 in a few games, wrapping them up, your strength doesn't change at the end of the day, but your rating might.
That's why I set my goals to be something like "consistently 1800". When I can maintain a rating of 1800 for a significant amount of time, I've already subconsciously moved onto a higher goal!
Oct 5, 2010
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#5
When you hit a wall rating wise, it is best to focus your energy on new goals, like doing 1000 tactic trainer problems etc.. Your rating may drop in the short term but you stay focused by knowing that you will come out of that phase stronger.
My take is that when you reach your goal, you start working on another one. You can either further your original goal or pursue a completely different one. 
DC-poc wrote:
There's a downside to reaching goals?
Now I definitely won't be doing any of that nonsense.
What nonsense? The act of reaching the goal?
I'm wanting to get my rating here over 1600, and remain there with a little work. I just started doing Tactics Trainer(New Member) and I think that it'll help me reach my goal somewhat.
Achieving your goal is the worst thing that could possibly happen - that's why I am very careful to avoid studying
I lost my love for chess when I reached my goal.
So now I have a new goal, FM!
It's a very bad thing to try and fulfil your potential.
See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NU8C88UczmU
Helzeth wrote:
I lost my love for chess when I reached my goal.
So now I have a new goal, FM!
Was your old goal NOT related to chess?
Reaching your goal is a good thing. Your systematic approach to reach your goal is an even better thing.
I think a few people suffer from an hangover after reaching their goals for a very simple reason:
When you are close to reach your goal, you might focus on finalizing your most promising games leaving you with a bag of dirty undies when the goal is reached.
I am sure we will soon see you on the better side of 1600!
Oct 8, 2010
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#14
I have just made it to my goal of 1500, and am now trying to stay there - I have worked out a plan though - if I aim for 1600 then 1500 should be easy!
Good idea! I think I will do the same except 1600 sounds so far off. Think I'll go for 1570 first. ;)
Runner 3434,
Let's see who reaches their goal first! I'll keep you informed as my rating moves around and you do the same.
Your friend, stwils
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NU8C88UczmU
lol!
My goal is to be happy, playing chess and winning, amongst other things, is just my means to an end.
It won't take but the loss of two points before I fall back ti the 1400's. Somehow it is more fun to be striving for your goal rather than holding for dear life to maintain it. Have any of you felt like that. I know it will happen, but I will keep studying. In fact, I have just ordered My System and a tactics book by Averbakh - perhaps too ambitious, but I am determined to really stay a 1500 player over the near future. Stwils