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Original Source: www.judogi.co.uk |
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t is that time of year for many people
to consider setting goals or, if you are already a goal setter, then you
are looking to revisit your goals. Personally, I don’t like the idea of New
Year’s resolutions. Goal setting and self-improvement is not a once a year
idea. However, when one calendar year is coming to an end, it is a good idea to
reevaluate your goals, see where you are in your progress, and readjust them if
necessary. As martial artists, many of us look at setting goals by way of
achieving rank. Although this can be exciting and rewarding, it can also be somewhat
short sighted and typically lacks a few important factors or steps in achieving
those goals.
♦ When do you want to test for your
desired level?
♦ How many times or repetitions do you
feel that you need to complete the techniques that you need to know, in order
to feel proficient enough to test?
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Source: www.bxe-productions.com |
♦ Time commitment. Are you willing to
MAKE the time to practice, with no excuses justifying not practicing? If you
are sick, you may need to practice more the next week to make up for it.
♦ Tell someone the details of your
goals. If you share your commitment with someone else, you will work harder to
achieve your goal, in order to fulfill your commitment. Keeping your goals to
your self is an easy way to not commit and accept failure.
There are many different formulas,
formats, and systems for goal setting. However, the bottom line is that it
must work for YOU or, in reality; you must be able to make it work for you.
Doing a quick Internet search, you will find a wide variety of methods
and suggestions, for instance - SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time
targeted). My personal favorite has been using this formula. Goals must be
achievable, reasonable, realistic, measurable / specific, written down, and
shared with someone.
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Source: en.wikipedia.org |
Outside the Dojo or Martial Arts
world, we have our personal lives as well
to consider. What sort of goals do you
have for self-improvement?
♦ Body Fat Percentage (BFP) of 15-25 %
is considered healthy. Is your BFP where you want it to be?
♦ Flexibility: are you as flexible as
you would like to be? How can you improve?
♦ Cardio: is your conditioning where you
would like it to be? What goals could you set up, using a goal formula, to
improve your cardio?
♦ Financial: What are your financial goals?
Maybe starting or increasing your contributions to a savings account such as
ING Direct?
♦ Family: are you enjoying quality time
with your family? How could that be improved?
♦ Relationships: are you enjoying
healthy relationships with friends or that special someone? What steps can you
take to improve that part of your life?
♦ Finding out more about your self: what
makes you happy, and how you can give to others and society (not just take)?
Regardless of your goals, they should be clearly
defined and will require commitment and discipline. Also, there is a big
difference between showing up for class and putting in time on the mat. That is
similar to spending time with your family while you are on the computer or
texting. It is important to strive for quality of
time vs. quantity
of time.
After reading this article take a few
moments to reflect on what you desire out of life, regardless of your rank, and
think about how you can set goals for self-improvement in your personal and /
or professional life. We can all make changes to improve ourselves, if we look
at things from the right perspective. Keep in mind, it takes much more than an
idea or a thought to find success, it takes action. We can’t just think it … we
must DO it!
Here are a few of my favorite quotes
regarding goal setting & attitude.
“The way to get started is to quit
talking and begin doing.” ~ Walt Disney
“Once you learn to quit, it becomes a
habit.” ~ Vince Lombardi
“When you cease to make a
contribution, you begin to die.” Eleanor Roosevelt
“Weakness of attitude becomes weakness
of character.” ~ Albert Einstein
“Before everything else, getting ready
is the secret of success.” ~ Henry Ford
“You can’t build a reputation on what
you’re going to do.” ~ Henry Ford
“Happiness lies in the joy of
achievement and the thrill of creative effort.”
~ Franklin Roosevelt
I would like to thank Ken Hoggart for this very insightful
post. Ken Hoggart is the Head Instructor of Shining Mountain Dojos Canada,
Senior Representative of the Hakko Denshin Ryu Ju Jutsu Federation, has
achieved the rank of Menkyo Kaiden Shihan San Dai Kichu (License to teach, the
deepest mysteries, of the mastery techniques, understanding the three great
pillars - equivalent of 9th degree black belt), is a Use of Force
and Defensive Tactics Instructor, and continues to operate both a successful
law enforcement training business and traditional Ju Jutsu Dojo. Ken is a proud
father and grandfather, enjoys time with family and various hobbies including
sport shooting, hunting, hiking, and motorcycling.
If you would like to learn more
about Shining Mountain Dojos or if you may be interested in inviting Shihan
Hoggart to do a seminar for your Dojo, please visit the following links –
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