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SET YOUR GOALS FOR 2006

 

As this year comes to an end, it is important to spend some time reflecting on your progress and achievements throughout 2005.
 

By setting goals you keep yourself motivated and in the game.  You can identify what areas you want to improve on and how to attain that improvement. It makes the whole journey more enjoyable. You become more focused on your progress, which also amplifies your enthusiasm to develop your karate skills. When the challenging times come along, it will be your goals that will motivate and keep you on track. The stronger the goal, the more commitment you will have to train!

 

So, start 2006 off with a burst of energy….  Spend 1 hour during the break and write down your karate goals…. Write down all the things you want to achieve with your training in 2006. I know that you will find extra motivation to train and reach your karate potential when you’ve written down your goals.

Here are a few tips to help you with your goal setting:
 

1.  Write down the goal and make sure it is specific. For example, “I want to improve my karate in 2006” is not a specific enough goal. Define the goal. “I want to learn kata Bassai-dai and grade to blue belt” is a goal. It is specific.

2.  Set a deadline. A goal without a deadline is not a goal. There is no end! “Learning Bassai-dai and grading by May 2006” is a goal with a deadline. You know what you are working towards and you have a timeframe in which to achieve it. it is much easier to stay focused on your goal as every day counts!

3.  Speak with your instructor about the goal. When your instructor knows what you are working towards they can help you with it. They can also help you with the setting of the goal. They would have a good idea as to how well you are progressing. They are, in essence, your coach. Tell them what you want to achieve, and they will work with you to reach it!
 

4.  Set goals that are realistic. One of the dangers in goal setting is setting goals that are not realistic. An example of this would be setting a goal to reach black belt when you’re only starting off the new year as a yellow belt. Make sure that you set goals that will stretch you, but not ones that are definitely not practical.

5.  If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again. Never stop going for your goals. Sometimes you may miss your goal date. That does not mean that you failed. It merely is feedback for your progress. So, gain from the experience, and re-set the goal date. It will be done… never give up! There is no such thing as failure, unless you stop trying!

6.  Celebrate your success! Whenever you reach a goal, treat yourself. You have something to celebrate, so celebrate it. This is an important part of the goal setting process. By realising your achievement you validate the effort it took and acknowledge the power of achievement within you.


I trust these tips may help you with your goal setting. Remember, you will always miss 100% of the goals you don’t set. So, what are you waiting for, set that first goal… Set up a time prior to New Years Eve and sit down with pen and paper and write your KARATE GOALS FOR 2006!

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year! 
 

Best wishes for the festive season!
 

Shihan Stacey Karetsian
Assistant Chief Instructor