Goals and the Three C’s Of Martial Arts

The busy holiday season is upon us, and while the items on our “To Do” list will certainly multiply, we shouldn't forget to take time to review and plan our personal goals. After all, this is the time of year to do that too, so let’s get started!

I find it easiest to create and manage goals by breaking down into categories the major aspects of my life. (Kids may start with personal and school goals.) Decide on two major categories and break them down further into as many areas as you can. For "personal," you might consider family, relationships, education, fitness, financial, martial arts, and so forth. Make a list of specific goals and objectives you would like to place in each. Next, indicate the current status of each goal. You may also find it helpful to indicate your status from a year ago. This can help you see what you’ve done to get closer to your goal, as well as see actions that may be preventing you from reaching your goal.

To dramatically increase your chance at success, you must take action and work toward your goals. As funny as it may seem, not putting any effort into achieving your goal is the number one cause of failure! This is another opportunity to use your martial arts training to help you succeed. Just remember the three - Cs - of martial arts: Commitment, Confidence, and Collaboration. The three - Cs - are part of the ongoing success you have as a martial arts student, and they become part of the non-physical benefits of your training.

To be a successful martial arts student, for example, you must make a personal commitment to your training. You can demonstrate that commitment by attending class when other challenges make it difficult to get to class, including the holidays. The results of commitment yield a strong sense of self-value, which creates a high level of confidence. Confidence promotes action, which is absolutely required to achieve goals. A lack of confidence creates fear, which prevents action! The final - C,- collaboration, means that success does not come without the help of others. Isn’t martial arts success, including the skills you achieve, the result of students helping each other under the guidance of an instructor?

Martial arts training can be a powerful ally in all areas of your life. As you reflect on your past and plan your future, remember the subtle lessons and life skills that you are learning in each class. These are the benefits that you will use everyday, ultimately shaping your life.