With the new year (and decade) right around the corner, now is the perfect time to reflect on the past year and think about what you want to accomplish next. Perhaps your goals are focused on your martial arts practice and physical training. Or, maybe this year you want to create some new habits for a healthy lifestyle. Or it might be a mixture of both.
No matter what goals and resolutions you choose, make sure that you’re genuinely excited to tackle them. Setting the same resolution you came up with last year may not be the best way to set yourself up for success. Here are just a few martial arts resolutions that could lead to positive changes both on and off the mat:
1. Learn from setbacks.
Whether in your martial arts training or daily life, learning how to be more resilient and bounce back from setbacks is a valuable skill. Do you find that you have a hard time getting beyond a training plateau or that mistakes and failures seem to be challenging to get through? Then make it your goal this year to learn from these experiences rather than dwell on them.
2. Celebrate your accomplishments.
Sometimes it’s easy to get so wrapped up in chasing the next goal that you forget to take the time to celebrate your accomplishments. Acknowledging your successes can go a long way in boosting your self-confidence and motivation. If you tend to skip over your moments of success, no matter how small or large, then this year make a change and celebrate your hard work.
3. Start a recovery routine.
Making time for recovery can go a long way in improving your martial arts training. If you don’t do much for recovery now, then a new year is a great time to start. Your recovery routine doesn’t need to be complicated or time-consuming. It can be as simple as five to ten minutes after class or a training session.
4. Increase attendance.
Set a goal to increase your weekly class attendance. If you’ve only been making it to class once a week for the past several months, set a goal to average two to three classes per week. Keep in mind that this attendance number is an average. Some weeks you might be able to make three or even four classes, where during other weeks, travel or prior commitments drop your attendance rate to zero. Focus on the average.
5. Try something new.
If you’ve been training martial arts for a while, the best thing you might do for your practice this year is to try something new. Mix things up and try a new class, instructor, or even style. Choose something that you’re excited to learn and then go for it.
To learn more about how to get started on your martial arts goals and resolutions, contact us at Karate Families in Tarzana today!
