If you’re onboard so far, then you’re ready for the first step. What I want you to think about here is two types of goals you’re going to set for yourself: the micro and the macro. All you have to do is generate a list of your micro goals, and another of your macro goals. Think big and small here. Nothing is too outlandish. If you dream it, you can achieve it. So when you write do it in the positive. For example don’t write: I will never eat chocolate cake! Write: I will eat healthy. Once you’ve laid out all your goals, you’ve already taken the first step in achieving them.

The fun part is thinking about what achieving those goals is going to do for you. Once you’ve generated your goals, try writing about what the outcomes of those achievements will be. Again write in the positive, and visualize exactly what it will feel like. It will help you with the next installment of my goal setting workshops.

   When an eager student first starts the long journey into the world of the martial arts the mind is full of visions of ones self breaking boards, doing back flips, tornado kicks and fending off a clan of evil ninja. But the reality of sprained ankles, sore muscles, and the frustration of not understanding the distinction between a side kick and a roundhouse can take the initial high to an all time low.

   Yes, the teacher must be skillful in the art in which he teaches, while also possessing the ability to convey the techniques in a manor that can be understood. The student in turn must be willing to learn without  letting pride and ego get in the way. The success of a teacher more often than not is determined solely on the student’s ability to learn and apply the information that is presented to them.

   There are many types of students but lets look at two of the most challenging. A child is normally full of a desire to learn without question and the young body is able to withstand the physical aspects. Unfortunately in some cases the expectations are too high. With T.V. shows and movies shaping what a young inspiring martial artist believes they will be able to accomplish with minimal effort, the redundant drills turn from fun into boredom. With aspirations to leap over fences and reach the holy rank of black belt within a month, the weekly classes become nothing more than routine. Adults on the other hand whom may have the desire to learn lack the ability to set their own pride aside and accept the fact that most do not have a true understanding of the art and that they might be wrong. The thoughts creep in that the physical requirements are too hard for their age; either it is a bad back or an old high school sports injury that keeps them from achieving the goal.

   Weather adult or child, both have benefits and obstacles. The key is that a student must be able to take the knowledge that is being given and apply it without prejudice and trust the teacher’s instructions. Fortunately there are students that have decided that they will listen to the instructions and have the dedication to push on, not only mentally but physically. They are a sponge soaking up what ever information is passed on and is eager to apply it. It is this type of student that makes the teacher look like a master. Anytime you place a good teacher with a good student, they both come out winners.