Make 2013 Your Best Year Ever – Set proper Goals

Training in Fang Shen Do has a lot to offer to the martial art student  – fitness, self defence, focus, respect, discipline are just few of the many benefits.
One of the attributes that has benefited myself the most is the goal setting (part of the Blue Sash concept) and is one that translates to my everyday life.  I am a strong advocate and believe that everyone should set goals, no matter who you are or how old you may be.
Two hints for your goal setting (in the Spirit of the New Year):

Hint #1 – Write your goals down
By putting your goals on paper, you have created a contract with yourself – you will be more likely to accomplish them.

Hint #2 – Make sure your goals are SMART
Smart is an acronym for:

• Specific
• Measurable
• Achievable
• Realistic
• Time-bound

Specific:
Ensure that the end result of your goal is defined properly – for example not only what the goal is, but what actions you will undertake to accomplish it.  I.e.:  My ideal weight is XXX pounds and I will achieve this by attending 2 classes per week and working out twice on my own” .

Measurable:
Ensure that the end result of your goal has exactly that – an end.  Instead of saying I will save more money this year, state the amount that you will save by the end of the year.  That number, properly monitored will give you a benchmark of your achievement.

Achievable:
Your goals should be achievable.  If you are 5 foot 3, have never played basket ball before and have set a goal to play for the Toronto Raptors by the end of the year; you will have an uphill battle in 2013.  Set the goals that you have the means and will to accomplish and work towards them at a steady pace.

Realistic:
When preparing your goals – it is critical to ensure that you are both willing and able to work towards the goals.  In my experience, this is where people sometime suffer from “excuse-itis” by saying that they do not have enough time and give up before they begin.  It is a matter of setting priorities and working systematically towards their successful completion.  Remember – success is 90% horsepower.

Time-bound:
Put yourself on the clock – in a matter of speaking.  Try to assign target dates of completion for your goals and where possible, break your goals down into smaller goals.  Think of the Black Sash – one does not go from basic ranking to Black Sash in one jump.  That goal is broken down into the different ranks to provide feedback and allow for correction along the way.  Use the Sash Concept in preparing your other goals as well.
Setting Goals at the beginning of the year is only one step….
Remember that you must write them down and review them regularly.  How many goals you decide to set for 2013 is up to you.  The more that you do this exercise, the more comfortable you get with Success.

Remember:  Sijo is teaching the Focus on Results seminar on February 7^th 2013 at 7:30 (early bird registration for this seminar ends on January 7^th 2013).
 If you want to kick start you 2013, I would strongly suggest you take these 5 steps:

• Prepare goals for 2013 – Dream big !
• Write down your goals and try to read them every day in January
• Register for the Focus on Results seminar
• Bring your written goals to the seminar

Be prepared for great things this year

Train Hard, Live Strong
Sifu

Posted in: Personal Development