It’s that time of year, and soon individuals world-wide will be setting new goals for themselves as we enter 2023. If you are tired of setting a New Years resolution, and then dropping it a month later, why not set a goal of becoming a black belt in Songahm Taekwondo?
At Northwest Austin ATA, we teach our students the importance of setting SMART goals using the concepts below. Setting a large goal like this can seem daunting, but with a systematic approach and professional guidance you too can achieve it!
The SMART acronym stands for:
S – Specific
Who, What, Where, When, Why. Think of this as the mission statement of your goal.
- Who: Northwest Austin would be proud to stand by you as you work towards earning your black belt – perhaps there is a friend you can bring along the way to train with you as well!
- What: Let’s be very specific about what we want to accomplish. Rather than a generic statement like “I am going to train in martial arts” make a commitment and a decision to follow through with the training and earn the rank of black belt.
- Where: While there are many great places to train in the Austin area, we invite you to check out our program at Northwest Austin ATA Martial Arts. We have experienced, certified instructors; research driven curriculum, and a large world-wide organization to support you on this journey.
- When: With consistent training and advancement you should be able to earn your black belt in Songahm Taekwondo with us in about 3.5 years.
- Why: While many New Years resolutions have a simple focus on general concepts like “get fit” or “lose weight”, our classes will guide you to those results while also offering personal and professional growth, self defense, traditional values and tons of fun.
M – Measurable
A SMART goal is measureable, i.e. it has metrics to demonstrate that you have achieved it. It’s pretty hard to mistake that moment when we tie your black belt around your waist, with friends and family cheering for your accomplishment. Can you picture it? We can!
A – Achievable
Goals are meant to inspire you, not discourage you. We understand that here at Northwest Austin ATA Martial Arts, and we will guide you through a series of short term goals that work you towards your long term goal. For example, in each session (the martial arts version of a season) you are working to earn your next rank through learning specific physical skills, applying life skills to your training, to your home and work life, and to society as a whole – and we help you track those skills. Each little victory adds up, until you find yourself with that big goal right in front of you, ready for the taking.
R – Relevant
How is earning a black belt relevant to yourself, or to your family? When my kids were young, they tried out many different sports and activities, and loved them all. The one that was a constant for us was martial arts, as I understood that it was important for them to learn the skill of persistence and working towards a long term goal. As an adult who started training, I was thrilled to find out that it’s never too late to learn something new. When you try your first free class with us, we can discuss your motivations (or your motivations for your child) and ensure we are supporting you every step of the way.
T – Time Bound
As I mentioned, it will take approximately 3.5 years to earn a black belt at Northwest Austin ATA. Therefore we find it important to motivate students with those intermediary goals to provide urgency and to understand what can be achieved in 2 months – 6 months – a year.
Achieving a black belt can be a fantastic New Years resolution for yourself, and I am here to tell you that anyone can do it. Approach your new training focus with persistence, determination, and commitment – and together we can achieve it.
Does this goal describe you? If so – give us a call and let’s talk about how we can help at Northwest Austin ATA!
This year I am setting a personal goal to earn a black belt in Songahm Taekwondo at Northwest Austin ATA Martial Arts. I can earn a black belt in 3.5 years, through attending classes at least two times a week. By the end of February I will participate in my first rank promotion event. The increased confidence, fitness, and focus I will gain through this training will help me support my desire to move into a higher paying position at work.
