The welcoming of a new year comes with more than just swapping out your calendar. For many of us, it also comes with fresh new goals, aspirations, and resolutions. As the months go on, it is easy to lose focus and let your resolutions fall by the wayside. To best stay on track for achieving what you set for the year, it is important to remember three key things while setting your resolutions:

1. Be realistic with yourself and your life. You have to ensure that you are setting goals and making resolutions that are attainable. 
2. Track your progress. Important goals are not met overnight. Be sure to track and reward your progress as you work towards achieving them.
3. Do not take on too much. With many important goals and resolutions, less is more. Create a short list of achievements that are important to you and work off of those. 

We have compiled a list of 5 realistic martial arts resolutions that you can set for your new year. 

1. Increase Your Attendance

One of the most effective ways to ensure that you are focusing on your goals is to have a hold on your dojo attendance. Showing up, on time, and prepared each class will establish the basis that you require to successfully work towards your other resolutions. Plus, it helps for you to establish a healthy routine!  

2. Self-.Reflect on Your Week

Celebrate your achievements, and think about your faults. Whether absorbing the good or bad, self-reflection is a key way to remain level-headed and focus on where your attention may need to be. This helps you to compartmentalize your highs and lows and put energy forth in the most beneficial ways.

3. Incorporate Stretching into Your Daily Routine

Small but mighty, this resolution can take just a few moments out of your day and the benefits are extraordinary. In addition to the physical benefits of keeping your body ready for the dojo, there are mental benefits as well. Having one or two goals that you work towards every day will keep the concept of your resolutions at top-of-mind. It incorporates the idea of resolutions into your daily thoughts and works as a reminder of the other, more important resolutions that you have set. 

4. Step Outside of Your Comfort Zone

There is no time like the turning of a new year to finally challenge yourself to try something new in the dojo. Whether that be working towards a new belt rank, taking on a new opponent, or attempting a new technique. Tip: When creating goals and resolutions of this nature, it is easy to think very big. While doing so, it is important to remember the three resolution guidelines illustrated above in order to best remain on track to success.

5. Vocalize Your Concerns

“Asking questions is one of the best ways to grow as a human being.” – Michael Hyatt

In the dojo, we welcome (and encourage) any and all questions that you may have. Without fully understanding what one is taught, it is almost impossible to master. Asking questions, clarifying techniques, and bouncing ideas with your fellow peers and your senseis is one of the best ways to absorb and understand the materials that you are being taught. Do not be afraid to raise your hand, everyone in the dojo is always there to listen. 

Final Notes

While a ‘new year, new you’ is refreshing, setting personally-tailored and attainable resolutions and goals is both impressive and encouraging. We would love to hear a goal or resolution that you have set for the new year. We welcome you to send yours to us on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to follow Douvris Martial Arts for the latest news, promotions, and competition content. 

Please note this article is based on our own thoughts and have not been formally approved by a healthcare or fitness professional.