Training with a purpose

 

One of the questions on the intake/preregistration form of my classes is "What do you hope to gain in the class(es) you chose?". It is a multiple choice list that potential students can choose from, including "self discipline", "weight loss", "recreation", among others.  

The premise behind the question on the intake form, is to jump start a goal-oriented mindset with the potential student. Many people join for something to do or for a hobby, while others join to improve their health, or learn self protection, etc. But what really floats your boat?

 Since parents normally fill out the form for their child, the parent tends to choose what they'd like to see their child gain. Then, during the interview after their 3 intro lessons, I ask the child directly "What do YOU want to improve on? What do you want to learn?"

With kids, the kids don't initially think about "controlling my mind" or "Honor" or even "Respect". It may be hard for parents to find that out, but for the most part, kids want something specific to them.

After his trial lessons, one young boy answered not too long ago, "I wanna move good so other kids at school don't laugh at me". He was so honest....that's what he wanted. It wasn't about "I want a black belt", or "I want to improve my mental clarity" or anything like that. His reason was specific to him.

 

 If there is one thing I'd like the kids to learn in my classes,

it is that goals are never too small or silly;

and that it takes work and courage to achieve them.

 

So, he found that at each class, he and rest of his class got better at the 3 techniques or concepts taught that day. Each child got a high five or a pat on the back from me or my assistant, plus tips specific to that child to practice on their own. His mom told me he gets so excited when class day comes around, wondering what he's going to get better at. And, he is indeed improving and "moving good". Its times like that, where I'm reminded "This is why I teach".

Train with a purpose. This purpose is yours. Own it!  You can have several goals or purposes, and the trick is, to never forget them. When you feel you've reached a goal, reach for another one. If there is one thing I'd like the kids to learn in my classes, is that goals are never too small or silly; and that it takes work and courage to achieve them.