Goal setting is one of the most highly linked characteristics to the success that individuals have. Top athletes and successful people all use goal setting. And while it is a trait that is most often associated with adolescents and adults, younger children can also benefit greatly from beginning this life skill at an early age.
Learning how to set reasonable and attainable goals is a valuable lesson for children of all ages. Studies show that goal setting helps children improve their self-discipline and self-awareness. It also increases their internal drive so that they stay motivated to complete the goals they set for themselves. By accomplishing their goals, children’s self-esteem automatically increases, and they have more motivation towards setting future goals.
For children that are just beginning to set goals, it is important that they have tangible and immediate successes to keep them motivated. Goal setting should also be fun so that they will stay interested and continue setting goals throughout their lives. This will help them build the habits necessary to achieve important goals as they continue into adulthood.
At Okami Kai Martial Arts and Fitness, short- and long-term goal setting and achievement are at the very core of our martial arts programs for children. The goals are not intended to create pressure on the student, but rather to encourage them to do their best so that learning and effort is valued. Because Okami Kai utilizes game-based learning in this process, the students have fun while they put effort towards the drills. By setting these goals and achieving them, the students will unleash their potential.
Our students work towards earning new belts by doing tasks outlined in our curriculum. They are ultimately working towards their long-term goal of receiving a black belt and the steps towards the black belt rank are regularly evaluated.
But not only does Okami Kai utilize the belt system, we also incorporate additional goals that students can work towards. These include obtaining Discipline Stripes where they need to perform tasks at home that are chosen by their parents. They also can earn points for their Wolf Packs which is our name for our house league program for children under 16 years of age.
To succeed in life, we must know exactly what it is we are trying to do. This is the first and foremost secret of successful people – a secret we give as a gift to our students when we teach them how to set goals. By doing this, we are creating positive habits of setting goals that will carry over into adulthood.