Kids Need... Goals
by Sensei Matt Dorsey of Martial Arts America
When students come into my karate school for the first time, they notice that all the belts are displayed above the mirror in front of them. They invariably ask "what belt will I get when I join?" I explain that everyone starts with a white belt and earns the various colors with time and practice.
The belts on the wall display the goals the student can achieve. These tangible, step-by-step goals keep them motivated because they can imagine themselves in a not-too-distant future; they can't wait to achieve their next belt. We all need goals. Without goals, kids (and adults) can lose motivation and a sense of purpose. Understanding that consistent, daily effort is inching you toward achieve something you want -- especially if you can literally see it in front of you in each karate class -- is powerfully motivating.
It's likely that your child will have many goals in their future such as better grades or perhaps making a varsity team or first chair in the orchestra. When goals are too far away, they can feel either overwhelming or too distant for daily motivation. Instead, set up short term goals, such as getting all homework completed and handed in on time every week, or attending every sports or music practice and giving 100% effort each time. Help your kids understand that achieving those short term goals will lead to achieving their long-term goals.
In karate, we explain that although the belt is the physical reward to show the achievement of a goal, the real goal is the improvement in skill, fitness, and discipline that the belt represents. A karate student who earns belts every few months stays motivated and is more likely to one day earn their black belt. But more important, a karate student who consistently works toward and achieves short-term goals learns that their efforts build on each other, and they will apply that knowledge, motivation, and discipline to goals in other aspects of their life.
Sensei Matt Dorsey is the owner and head instructor of Martial Arts America.
He’s been training in martial arts for over 45 years and holds a 9th degree black belt in Isshin ryu karate, as well as a 2nd degree black belt in Iaido (Samurai sword) and a 1st degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. He also has experience in jujitsu, kali, tai chi and other martial arts.
His passion for teaching children and adults led him to open his first dojo in 1980 and he’s been a professional martial arts teacher (including teaching our publisher, Debra Ross!) ever since.
This article is part of a series. Follow the links to read Sensei Matt's articles on focus and self-esteem.