Setting martial arts goals can help kids with maintaining motivation and sticking with the sport for many years. And the SMART goal-setting framework can help kids set effective goals.
Check out these tips on helping kids learn how to set SMART martial arts goals:
S is for Specific
There is a common goal that you hear a lot of people, not just kids, set for a particular activity. “I want to get better at ______.” And while it’s great that your child wants to get better at martial arts, the problem is that saying that you want to get better isn’t specific. Is there a particular skill or element of martial arts that your child wants to improve? The more detailed and clearly defined the goal, the greater the chances for success.
M is for Measurable
In addition to making goals specific, goals need to be measurable. If we go back to the example of “get better,” unfortunately, there is no way to measure when you’ve achieved this goal. How will your child know when they’ve gotten better? Find a way to measure success and identify a way to gauge progress.
A is for Achievable
In the goal-setting process, kids must find a balance between knowing what they’re capable of achieving and pushing themselves to new limits. If a goal is too easy to accomplish, it can backfire. Easy goals aren’t motivating; they can actually end up decreasing motivation. At the same time, avoid setting a goal that’s impossible to achieve. So how do you know what’s achievable? A child can use their past experiences with martial arts to help figure out an attainable goal that’s still challenging.
R is for Relevant
Goals should generally feel motivating and exciting. If your child sets a goal and then discovers they’re not excited to pursue it, this could be because it’s not relevant to their current stage of life, mindset, or interests. Encourage your kids to set goals that they’re genuinely excited to work toward.
T is for Time-Based
Finally, goals need a set timeframe with a deadline; otherwise, it’s much too tempting to keep pushing them into the future. If the deadline or end date is several months away, it’s helpful to come up with smaller, short-term deadlines. Treat these mini-deadlines as checkpoints to gauge progress and stay motivated to accomplish the bigger future goal.
If your kids have SMART martial arts goals, encourage them to share their goals with their coaches or instructors. Sharing goals helps to increase accountability and chances for success.
To learn more about the kids’ martial arts programs we’re offering at Classic Fight Team in Fountain Valley, contact us today.
