What is a goal?  Merriam Webster defines it as: the end toward which effort is directed.

Not the most exciting definition; however, the next 3 quotes may get your heart rate up just a bit.

One half of knowing what you want is knowing what you must give up before you get it.  ~Sidney Howard

Goals are dreams with deadlines.  ~Diana Scharf Hunt

Success isn't a result of spontaneous combustion.  You must set yourself on fire.  ~Arnold H. Glasow

 Everyone has wants and needs, but what do you truly desire?  Better fitness, better health, better grades, more money, more time may be among the many.  By deciding TNT (today not tomorrow) what you want and developing a written plan to get there is your first step towards achieving your goals and success.  Kyoshi Steve LaVallee reminds us that developing a MAP (Massive Action Plan) and posting it where you will see it every day is critical, and reminds us that we DIA (Decided In Advance) what we desire to achieve.

You cannot just think about your goals.  They must be clear and defined.  Most corporate leadership seminars on better management talk about being SMART. 

- Specific (a goal is not broad, it must be clearly defined)

- Measurable (set a baseline to compare)

- Attainable (be realistic, most things are attainable with hard work and effort)

- Result oriented (must produce something tangible)

- Time framed (create a deadline, not just “someday” )

As martial artists, we are proven in our ability to achieve goals of higher ranks, better fitness, greater knowledge and skill.  The problem is in today’s society people tend to expect to advance and be given things with little to no effort to show for it.  Entitlement is a cancer in our society.  To achieve great things, you must be willing to work towards your goal.

REFRESHED, REFOCUSED AND WILLING!  Start today to achieve success better than ever before and……….  GOALS YOU SET WILL BE GOALS YOU GET!