MARTIAL ARTS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

AKF Lexington Martial Arts

Let’s Get Motivated

Get Motivated

Martial Arts, Motivation and You!

Let’s get motivated, maybe even using martial arts! Everyone needs a little motivation.  Motivation is everywhere.  Motivation is all around us.  What motivation looks like depends on who you are and what makes you tick.  When I was growing up the number one motivating factor I experienced was my Mom or Dad saying “because I said so.”  Today things are very different, however.  At AKF Lexington Martial Arts we learn  about each student and their family, which then help us find new or more effective ways to motivate students.

Let’s Get Motivated – Because I said So….

Parents may still subscribe to the “do it now and do it because I said so philosophy,” but that is clearly no longer the primary thought among parents in the United States.  Parents seem to be much more interested in learning how to get their children motivated.  There are many tools available, but since I am a martial artist, I will tell you my opinion from that perspective. Martial arts instructors work to learn what motivates, so we will share what we learn with your family and encourage your family to use what they like at home.  Sounds like a great thing to me!

Motivation is something that cannot be understood with words, but with practice. Motivation means to be moved by something so strongly that it becomes an inspiration for you, so you want to do it, keep going or try harder!

Furthermore, it is a discipline that helps you achieve your life goals and be successful in life.

Let’s Get Motivated!

Getting motivated is a key life tool!

Let’s get motivated!  Just how exactly do we motivate our kids in a manner in which they are empowered and even eager to make good quality life decisions?  First, you need to identify what works.  In our martial arts programs we are constantly watching and adapting to ever changing needs in motivation, and we are always willing to share our thoughts.  Here are a few concepts that may help to motivate, which have seen success here:

  • Inspiration
  • Fear of failure
  • Self-Control
  • Power of Rejection
  • Passion (what they like or love)
  • Goals
  • Praise
  • Pity
  • Indomitable spirit
  • Comparison
  • Confidence
  • Clear expectations
  • Accountability
  • Focus
  • Rules and Roles
  • Inclusion 
  • Proof (see I told you it was possible)

Types of Motivation

I listed several concepts above, which qualify as motivation tools. Yes, there are various types of motivation, and certainly more than I have listed.  However, for use here I tend to believe there are generally two types of motivation, self-motivation and motivation by others.

Self-Motivation

Self-motivation- This refers to the power of someone to stay motivated without the influence of other situations and people. Furthermore, self-motivated people always find a way or a reason and the strength to complete a task, so they do not need other people to encourage them to perform a challenging task.

Motivation by others

Motivation by others- This motivation requires help from others as the person is not able to maintain a self-motivated state. In this, a person requires encouragement from others. The person may need to listen to motivational speeches, identify a strong goal and most importantly find inspiration.

Martial Arts, Motivation and you!

No matter what your challenge, or that of your child, the first step is to identify the type of motivation needed, specifically are they self-motivated or motivated by others?  Yes, of course there is always the possibility of BOTH, but let’s stay focused.  Identify the dominant trait, not the total picture trait or every element, because I believe smaller portions are easier to understand faster.  When you are identifying the dominant trait and even as you begin to try make your motivational efforts keep these things in mind:

  • Don’t pity yourself or them
  • Be assertive and confident
  • Stay positive and focused
  • Be calm and visionary
  • Be clear and engaged
  • Ask for help
  • Do a little research
  • Try a martial arts program

Martial Arts use Tae Kwon Do, Judo and Jiu-Jitsu to motivate students to be their best selves.

Martial Arts classes tend to lend themselves toward providing precise clear expectations.  Everyone likes to know what is expected of them.  The more clear our expectations of them or ourselves, the more likely it is that motivation can take form. Kids tend to be very quick to start trying to produce what is expected even before being asked, especially if it makes them feel good. (That is our favorite job…..recognize success and celebrate it)  Wouldn’t you find it wonderful if your child came home and started automatically searching out the right decisions and making them even before you expected them too?

Let’s Get Motivated!

“Let’s get motivated” isn’t just a fun tag line.  It is a reminder that we, as motivators, must be motivated to motivate.  That is a lot of motivation for one sentence!  I have noticed many parents giving up on their own motivation.  It is shown through frustration, excuses, rationalizations and even temper tantrums.  Yes adults throw them too.

First step:

There are ideas listed above, you may not clearly understand.  To get yourself motivated to motivate, I suggest doing a little research yourself.  Identify what you recognize above.  Take some notes on what motivates you and those you are responsible for.  After you have acknowledged your successes or at least your understanding of a few ways to motivate or be motivated you can take the next step.

Second step:

Identify the points, mentioned above, which you may need clarification on, and “Google It.”  That simply means look it up and see if you can wrap your head around how it might work for you.  If you can not see the point or the point is far from your comfort zone you may decide to let that one go and pick another idea.  As you research you may discover other methods, words or even presenters who truly gear you up!  Now you are making a change and taking steps to renew your energy to motivate or be motivated. 

Third step:

Typically if you first seek to motivate you, then your ability to motivate others is much more likely.  Find a reason to research these points and as you find yourself wanting to try new techniques to motivate yourself or others…..give it a try.  

Try it….NO…..JUST DO IT!

Success or failure is not as important as the willingness to make the effort.

Success or failure is not as important as making the effort.  Many of us once thought we were motivated or that our children were motivated only to get frustrated when we perceived failure.  That point of frustration is the most important time of all.  At that moment it is important not to just try, but to just do it!  There is no true failure, just a reason to try a new approach or method.  Easier said than done, so to help motivate you let me just say…..don’t give up, don’t give in, don’t accept that perceived failure.  Try something new, do a little research, ask for advice, ask for help,  look for suggestions, try a martial arts class!  Your martial arts instructor may very well have ideas, suggestions and techniques to help you with your goals and the goals of your family!

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