Goals - Are they worth it?

by Dave Williams
(Armadale)

I have always been a strong believer in having goals, setting targets and evaluating my progress in kung fu.

I often write notes into my workbook about new techniques or tips that other students or instructors have given me or anything that you just pick up watching during class time.

Personally this works best for me as I can look back at notes I have made when I have some spare time and work on the techniques on my own.

Recently I was flicking through my Kung Fu work book looking for some notes I had made on a new technique Sifu Steeve Kiat of the Golden Lion Academy has taught me and the book mysteriously fell open at my '2009 Kung Fu Goals'.

For the past 6 months I have been working on my level 5 grading, I spend a lot of time working at home on the grading requirements and during class time have had our instructor and Masters give me great advice and understanding of how I am going. As always that feedback has been invaluable.

After my last grading, I sat down to put together my goals for 2009. Questions I asked myself where - What did I want to achieve?, what did I need to work on? What was the end result of achieving these targets?

These were my goals for 2009:

1. Improve my stances (Sifu Steeve's voice ringing in my ears)
2. Improve my kicking technique / flexibility (if we could all just kick like Si Hing Kris or Rhys)
3. Improve my sparring (apologies to Al Bognar)
4. Become an Instructor ( WOW, what a thrill - hard and lots of fun)
5. Pass my level 5 grading ( when you're ready - do the best you can)

Setting goals, asking questions, watching and learning, teaching, making notes, respecting the Golden Lion values, monitoring your progress, having a private lesson, completing seminars and with the support of fellow Kung Fu practioners has helped me reach my 2009 targets and goals. You can't do it on your own, so tell your training partner or instructor what you want to achieve - they will support you and push you all the way.

With that in mind, I have people to thank for helping and supporting me reach my goals:

- Paul Ah Tye - my training partner
- Gary Price, Trace, Rhys, Justin, Keene - for the inspiration and mentoring
- The Rowville and Murrumbeena schools for providing a positive and motivating environment
- The Wushu team - for setting the example
- My instructors - Si Hing Julius, Si Hing Kris, Si Hing Brett, Si Hing Nick - for advice, guidance and support
- Our Masters - Thank you!!!

Goals have worked for me in the past and I will continue to use them into the future.

Why not consider using them for yourself. They may help you as well.

Now, what are my goals for 2010?.........