Every parent wants to see their child grow in confidence, discipline, and resilience — and martial arts is one of the best ways to develop those qualities. Yet, it’s not uncommon for kids who were initially excited to put on their uniform to suddenly say, “I don’t want to go to class anymore.”
So, why do kids quit martial arts? And more importantly, how can parents help them rediscover their excitement and motivation?
Let’s explore some of the most common reasons — and practical ways to turn things around.
1. They Hit the “Boredom Plateau”
At first, everything is new and exciting. Kids are learning cool moves, earning new belts, and making new friends. But once the routine settles in, the excitement can fade — especially if they’re not seeing quick progress.
How parents can help:
Remind your child that mastery takes time. Help them set small, achievable goals (like doing more push-ups or earning their next stripe). Celebrate effort over outcome. And if possible, attend a seminar or tournament where they can not only participate, but they can watch advanced students as well — inspiration is contagious!
2. They Struggle With Confidence
Some kids quit because they feel like they’re “not good enough.” They compare themselves to other kids in their class or feel frustrated when techniques don’t come easily.
How parents can help:
Talk openly about challenges being part of growth. Share a story of a time you struggled to learn something. Reinforce that martial arts isn’t about being perfect — it’s about getting a little better every day. Encourage them to focus on progress, not perfection.
3. They Feel Overwhelmed by Other Activities
Kids today have busy schedules — school, sports, homework, and social events can compete for their time and energy. When they feel stretched thin, martial arts might seem like the easiest thing to drop.
How parents can help:
Reevaluate the family calendar together. Sometimes, adjusting their schedule or reducing other commitments helps them enjoy martial arts again. Remind them of the balance and stress relief martial arts provides — it’s not “just another activity,” it’s an essential life skill.
4. They Don’t See the Bigger Picture (Yet)
You understand how valuable martial arts is for developing discipline, confidence, and respect — but kids live in the moment. They don’t always see how what they’re learning now will benefit them for years to come.
How parents can help:
Connect the dots. Point out how martial arts is helping them in school, sports, or friendships. Maybe they’re more focused, calmer, or more respectful — praise them! Kids are more likely to stick with something when they can see its impact.
5. They Need Encouragement from Both Parents and Instructors
Sometimes, kids simply need a little extra motivation — not pressure, but partnership. When parents and instructors work together, kids thrive.
How parents can help:
Stay in communication with your child’s instructor. Share what your child enjoys most (or least) about class. A supportive coach can often reignite a child’s excitement in just a few conversations or small challenges.
The Bottom Line: Quitting Isn’t Always the Answer
It’s normal for kids to go through ups and downs in any long-term activity. But perseverance — especially when things get tough — is where the real growth happens.
By showing patience, encouragement, and perspective, parents can help their kids rediscover the joy and pride that comes from sticking with martial arts. Because one day, that “I don’t want to go” moment could turn into a proud black belt ceremony — and a lifelong lesson in resilience.
Ready to join our martial arts community? It’s easy to GET STARTED.
As another school year ends and summer vacation begins, parents everywhere are looking for meaningful, fun, and healthy ways to keep their kids active and engaged. While summer camps, sports leagues, and academic workshops are all great options, one activity stands above the rest when it comes to offering a well-rounded experience for kids of all ages: martial arts.
Here are just a few reasons why martial arts is the best summer activity for kids:
1. Physical Fitness Without the Pressure
Kids need to move, especially in the summer when screens can easily become the default babysitter. Martial arts provides a full-body workout that improves strength, flexibility, coordination, and endurance. But unlike many team sports, martial arts is non-competitive in the traditional sense. Kids focus on their individual progress, learning at their own pace without the pressure of “winning” or being picked first.
2. Builds Confidence and Discipline
Martial arts emphasizes respect, self-control, and perseverance. Kids are taught to listen attentively, follow multi-step instructions, and apply themselves — valuable habits that carry over into school and home life. Earning a new belt or breaking a board gives kids a tangible sense of achievement, building self-esteem and resilience at every class.
3. Structured Fun That Keeps Kids Engaged
Summer can feel long, and it’s easy for kids to lose the routine they’re used to during the school year. Martial arts classes offer a structured environment with clear goals, helping kids stay focused and productive. Yet it’s also fun — high-energy drills, board breaking, and friendly light-touch sparring make every session exciting and something kids look forward to.
4. Teaches Self-Defense and Awareness
Beyond the physical and social benefits, martial arts equips kids with basic self-defense skills as well as the awareness to avoid dangerous situations. This gives both kids and parents peace of mind. While the focus is on self-control rather than aggression, knowing how to protect oneself responsibly is a life skill worth having.
5. Inclusive and Suitable for All Skill Levels
Whether your child is shy or outgoing, athletic or new to physical activity, martial arts welcomes everyone. Instructors are trained to meet kids where they are, helping them grow at a pace that’s best for them. The result? A supportive and inclusive community where every child feels like they belong.
6. A Break from Screens
Let’s face it: managing screen time in the summer can be a major challenge. Martial arts gives kids a reason to unplug — and once they’re kicking, punching, and practicing their combos, they won’t even miss their devices. It’s a great way to encourage real-world interaction and mindfulness.
7. Carryover Benefits Beyond Summer
The skills kids learn in a summer martial arts program don’t end with the season. Improved focus, patience, and physical coordination can give them a head start when they return to school in the fall. Many parents find that kids who regularly practice martial arts show better behavior, academic performance, and social skills throughout the school year.
So, ff you’re looking for a summer activity that nurtures your child’s body, mind, and character, martial arts checks every box. It’s more than just kicks and punches — it’s a pathway to personal growth that stays with them long after the summer ends.
So this summer, instead of just keeping your kids busy, give them something that will empower, energize, and inspire them. Sign them up for a martial arts program — you may be surprised how much they grow.
Ready to join our martial arts community? It’s easy to GET STARTED.
Martial arts has long been recognized for its physical benefits, but it offers much more than just self-defense skills and fitness. For teenagers, who are in a critical developmental stage both physically and mentally, martial arts can provide a unique set of tools that support personal growth, success, and a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.
Let’s explore six ways martial arts helps teens succeed, not only in their daily lives but also in their futures.
In conclusion, martial arts is much more than just a way to stay fit or learn how to defend oneself. It provides teenagers with a comprehensive toolkit for success, encompassing physical, mental, and emotional growth. Through the lessons of discipline, respect, focus, and perseverance, martial arts helps teens become confident, responsible, and resilient individuals ready to take on life’s challenges. Whether they go on to become athletes, professionals, or community leaders, the lessons learned in martial arts will guide them toward success in all aspects of their lives.
Ready to join our martial arts community? It’s easy to GET STARTED.
With the holiday season in full swing, finding the perfect Christmas gift for everyone on your list can feel like an overwhelming task. You want something meaningful, memorable, and—most importantly—something that will have a lasting impact. While traditional gifts like gadgets and clothing are always appreciated, this year, why not give a gift that offers personal growth, fitness, and confidence?
Martial arts classes check all those boxes, making them the perfect gift for anyone, no matter their age or lifestyle. Whether you’re shopping for your kids, your spouse, a close friend, or even a parent, martial arts classes are a unique and thoughtful way to say, “I care about your health, happiness, and future.” Here’s why martial arts classes are the best Christmas gift for everyone on your list.
Health and Fitness Benefits for All Ages
In today’s world, staying active and maintaining physical health is more important than ever. Martial arts classes are a fun and engaging way to get in shape while learning valuable skills. From improving cardiovascular health and strength to increasing flexibility and coordination, martial arts offer a well-rounded fitness regimen that benefits practitioners of all ages.
For Kids: martial arts provide an excellent way to develop motor skills, build strength, and improve overall fitness in a structured environment.
For Adults: martial arts classes are a fantastic way to stay in shape, reduce stress, and learn self-defense techniques that improve confidence and physical wellness.
For Older Adults: martial arts offers low-impact training that promotes balance, flexibility, and mental clarity, all while providing a supportive community of like-minded individuals.
A Boost to Mental Health and Confidence
Martial arts isn’t just about physical strength—it’s about developing mental strength too. The discipline, focus, and perseverance learned in martial arts classes can have a profound impact on your mental well-being. Whether you’re giving this gift to a child, a teenager, or an adult, they will experience increased confidence, self-discipline, and resilience. Here’s how:
Confidence and Self-Esteem: Learning martial arts gives students the chance to see their progress firsthand, boosting self-esteem with every new belt rank earned.
Stress Relief: Physical activity in martial arts helps release endorphins, the body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals, which are perfect for reducing stress and boosting mood.
Mental Focus: The concentration required in martial arts helps develop a sharp mind, teaching students to set goals, focus on tasks, and tackle challenges head-on.
Martial arts classes foster a mindset of perseverance and personal growth, making them the perfect gift for anyone who could use a little boost in confidence or mental clarity.
A Fun and Unique Experience
In a world where material gifts often fade or lose their appeal, martial arts classes provide a unique, ongoing experience that goes far beyond a one-time present. It’s an opportunity to step into a world of discipline, camaraderie, and challenge—something that can’t be wrapped up in a box.
For kids: Martial arts classes can be incredibly exciting and fun. The structured environment helps children learn important life skills like respect, responsibility, and teamwork, all while having fun.
For adults: Whether someone is new to fitness or already active, martial arts offer a fresh, exciting challenge that combines workout with learning. It’s a gift that will keep them coming back for more, and they’ll be thankful for it long after the holiday season is over.
Instead of gifting something that may lose its value over time, martial arts classes offer a gift that keeps on giving, making it an investment in health, fitness, and personal development.
A Gift That Keeps Them Engaged All Year
One of the best things about martial arts is that it’s not a one-time event—it’s a commitment that stretches out for months, even years. This makes martial arts classes the perfect Christmas gift, especially for someone who has a hard time sticking to New Year’s resolutions or staying consistent with fitness goals.
Goal Setting: Martial arts practitioners constantly set and achieve new goals, from earning new belts to mastering complex techniques. Every class offers a new challenge and a sense of accomplishment.
Ongoing Learning: Unlike many gifts that may be used a few times and then set aside, martial arts classes provide continual learning and progress. They will have a full year of growth ahead of them.
As a gift, this ongoing commitment ensures they’ll stay engaged, motivated, and constantly improving, long after the holiday season has passed.
A Family-Friendly Activity
Martial arts is a great gift for families because it provides an opportunity for parents and children to bond over shared activities. Many martial arts schools offer family discounts or classes that accommodate students of all ages and skill levels. This means you can enroll the whole family and enjoy training together, supporting each other’s progress along the way. Whether you’re all attending a class on the same night or scheduling separate classes, it’s a fantastic way for families to spend quality time together.
Learn Valuable Self-Defense Skills
Another huge benefit of martial arts training is that it teaches practical self-defense skills. In a world where safety and personal security are increasingly important, learning how to defend oneself is an invaluable life skill. This makes martial arts classes an especially meaningful gift for older teens and adults, empowering them to feel more confident in potentially dangerous situations.
Self-defense skills go hand-in-hand with the discipline and respect that are core tenets of martial arts training, providing both practical tools and valuable life lessons.
Conclusion
This holiday season, consider giving the gift of martial arts. Whether you’re shopping for children, adults, or even seniors, martial arts classes offer a wide range of benefits that go beyond the typical presents under the tree. From improving fitness and mental health to building confidence and self-defense skills, martial arts is a gift that keeps on giving throughout the year.
So, this Christmas, why not give a gift that inspires, challenges, and empowers your loved ones to become the best version of themselves? No matter who’s on your list, martial arts classes are an experience they’ll cherish for years to come.
Ready to join our martial arts community? It’s easy to GET STARTED.
The martial arts have captivated imaginations worldwide through action-packed movies, grandiose stories of self-discipline, and the intriguing mystery surrounding ancient practices. However, despite their broad appeal, there are still a slew of common misconceptions about martial artists that exist in our society. Let’s peel back the layers of misunderstanding and shed some light on what it truly means to train in the martial arts.
1. Martial Artists Are Always Aggressive
Misconception: Martial artists are prone to aggression and violence, often seeking out conflicts.
Reality: In truth, some of the core tenets of martial arts training include the development of discipline, self-control, and respect. The techniques learned in martial arts are intended for self-defense and personal growth, not for initiating conflicts. In fact, most martial artists find that their training helps them manage their emotions better and approach situations with a calm and composed mindset. The goal is to avoid a fight at all costs, but to know how to protect oneself if absolutely necessary.
2. Martial Arts Are Only About Physical Strength
Misconception: Success in martial arts is solely determined by physical strength and size.
Reality: While physical fitness and strength can enhance a martial artist’s performance, they are not the only (and definitely not the most important) factors. The best martial arts instructors place a strong emphasis on technique, strategy, flexibility, and mental focus. In fact, martial arts styles, like jiu jitsu, also emphasize the ability to use leverage and technique to overcome a physically stronger opponent. Furthermore, martial arts training cultivates attributes like resilience, patience, and mental fortitude, which are crucial for advancement.
3. Martial Arts Are a Thing of the Past
Misconception: Martial arts are outdated and irrelevant in modern times.
Reality: Martial arts have evolved significantly and continue to adapt to contemporary needs. Beyond learning self-defense, training in the martial arts offers valuable lessons in leadership, personal development, and mental health. They also promote physical fitness, enhanced flexibility, and improved focus and concentration. Best of all, a high-quality martial arts instructors will be sure to integrate various aspects of sports science and psychological skills training to provide a comprehensive approach to well-being.
4. All Martial Artists Are Experts
Misconception: Everyone who practices martial arts is an expert or a black belt.
Reality: If you find someone who calls themselves an expert in the martial arts, run the other way. The truth is, martial arts gyms have practitioners at all levels. Many people begin martial arts training with no experience as a hobby or for fitness and may not even aim to become experts. In fact, the best martial artists (and instructors) understand that there is always more to learn from their training and every practice session is an opportunity to improve. The journey through martial arts is personal and ongoing; practitioners continuously learn, grow, and refine their skills. The value of martial arts training is not solely in achieving a black belt but in the ongoing process of self-improvement and learning.
5. Martial Arts Training Is Too Dangerous
Misconception: Training in martial arts is inherently dangerous and leads to frequent injuries.
Reality: While training in the martial arts does involve physical activity and the potential for injury, proper training environments and safety protocols significantly reduce these risks. Experienced instructors prioritize safety and teach students how to practice techniques in a controlled and safe manner. Many martial arts gyms emphasize the importance of warming up, using proper technique, and wearing high-quality protective gear to minimize the risk of injury.
6. Martial Arts Are Just for Young People
Misconception: Martial arts are only suitable for kids/young people and not for older adults.
Reality: Martial arts can be practiced by people of all ages. Many martial arts disciplines offer classes tailored to different age groups and skill levels. For older adults, martial arts can be an excellent way to stay fit, improve balance and coordination, and foster a sense of community. The principles of martial arts—such as respect, perseverance, and mindfulness—are beneficial at any age.
7. Martial Artists Are All the Same
Misconception: All martial artists have the same personality traits or lifestyle.
Reality: Martial artists come from diverse backgrounds and possess a wide range of personalities and lifestyles. What unites them is their commitment to the practice and the principles of martial arts, but beyond that, they are as varied as any other group of people. The practice of martial arts is a personal journey, and each individual brings their unique qualities to their training. This creates a strong and happy martial arts community!
Conclusion
Understanding the martial arts requires looking beyond the stereotypes and appreciating the depth and richness of the practice. Training in the martial arts is not just about fighting; it’s about a holistic approach to personal development, self-discipline, and respect. By dispelling these common misconceptions, we can better appreciate the true essence of the martial arts community as well as the many benefits martial arts offers to those who train in them.
So, the next time you encounter a martial artist, remember that their journey is as varied and individual as they are. Behind every punch and kick is a unique story of dedication, growth, and the pursuit of inner and outer strength.
Ready to join our martial arts community? It’s easy to GET STARTED.
When you hear about a neighborhood martial arts school it’s easy to think about a bunch of kids in white pajamas punching and kicking at the air with the occasional “kiai” exclaimed. In the Cedar Park/NW Austin area alone there are at least 25 martial arts schools. So what setsInvictus Martial Arts apart from the rest?
One word: community
Invictus is a place where everyone belongs.
Whether you’re a kid struggling with self-confidence, an adult needing an outlet for stress relief, or a teen needing an encouraging dose of self-discipline, Invictus provides a welcoming environment with knowledgeable and supportive coaches that are passionate about seeing you succeed.In a world where social media silently demands you to live a picture-perfect life, only presenting the best parts of what you experience day-to-day, the culture at Invictus takes a different approach.
At Invictus, it’s okay not to have it all together, and it’s ok to fail, because failing is how we learn and learning is how we grow.
To state it plainly, at Invictus, it’s ok to just be authentically you. In fact, it’s not only ok, it’s celebrated. And when you’re part of a community where you feel seen and accepted just as you are, something remarkable happens: transformation.
Invictus Martial Arts is co-owned by two Avery Ranch residents, Dave Hackbarth and Selynda Garza. “It’s been our honor and pleasure to be able to help so many of our neighbors become the best versions of themselves through training in the martial arts”, says Mrs. Garza.
This month, Invictus celebrates 3 years of transforming lives through the martial arts.
In those 3 years, about a third of the members that have joined Invictus hail from the Avery Ranch neighborhood. Here’s what a few of them have to say about being a part of the Invictus family:
Olivia E.: “I like Invictus because it’s a fun way to learn kickboxing. Also it is a great community of people in the neighborhood.”
Nikhil S.: “I like going to Invictus class because I get to learn mixed martial arts which is fun and a good form of exercise.”
Arjun B.: “My parents say I am more confident than ever. Invictus has played a large role in that. I love my classes, coaches, and the energy in the room.”
Ethan S.: “I enjoy practicing martial arts and making new friends. And dad jokes.”
Livy S.: “It’s great to be able to attend class, exercise, learn, and build friendship with my peers.”
Maggie H.: “Kindness, discipline and strength are the words that, for me, best describe Invictus. I enjoy every single class I go to.”
Ganesh M.: “By joining Invictus, I’m proud to see my daughter grow from a timid kiddo to a more self-confident individual who can protect herself. While I originally tagged along to give her company, these days I look forward to every class myself for another day of fun filled learning experience.”
Jonah H.: “I enjoy being able to help others and be able to get away from the days stresses. Invictus has helped me with strength and courage in ways I am ever grateful for.”
Sarah M.: “I get compliments when I do something good; that boosts my self-confidence to give my best. The instructors are really kind and not very strict. I get to learn how to fight and I love it.”
Dhiya M.: “I like being active and moving my body. It’s totally fun.”
Jude G.: “I like Invictus because it is a place to train and work out with friends and family. Being at Invictus has helped with getting to know the community better and has helped with my strength. And I can’t wait to see where this leads me in the future.”
Ready to join our martial arts community? It’s easy to GET STARTED.
A common desire for most martial artists is to increase their strength and performance. Many martial artists incorporate strength and conditioning exercises in their training sessions. But did you know that you can feel stronger through stretching? It’s true! You can actually stretch yourself strong.
You’ve undoubtedly heard how important it is to stretch. When we stretch consistently, we maintain our mobility and overall strength. Here are a few ways stretching makes us stronger:
Joints: stronger joints yield improved range of motion
Ligaments: stronger ligaments increase stability
Muscles: stronger muscles help us with better balance
Body: stronger bodies help lower our risk of injury
There are three basic ways to feel stronger through stretching: dynamic, static, and assisted stretching.
Dynamic Stretching
Dynamic stretching uses controlled movements that prepare your muscles, ligaments and other soft tissues for performance and injury prevention. This type of stretching improves speed, agility, and acceleration of movement. As such, dynamic stretches are ideal for pre-workout warm-up. Examples of dynamic stretches include arm circles to help with shoulder mobility and straight leg swings to help with hamstring muscles.
Static Stretching
One of the most popular and familiar types of stretching, static stretching involves stretching a muscle as far as it can go without feeling pain and hold it for 20 to 45 seconds. This type of stretching is great for increasing flexibility. As such, static stretches are ideal for cooling down after a training session. An example of static stretching includes reaching to touch your toes from a standing of seated position.
Assisted Stretching
Also called partner stretching, assisted stretching allows your body to move in ways that it is not able to when stretching alone. This type of stretching can help reduce muscle tightness, increase flexibility, and improve our range of motion. While you can achieve some of these benefits with the help of a trusted friend or exercise partner, it is recommended to seek the help of a trained professional for maximum results.
So, how does any of this improve our performance and make us stronger martial artists? For one, as your flexibility improves, you lower your risk of injury. Additionally, the more flexible you become, the better you will move. Your muscles will work together more efficiently and your techniques will become more effective.
Ready to start experiencing the benefits of incorporating more stretching into your martial artists training? At Invictus, we help you do just that! And it’s easy to GET STARTED.
Teens today face so many unique challenges. From bullying and stress to anxiety and depression, as a parent, it’s difficult to know how to help. Now more than ever, it’s so important to ensure our teens are surrounded by a positive and supportive community to keep them on the right track.
Martial arts programs have long been praised for their many benefits among people of all ages, such as improved focus, discipline, and confidence. Unfortunately, most traditional martial arts programs are more geared towards serving younger children, leaving older teens feeling left out and under-served.
After over a decade of developing and leading martial arts programs, we understand the need for a comprehensive mixed martial arts program designed to get teens moving, connecting with other like-minded individuals, and having fun…OFF their device of choice.
We’ve put together a quick list of benefits of MMA training for teens to get you started:
Physical Fitness & Strength
If given the choice, many teens would much rather sit in front of a device all day than even think about doing any kind of physical fitness training. This can make motivating them to get involved in school sports that involve early mornings and long practice sessions multiple times per week. Most of our teens train in MMA two to three times per week…because they LOVE it! There’s something about getting to punch and kick a bag or pads that doesn’t feel like working out and is just plain fun. Plus, it builds both mental and physical strength which helps combat any negative self-talk they may be dealing with as a result of bullying.
Self-Esteem
So many teens struggle with a lack of self-confidence due to their lack of maturity and perspective. On top of that, bullying and cyberbullying are still a major problem in many of our middle and high schools. Rather than focusing on all the ways they “fall short”, training in MMA gives them a place where they can focus on all the ways they excel. With opportunities to earn new belt ranks and learn new and challenging techniques, MMA training will have your teen feeling motivated and proud of themselves and their accomplishments.
Motivation & Work Ethic
One of the most challenging things about raising a teen can sometimes be just keeping them motivated. As they inch closer to adulthood, parents begin to worry about their future success when it comes to higher education and even careers. Martial arts training teaching the importance of committing to a goal and following through. Experienced martial arts trainers and coaches will know how to hold teens accountable for their class attendance and weekly practice time. This helps them build a strong work ethic which will serve them tremendously in their future.
Self-Respect
While the focus is typically on how they are being treated by others, it’s important for teens to understand that having self-respect will help other to see and treat them with dignity and worth. Having a healthy level of self-respect will enable them to have the confidence to set firm boundaries that align with their values. Martial arts training consistently reemphasizes the concept of respecting themselves as well as respecting others. Teens quickly learn that when they demonstrate good respect towards others, they are deserving of being treated with respect in return. Understanding this, they are much less willing to settle for anything less when interacting with their peers at school or other social situations.
A Sense Of Community
With anxiety and depression being so prevalent among teens, it’s so important to make sure they have a supportive community they can rely on. Martial arts communities are some of the tightest-knit groups of kids, teens, and adults. It feels amazing to see teens surrounded by people with common interests and goals that will support them on their good days and bad. It’s easy for them to make awesome friends that they actually enjoy hanging out with. It’s no wonder so many parents choose martial arts training for their teens!
Ready to start seeing your teen benefit form martial artists training? At Invictus, we help you do just that! And it’s easy to GET STARTED.
According to the CDC, a staggering 25% of U.S. adults are considered physically inactive. The health repercussions of not getting enough physical activity can be severe: obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and even cancer. Of course, the benefits of physical activity are numerous including a decreased risk of chronic disease, improved mental health, and better sleep to name a few. Bottom line, as adults, we need to get moving.
There are several reasons adults don’t exercise. The most cited reason is a lack of time. Also noted are a lack of support or lack of desirable options. Let’s face it, the idea of spending half an hour on a treadmill isn’t exactly inspirational.
So, what can adults do to get moving that’s fast, effective, and includes a positive and supportive community?
Martial arts training is an ideal solution. Surprisingly, only 5% of adults have ever trained in a martial arts discipline. With so many benefits, we want to do our part to share our passion for mixed martial arts training and grow that number.
There are a variety of physical, social, and emotional benefits to training in martial arts. Need to loose weight? Want to feel stronger? Could you use a confidence boost? Is a lack of accountability crippling your progress? Regardless of what your fitness goals are, you can completely transform your life with martial arts training. We’ll show you how!
Ready to become part of the 5% of adults that consider themselves martial artists? It’s time to get moving and start getting the results you deserve. At Invictus, we help you do just that! And it’s easy to GET STARTED.
One of the most important aspects of any goal-setting activity that you have is to make your resolution stick. Of course, most people would agree that while that’s easy to say it’s more challenging to actually do. So, here are a few quick tips and tricks you can quickly use to make your resolution stick:
Know What You Want
You must first know what it is you hope to accomplish. Whether it’s to fix some mistakes of the past or avoid some undesired future, knowing what it is you actually want to achieve is the first and most important step.
In fact, some of the most successful people agree that creating a vision board is key to actualizing your goals. There are several reasons that this is absolutely true but here are some key points to consider:
You can SEE your goals daily
You will FEEL like you’re making progress
You have a greater SENSE of motivation
Of course, if making a vision board seems daunting to you, simply find some images that inspire you and keep them where you can see them daily.
Remember, this must be personal and doable… but most of all, what you ACTUALLY want. Because people who know what it is they truly want always get it.
Have A Plan
There’s a good reason that books like Discipline Equals Freedom and Atomic Habits are so popular: success only comes from consistent planning and daily execution.
Without a plan to achieve your goals, your resolutions simply become wishes. Having coaches and mentors to support you is crucial and key to accomplishing your goals.
In fact, one of the best examples of this is in mixed martial arts training at Invictus. Each new belt rank and level quickly support your wellness goals (whether physical, mental, etc) while keeping you challenged and growing. It’s easily one of the best ways to feel good and get a great workout while making tangible progress.
Daily Execution
Put simply: your goals won’t work unless you do.
Recently, during one of our small group classes, the coaches were having a conversation with members about small, daily actions and how quickly they can add up. The coaches asked the question: have any of you ever done more than 7,000 push-ups? Everybody agreed that they didn’t know. The coaches then encouraged the members that if they committed to only 20 push-ups per day that they would accomplish having completed over 7,000 push-ups in a year.
Everyone was stunned.
No one had thought it was that simple.
Small, daily action creates big results. To do this, here are a few suggestions to leverage to turn your goals into results:
Set a reminder on your phone
Tell a friend to help keep you accountable
Join a community of like-minded people
Hire a coach to help you
Schedule your actions
The most important lesson here is this: take consistent and intentional action daily.
Track Your Progress
You need to know where you are today and set up a system to review your progress. There are several great resources available via apps and web services today. But it’s usually the simple one that will help you the most.
For example, when it comes to nutrition goals, most people set big goals (which is good) with unrealistic time frames or caloric targets. This makes keeping your goals so challenging that the goal actually becomes a roadblock. The best nutrition goals are the ones that you can actually do consistently. Meaning, if you have the resolution to drink more water, start simply by drinking 500 ml in the morning and 500 ml in the evening. Then, as you feel thirsty throughout the day, you’re free to drink water as needed. To do this, you can buy a 1,000 ml (about 1 qt) water bottle and mark it halfway so that you can easily see your progress.
Whatever your goal, keep track of your progress to see what’s working and what isn’t. Think of it from a scientific perspective and that you need data to better understand what is effective at helping you achieve your goal and what is less effective.
Set A New Goal
Inevitably, if you’ve been following these success methods, you will need to set a new goal. Now, it could be that you’ve learned along the way that your initial goal needed adjusting. It could also be that you accomplished your goal and now you’re ready for a new challenge. Regardless, always remember that the goal isn’t the point… your transformation is.
It’s been said that the journey is often more important than the destination. But in fact, you can be confident in knowing that who you are becoming as a result of achieving your goals is the ultimate prize and best result you can accomplish.
Make Your Resolution Stick
See, when you become a healthier individual, then your family is better because of it. Because you become better, their lives are positively influenced.
Your health and wellness goals made you a better person…
…improving the quality of life for your whole family,
…which makes for a better community,
…and inspires others to take better care of themselves.
Realize that there are people right now in your life that need you to do this. They are waiting for you to take bold action to accomplish your goals and make your resolution stick.
At Invictus, we help you do just that! And it’s easy to GET STARTED.
