Don’t Let Bright Sunshine Blind You From Your Goals!

 Spring has sprung!  Don’t let the sun and the nice weather blind you or your children from your goals  This time of year always concerns me because spring fever runs rampant.   Both children and adult       students can be distracted by the bright sunshine.  Who wants to be inside when it is so nice outside?  Who wants to work out and sweat when we can spend time in the pool?  This is when it is most important to stay focused on our goals.     It is important to remember why we started training and of the goals we have set for ourselves since we first came to Leading Edge Martial Arts.  I encourage everyone to give themselves a set consistent  schedule of twice a week training.  It is ok to back off a little if you were training more than that but don’t let yourself fall completely off track.       Parents, this is very important for you.  Spring and the beginning of the summer are the hardest times to get your children to class.  Regardless of how much they loved training two months ago, they may kick and scream now when you say it is time to go.  Even the most diligent and motivated  student’s interest can waiver in the spring.  My advice to you is, if they are giving you a hard time, back off to only twice a week for now and continually explain to them the importance of consistent training.  They will thank you for helping them stick with it later.     One of the biggest mistakes I have witnessed over the years that I have been teaching is when a student or parent of a student decides to take a break when spring hits.  Spring sports tend to be very demanding and take a heavy toll on student’s motivation and consistency of training.  I advise still trying to maintain a training schedule of twice a week.  However, if sport schedules do not allow it, the goal should be to attend class at least once a week during those heavy activity times.  Training even once a week keeps the ball rolling and does not allow for the positive momentum to stop.  Those classes can be made up when the schedules lighten up a little.  Taking a break makes it very hard to get back on track later.  Children tend to fear coming back after breaks because they are worried that they have forgotten too much of the curriculum.  They also see that their friends have moved beyond them.       Remember why you started at Leading Edge Martial Arts.  Stay consistent and diligent with your   training and working towards your goals.  Parents, remember to be supportive and positive guides in helping your children stick with what they started.  It is during these times that you can help your kids learn the  importance of overcoming goal barriers and the true meaning of a non quitting spirit.  Enjoy the weather.    See you on the mat!