How I modified my short term goals

In my last post, I discussed making my own short-term goals, using the SMART goal outline. Physical Therapy was definitely moving me towards my goal of walking better and being able to walk unassisted. Even though I went to physical therapy twice a week, I put those skills to work at home day in and day out, using exercises to work on strength and movement. I soon realized that a huge benefit may still not get you to your ultimate goal faster. I wanted to cross-train and find more short-term attainable goals, so I looked into marshal arts because of the belt systems. Yes, it’s cool to get a physical reward that says “good job”, but it’s more important to say “I’ve earned that and I am now at a heightened level/ability”. I tried working with some various arts one day with friends in a basement, and decided to go check out some gyms. The Taekwon-do gym gave me a great leg and hip work-out, but I don’t think I would enjoy the pain. I ended up at a garage attached to an automotive shop and tried Brazilian JiuJitsu and found that I really had fun, along with the physical benefits. Now, if you don’t know about the belt system in this art, it takes a long time to make it through the ranks. It becomes a lifestyle that you participate in because you truly have to enjoy and put forth the effort it takes to endure the ups and downs on a regular basis. For a goal-oriented person, sometimes to reach short-term/long-term goals, there is not always going to be a prize at the finish line to look towards. Often it is up to you to create your own successes and motivators to keep you moving forward. Also find what aspects are enjoyable and embrace them to drive you through the less-desirable tasks. I am writing this on my 5-year anniversary of stepping into that garage and beginning JiuJitsu training. EyeRoll4 the ability to continue what I enjoy.