Visualize This!

While at Gator Nationals this weekend, I was continually reminded that we truly can accomplish anything we set our minds to. I watched as Martial Artists from all over the world competed, triumphed, overcame adversity, and went further than people (and sometimes their bodies) told them they could. Truly, I was in the midst of Champions!

Are you striving toward a goal right now? Is there something you would like to accomplish? Overcome?

Work through these steps as part of your Championship Strategy:

1. Visualize it! This step can be a lot of fun, and often we don't utilize this powerful application. Your goal, dream, vision...must be clear. You must define your outcome. In other words, begin with the end in mind. What does it look like when you have accomplished your goal? Does it end with you on the Champions podium with your arms raised high in victory? Do you see hundreds of children being fed who otherwise would not have eaten today had you not acted? Can you see the diploma or degree hanging on your wall now that you have completed this phase of your education? In your mind's eye, are you finally wearing tht Black Belt you have been working toward?

Once you have the end in mind, track backwards and discover all the steps you need to accomplish the final result. THEN, put yourself in the action. See yourself accomoplishing each step along the way.

This may seem awkward at first, and it may take some getting used to, but once you've got it you will do it regularly and realize how powerful visualization can be. You really do need to see yourself accomplishing your dream, as this will increase your belief in yourself and the fact that you CAN do it.

2. Lights, Camera, ACTION! This is where the rubber meets the road...the egg hits the frying pan...the action begins! You now begin taking action toward meeting your goals. If you are working toward a Black Belt, well...get your feet on the mat and tighten up that footwork, strengthen those punches, commit to memory your next form, do 10 more pushups, ask your Instructor how you are doing on current techniques...whatever it is you need to do to get to the next level of rank, DO IT!

You can dream all day long, but if that is all you do, I PROMISE you won't ever have that Belt wrapped around your waist (or any other goal you are reaching toward). If you are working on a school assignment, thinking (or complaining) about it won't get it done. If you are training for a tournament, talking about it won't win you anything! You must get out and put some action behind your vision. And remember, it's YOUR vision! No one else's...so don't expect anyone else to get it done for you.

Take action...bring your dream to life!

3. Throw a Party! Celebrate each step along the way. (Many of you are saying, "Yes! I was waiting for you to get to this step...PAR-TAY!) When you are awarded your Blue Belt, it may not be Black yet, but it is still a MAJOR accomplishment on the way to Black Belt...Right!? Enjoy it! Celebrate it! Then move on to the next goal. Don't get stuck along the way, but do enjoy the journey. Plan small celebrations along the way, then when you reach the BIG goal...go BIG!

I am always both amazed and humbled to rub shoulders with people like I met this weekend at the tournament, but I am also reminded that if the Vision is worth it...so is doing the hard work necessary to accomplish it.

Is your dream worth it? Are you planning out your strategy to accomplish your goals? Can you see yourself in the Winner's Circle at the end of it all? Are you DOING what must be done to get there?

I say your dream is worth it, so get out there and get busy making it happen. Oh, and if you find someone who says "It can't be done," politely smile, nod your head respectfully, and keep walking.

Thanks to everyone who made Gator's a success here at Kickgen.com, I look forward to meeting many more of you in the months to come, and celebrating with you as your dreams come true!

Have An Extraordinary Day!
Doug McGannon
Kickgen.com username: KGDoug
www.QuestForTheUSOpen.blogspot.com
Follow Doug On Twitter, click here!

P.S. - More Language of the Arts and Member Inspiration Coming Soon!!! Stay Tuned!