Stop stating your “Why” and Start focusing on the “How.”

People love to talk about their why — their reason, their motivation, their driving force. That’s fine, but here’s the problem: reasons without a method don’t get results.

You can have the most powerful why in the world, but if you don’t know how to make it happen, you’ll just spin your wheels. I’ve seen it countless times in martial arts — students are fired-up about training, convinced their passion will carry them through, yet they don’t seek the best coaches, system, or step-by-step process. They fade out because passion alone doesn’t show you what to do next.

It’s like saying, “My kids are my why for getting healthy” — then blindly following some MLM health scheme, a cookie-cutter MMA program, or a fad diet destined to fail. Or like knowing you should put on your child’s oxygen mask first in an emergency but never paying attention to the how in the safety demo. Good intentions, no execution.

So, here’s my argument: instead of bragging about your “why,” start mapping your how. Write it down. Break it into steps. Commit to a method, not just a motivation.

Research even shows people who write down their goals are 42% more likely to achieve them.* Imagine how much stronger that effect is if what you’re writing isn’t just what or why — but how.

That’s where change really happens.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Source:
Matthews, G.(2007). The Impact of Writing Goals on Goal Attainment: An Eight-Month Study. International Journal of Behavioral Science, 2(1), 69–79

Testimonial

I trained at UMA on and off for several months and really enjoyed the experience. Previously I studied Shotokan karate for ten years in New Orleans and Muay Thai Kickboxing at another Bellingham school for a few months. I really appreciated Rob’s level of knowledge, training, and technical skill, and the way that he seamlessly combines traditional concepts and techniques with newer and less universal techniques. His classes are well-structured and I appreciated knowing how each class would proceed every evening – starting off with intensive conditioning and ending with the application and practice of core martial arts concepts. So in each class I was able to strengthen and condition my body, as well as practice sparring, working on combos, take-downs, etc. The instructor’s many years of experience are evident – he draws from his diversified and extensive experience regularly, exposing students to a wide range of information, resources, and making evident his impressive skill level.
The facilities are extremely clean, a rare thing in MMA gyms and martial arts schools. Everything has its place and is very organized. I was very impressed with the extensive array of equipment that is made available for the students to use.
While the classes are very structured, the environment is laid-back and casual; all are welcome to come and train and you aren’t made to feel inadequate. In fact, Rob customizes the classes to individual ability and levels of training. So while one group of more experienced students is performing a specific exercise, a newer group with less experience can still participate at a modified level.
The cost is unbeatable and only further serves to show the dedication of the instructor; he is doing this solely for his love of martial arts, not for the money. Having worked out at another local MMA gym where I was scammed out of more than $1,000, I really appreciate this about UMA.

~ Lindsay Hilton, freelance writer

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