As we welcome the new year, many of us reflect on our goals and aspirations for the coming months and year. New Year’s resolutions are a powerful way to set intentions for positive change in our lives. I want to share an experience that deeply resonates with this idea, a metaphor for TKD training, my morning ritual of plunging into a barrel of cold water.
Each morning, I immerse myself in water that has been zero degrees centigrade for the last 4 days immersing myself for a solid four minutes. Honestly, it’s a challenge. The moment I step in, I feel the shock of the cold, it takes your breath away, it's like glass all over the body! Yet, with every time I commit to this practice, I remind myself that this is who I am. I have made a decision that there is no option to opt out; I will embrace the challenge because the benefits far outweigh the discomfort.
This process isn’t just a test of endurance; it creates significant physiological and psychological changes. The rush of cold water heightens my alertness, improves circulation, and invigorates my mental state, leaving me feeling empowered and ready for whatever the day holds as well as making important physiological changes. This is very much akin to what we experience in our Taekwon-Do classes. Each session pushes us out of our comfort zones, enhancing our physical abilities and promoting mental growth through discipline.
Setting a goal, whether in the freezing water or in the dojang, provides an unrivalled opportunity for personal development. Like the Rollnick and Miller psychology of behaviour change model suggests, successful transformation encompasses three core components: importance, confidence, and readiness to change. We must first recognise the importance of our goals, believe in our ability to achieve them, and prepare ourselves mentally and physically for the path ahead. If the goal is important enough, if we have enough confidence we can do it through support and planning then we are ready to make that commitment to change and improvement.
As you contemplate your own New Year resolutions this year, think about what you want to achieve. What are your specific goals? What will it take to turn these aspirations into reality? Consider how you’ll need to adjust your approach to meet these challenges head-on. Asking these questions will not only foster introspection but also drive you to take actionable steps.
This is the perfect time to reflect, set your sights high, and commit to your growth. Just as plunging into freezing water transforms me physically and mentally, your commitment to our Taekwon-Do classes will cultivate resilience and strength and enable more resilience outside the dojang. The journey is challenging, and it’s not unusual to struggle at times, but the rewards, both physiological and psychological, are worth every ounce of effort.
Let this year be one of growth, achievement, and relentless pursuit of your goals. Your dedication to Taekwon-Do can lead not just to mastery in the art but to an enriched and empowered life.
Many times I don't want to throw myself in my barrel but once it's over I have a massive rush and sense of achievement. Relating this to TKD classes, you've had a hard day at work or school, your tiered (but generally mentally tiered) and don't feel like going to a class, but once there you're invigorated, and once its over the sense of achievement is worth it.
In conclusion, by taking up training in our club it becomes an important part of who you are, something that gets prioritised. Embrace the challenge, commit to the process, and watch yourself thrive and be a better version of you!