Valdosta Scene February 2023 | Page 46

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10 secrets for successful goal achievement by MARK WEBB

Mark Webb is a licensed marriage and family therapist in private practice at Oakwood Counseling Center in Valdosta . He is the author of “ How To Be A Great Partner ” and “ How To Argueproof Your Relationship .” Read more of his articles at www . TheRelationshipSpecialist . com .
“ I would rather regret the things I have done than the things I have not .” ~ Lucille Ball

As a 17-time world champion in Taekwondo , I have learned a lot about goal setting . Here are 10 insights to help you conquer your goals and dreams for creating your best life :

1Dream Bigger Than You

Think You Are Capable Of . When I decided I wanted to become a world champion in martial arts , I had not achieved the title of state champion yet . I hadn ’ t really competed much at all . The bigger the dream , the greater the excitement . You want to set a goal that terrifies you but at the same time inspires you . The bigger the goal , the better your level of energy and fulfillment will be regarding all areas of your life . People can become a better person , a better spouse and a better parent while reaching for a better version of themselves .

2The First Step Is The Hardest . Stepping onto the mat for the first time in a world class competition is a very intimidating situation . It ’ s actually pretty intimidating most every time . Fear can easily overtake you . It is absolutely normal to feel afraid as you set out to do something new and big . Your logical side will try and talk yourself out of the pursuit . Your brain is designed to keep you safe and big goals rarely feel safe at first .

3Seek Wise Counsel . I knew

I couldn ’ t achieve the goal of world champion on my own , so I sought out the guidance of my martial arts instructor , Master Mitchell Church of Performance Martial Arts Academy in Valdosta , Georgia . He is known for creating champions . I knew if I did what he said , I would be able to achieve my dream . Seeking out the best in their field for advice will speed up your learning curve .

4Keep At It . The skills needed become easier over time . The more effort you apply , the faster you will achieve your goal . My secret to winning was that I would out-train my competition . I am

a therapist competing against men who were spending their days working in the environment of martial arts instruction . I would awake very early and train before I would go to work each day . I had to figure out how to create time for my dream without taking away from my career and family responsibilities .

5Do Something Every Day .

Christmas included . After getting destroyed at the fall national championships , I pledged to myself that I would train 365 days a year . On days like Christmas , I just woke up earlier and trained before my family arose on Christmas morning . I pledged to myself that I would train so hard that if I lost at the world championships , I would have no excuses . I knew I could live with that .

6Realize It Can Be Lonely At Times . It is not easy at times . You will give up time with your family . You will miss out on other special events because you have chosen a path that few will choose .

46 Valdosta Scene | February 2023