January 2026 — Goal Setting: Start Strong, Stay Focused
As we kick off 2026 at Power of One – Lakewood, there’s no better time to revisit a theme that truly sets the tone for success all year long: Goal Setting. Whether you're a karate student mastering a new belt level, a parent guiding a young learner, or someone pursuing personal growth, setting clear goals with purpose makes all the difference.
Last year we talked about the fundamentals — vision, confidence, teamwork, and action — and now in 2026 we want to go a step further by making your goals stick and helping you enjoy the journey as much as the achievement. po1lakewood
Why Goals Matter More Than Ever
Goals are like a GPS for your year — they help you know where you’re headed and give you a reason to keep going when the road gets bumpy. At Power of One - Lakewood, we see goal setting come to life every time a student strives for a new technique, works toward a belt test, or supports a teammate during practice. That vision-to-action mindset builds confidence and resilience that stretches far beyond the dojo. po1lakewood
SMART Goals — A Practical Way to Win
One big reason goals falter isn’t lack of effort — it’s lack of clarity. A powerful way to make goals work is to make them SMART:
Specific — What exactly are you trying to do?
Measurable — How will you track progress?
Achievable — Is it realistic based on where you are now?
Relevant — Does it matter to your bigger vision?
Time-bound — When will you reach it?Trace Dennis
Instead of “Get better at kicking,” try:
👉 “I will practice my front kick 10 times per class for the next four weeks to improve precision.”
This kind of goal gives focus and accountability — and makes success much more likely.Trace Dennis
Start with Vision, Then Break It Down
Your vision is the big picture — the “why” behind your goals. Think about what success looks like for you in 2026:
“I want to feel confident on the mat this year.”
“I want to earn my green belt by summer.”
Once you know the destination, you can build practical stepping stones to get there. These smaller milestones keep motivation up and make each class feel meaningful. po1lakewood
Teamwork Makes Goals Stick
In martial arts, we often talk about individual achievement — but rarely do we reach it alone. Your classmates, instructors, and even family members are essential in helping you stay on track. Share your goals with someone you trust — it creates support and accountability, and transforms your goal from “silent hope” into shared intention po1lakewood
Celebrate Small Wins
Too often we wait for the big milestone — the belt test, the promotion, the masterful technique — before giving ourselves credit. But every progress point matters. Celebrate:
✔ that first committed class of the year
✔ consistent steps toward your goals
✔ even the mindset shift when you choose discipline over distraction
Little wins fuel confidence for bigger ones down the road po1lakewood
Your Journey Starts Now
Goal setting isn’t a one-time event — it’s a practice. And like practicing a kata, the more consistent you are, the more it becomes part of who you are.
So here’s your first challenge of 2026:
🟦 Write down two specific goals you want to achieve by March.
🟦 Share them with someone you trust.
🟦 Break them into weekly steps.
Let’s make this year our strongest yet — one goal, one step, one day at a time. The whole Power of One community is cheering you on!🥋🔥
Greg Bennett
Owner and Head Instructor
Power of One – Lakewood
Ready to make 2026 count? Request your FREE trial class and let’s start setting powerful goals together!
📍 6170 Bellflower Blvd., Lakewood, CA 90713
📞 Call or message us to get started
