The martial arts have been my way of life, sometimes my profession, for many, many years. During that time, I’ve often been asked how a person can stay motivated. How does someone get up every morning and continue their training routine? How does a practitioner avoid becoming part of the majority, the people who give up before reaching their goal?
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If someone asks me what a martial artist ought to devote the most time to, I always reply “training”. But we all know it’s much more than that.
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To improve at anything you have to work hard. When you commit to martial arts practice, you have to be patient with the process. Not only do you have to continue to show up and work hard, but to really improve and reach those goals, you also have to enjoy your training. It’s tough to keep pursuing an activity when you don’t have fun doing it. But when you’re able to strike the right balance between hard work and enjoyment, you’re more likely to continue with the journey.
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Training in the dojo alone is never enough. You must train outside of the dojo too. One of the most important things you can do is to create a training habit. Motivation comes and goes, but a habit will remain with you. Pick a time of day that works for you. Make it a habit.
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Stay inspired. Motivation is excitement and energy, so it’s helpful to have something inspiring to help you fuel that positive drive. What inspires and motivates you to accomplish your goals?
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Remember that anything is better than nothing. Keep it short, but intense, if this works for you. Set a short term goal.
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Practice what you love. If there is a part of training you really enjoy more than something else, then do that! Feel the enjoyment of doing the thing you love the most.
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There is nothing wrong with having trouble finding the motivation to train in the martial arts, even if you love it. There is something wrong with accepting this as an unchangeable fact. As with anything worthwhile in life, it’s up to you to make it work; nobody will do it for you.
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DO IT NOW! SOMETIMES LATER BECOMES NEVER…….Train, and have fun! 
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 Photo Credit: Martial Arts Fine Art
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