Great habits provide a solid foundation for anything you wish to do. They help to create both great lives and great black belts.

The energy you put into building those habits sets the stage for new goals and gives you energy to handle challenges that show up in daily life.

Momentum helps to keep those habits alive.

Momentum in life is a function of commitment: it comes from the successes you’ve experienced and the actions you’ve taken. And it’s impossible to gain momentum if you give up partway through the process.

Those in pursuit of mastery take pride in their work and look to improve on the details of their practice. When they see success, they build on positive results and let that enthusiasm fuel their next endeavor.

Creating momentum is about being willing to go the extra mile and to actually do something. It takes more than just a positive attitude. Self-belief and self-confidence are critical – but they’re nothing without action.

In the classroom, there is a time for thinking things through, and then there is a time for practice. There is a time to listen and there is a time to execute.

In life, there are always chances for us to build on our good results and start to take smart risks to improve in the future. Maybe it’s after you’ve received good news or seen great results from a project you’ve been working on.

No matter what is happening in the economy, with the weather (!) or the world around us, staying committed to progress and personal growth fuels momentum and can help anyone to move past obstacles in life.

It starts in the dojo, on the mat each time you come to class. Begin by giving your best attention, energy and effort. Then be willing to practice and review what you learned in between classes.

Establish a habit so you can start each day early, with energy. Build on the good habits you’ve established. Begin to take action to maintain momentum for your future endeavors.