Imagine it’s December 31st, 2017. You’re looking back over what’s happened in your fencing life in the last year and you’re proud of how far you’ve come. Back in January, you created a list of New Year’s Fencing Resolutions and today you can see that your hard work, focus, and dedication to fencing has helped you to accomplish so much of what was on that list!
The new year is a time for reflecting on the year that’s behind us, but it’s also a time for us to look forward to the 365 days to come. What do we want to accomplish this year?
New Year’s resolutions have a reputation for being things that people say but that are gone by February. That doesn’t have to be the case if your fencing resolutions come from the right place within your heart and are driven by your goals and motivations. They have to touch on things that you do every day in your fencing training.
8 New Year’s resolutions for fencers
Here are eight fencing resolutions that we hope will inspire you to create your own for the year ahead.
1. I resolve to have a positive attitude, to see opportunities instead of obstacles.
This comes first because it’s so important. A positive attitude is the beginning of all good things in life! Make the resolution not to see obstacles, but instead to view them as opportunities for growth. A loss is not just a loss, it presents you with the chance to learn from your mistakes.
2. I resolve to train more effectively.
Be specific about training. What are the gaps in your training right now? Even if you’re at your club four days a week, what can you do this year that will make that time worth more? It might be something simple or something very complex.
- Get to practice five minutes earlier so that you can get in the right mindset.
- Think about changing your training days to be less stressed or tired.
- Give your full effort to every training
- Organize your fencing bag so that you’re not always frantically looking for some piece of equipment every time you go.
- Start keeping a fencing journal.
- Grab a protein bar on the way to practice to give you more energy.
3. I resolve to take care of my body.
We expect a lot out of our bodies, but we don’t always give back to them in the ways that we should. This year, take good care of your body so that it has something to give back to you. You probably know what that means, but just in case you need a reminder:
- Get enough sleep
- Eat healthy food
- Cross train to build muscle and improve balance
- Take breaks when you need to
4. I resolve to take better advantage of my coaches.
You’ve got great fencing coaches who are there to help you get the most out of your training, and you could likely be learning more from them! This might mean taking some extra private lessons, or just engaging with them more during your lessons. Ask more questions this year, listen more attentively, take more notes.
5. I resolve to participate more in my fencing club culture.
You will get better at your fencing if you participate more in the culture of your fencing club! There is so much wisdom to be had in the moments that aren’t a part of training time. Go to events this year, hang out with your fellow fencers, share a cup of coffee with your coach.
6. I resolve to take better care of my fencing equipment.
Fencing equipment takes a beating, and rightly so. Every fencer can benefit from improving equipment care, heading off potential problems before they arise. Store it better, wash it more often, treat it more lovingly, take it in for service. Good quality fencing equipment will last for a long time, but only if you’re good to it.
7. I resolve to mentor another fencer.
One of the most powerful ways that you can make a difference as a fencer is to take someone under your wing. If you’ve been fencing for a while, then you have a lot to offer! If you’re newer to fencing, it might just be the person who’s brand new and just signed up for classes. Show them the ropes, help them get oriented. You have a lot to give to others, and they need you this year. Pass the good things along.
8. I resolve to be thankful for my training.
We are blessed to be able to do this – to train and compete, to swing swords with one another in camaraderie and friendship. This year, in those hardest days when you are frustrated and sore, step back and be thankful for the good things that fencing has brought to your life.
The key to New Year’s fencing resolutions is to be both realistic and ambitious, to care for others while also growing better yourself. Aren’t those the keys to everything in life? Dream big but be ready to work hard for it. Life happens in the everyday, in the mundane – that’s where we need to keep our resolutions.
Happy New Year! Here’s to a great year that brings you the fulfillment that you’re looking for.
R
Resolve to learn your weapon’s rules or at least the penalty chart. Resolve to respect refs.