Want to know one of the biggest reasons martial arts instructors lose motivation and leave?
They stop being students.
When you stop learning, you stop growing. And when your team sees you stop growing, they start looking elsewhere for inspiration.
Fixed vs. Growth MindsetโWhy It Matters
In the world of psychology, Dr. Carol Dweck coined two important terms:
โ
Growth Mindset: Believing skills and intelligence can be developed through effort, learning, and perseverance.
โ Fixed Mindset: Believing abilities are set in stone and canโt change.
As martial artists, we preach growth mindset to our students, but are you leading by example?
When was the last time your team saw you struggling with a new technique?
When was the last time they saw you getting coached?
When was the last time you showed them you are still a student too?
The Problem with โSecret Trainingโ
If youโre still training, but you do it in secret, before the school opens, in a different location, or only at private sessions, your team doesnโt see it. And if they donโt see it, it doesnโt exist.
If you want a culture where your instructors keep training, you need to make your own training visible.
๐ Train in front of your students and staff.
๐ Post content of yourself training.
๐ Let your team see you struggle and improve.
When they see you working on your craft, theyโll stay inspired to work on theirs. You don't have to be Jackie Chan, you just have to show effort. Don't be embarassed that you aren't as good as you maybe once were, no one cares.
Why I Became a White Belt Again
I grew up doing karate, but about 4 years ago, I started training Jiu Jitsu.
I wanted to be a white belt again.
Starting fresh in a new style was humbling, challenging, and one of the best things Iโve done as a leader. It reminded me what it feels like to struggle, to be unsure, and to push through frustration,just like a beginner.
And you know what?
It made me a better teacher.
Because when your team sees that you are always learning, theyโll follow your lead. But if they donโt see you pushing yourself, why should they push themselves?
Keep Your Instructors as Students, or They Will Leave You
If your instructors arenโt training, they are stagnating.
And if they stagnate long enough, theyโll start looking elsewhere, either for new skills or a new career.
So hereโs my challenge for you this week:
โก๏ธ Train in front, or better yet WITH your team.
โก๏ธ Let them see you struggle with something new.
โก๏ธ Reinforce the culture of continuous learning.
Because when the leader grows, the whole team grows.
As always, 3 min read, no fluff, all strategy.
Your Hype Man,
Matthew Brenner
P.S. Do you want to add 30 new students in 60 days organicallyโwithout spending a dime on ads? I am the only coach that contractually guarantees your results or your money back. Schedule a 10-minute Discovery Call with me here: ๐ https://calendar.app.google/4iebpmfcm547p5Bu6
P.P.S. Donโt keep the free Black Belt Business Newsletter a secret! Share it with your martial arts friends by sending them this link: โก๏ธ https://www.doubleyourdojo.com/newsletters/3-min-black-belt-business-newsletter/subscribe
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