Make this year your best ever with these proven strategies from the Shaolin Temple of Zen.
1. Just Do It – Make Training a Habit, Not a Chore
Commit to training at least four times a week at the same time each day. Consistency transforms training from something you force yourself to do into a natural, automatic habit.
Willpower fluctuates, but habits stick. Think about brushing your teeth. You don’t need motivation—you just do it. Martial arts should be the same. Many students feel fired up after my Live Zoom classes because they’ve built a routine. Once it’s a habit, showing up becomes easier than skipping.
Tip: Set a non-negotiable schedule. Even on tough days, stick with it. Habit beats motivation.
2. What If You Stopped Training?
Take a moment to imagine life without your practice. How would you feel, mentally and physically? I’m in my fifties now, and Shaolin martial arts hasn’t just kept me strong—it’s made me feel younger from the inside out. I look around at friends who’ve stopped moving, and the difference is undeniable. Without movement, the body stiffens and the mind dulls.
Tip: On those low-energy days, ask yourself, visualise the long-term consequences of skipping versus sticking with it. Use this as fuel to keep going.
3. Embrace Boredom – Repetition Is Where Transformation Happens
Progress isn’t about being endlessly excited—it’s about staying present and committing to the process. Repetition isn’t boring—it's where we build precision, strength, and muscle memory.
Tip: When boredom creeps in, welcome it. This is where transformation happens. The goal isn’t to stay entertained but to stay disciplined.
4. Be Something Bigger Than You – Train with Purpose
The Bodhidharma offered a clear roadmap for using martial arts as a meditation. When I trained under my master at the Shaolin Temple of Zen, I wasn’t allowed to ask many questions because if he gave me answers, this would cloud my direct experience.
Here’s how to incorporate Zen principles into your practice:
- Combine Qigong with Kung Fu
- Focus on your breath and movement
- Avoid overcomplicating or judging yourself.
Tip: Focus on direct experience rather than endless analysis. Let go of perfection. Let go of judgment.
This year, resetting your focus to building habits, embracing repetition, and training with purpose.
If you're new to Shaolin, start here.
Or join the community and enrol in my Live Zoom Masterclass which starts in February.
Use code: 2025 for a 15% discount. Valid until 31st January,