Resolutions Are Easy. Purpose Is Hard.

“What do I want to accomplish this year?” sounds like a simple question, but it’s actually vague and deceptively difficult—especially at the start of a new year. Resolutions tend to be big, shiny ideas centered on self-improvement. And I’ll be honest: I believe self-improvement is an admirable goal.

As a martial artist and gym owner, selling self-improvement is literally what I do every day. But as we reflect on the bad habits we want to break and the better habits we want to build, we have to be honest with ourselves about what we’re really trying to accomplish.

Before we can plan the how, we need to understand the why.

I have a few lofty ambitions this year:

• Close six real estate transactions

• Lose 15 pounds

• Grow my social media presence

• Increase gym memberships

• Win a gold medal in France

• Continue to grow my nonprofit

That’s a real list. On paper, it might even look scattered.

So why do these goals matter to me?

The answer is simple: professional success has always been important to me. I’ve always wanted to own and operate a successful martial arts studio. That success validates the long hours, the sacrifices, and the years spent on the mat and in the gym.

Every one of these goals—fitness, competition, real estate, social media, and the nonprofit—connects back to building and sustaining a successful business. I didn’t get into martial arts to be wealthy, but I do want to pay the bills, enjoy my life, and, if I’m being completely honest, build a legacy.

For me, all of this ultimately ties back to how I see myself as a man.

I subscribe to Scott Galloway’s idea of being a positive male role model, built around the three Ps: Procreate, Protect, and Provide. I’ve accomplished procreation. But protecting and providing are ongoing responsibilities—never fully completed, always worked toward.

Protecting myself and others has always been important to me. I grew up in a household that didn’t always feel safe. My stepfather and I rarely saw eye to eye, and he could be an intimidating presence. More than once, I found myself standing between him and my sisters, trying to protect them at my own expense.

Teaching martial arts has given me a way to pass that protection forward. Through disciplined self-defense training, students gain confidence, power, and freedom. I often remind them that if we ever have to use our martial art, we’re not just protecting ourselves—we’re protecting the next potential victim.

Providing is where my professional goals come into play.

By most standards, I’ve been reasonably successful. I own my own business, I do well in real estate, and the gym gains momentum every month it stays open. Our nonprofit, Team MMAA Inc., has already raised $4,000 to help send young men and women to competitions this year—and we’re just getting started.

I’m grateful. I’m happy. But more than anything, I’m focused on contentment and sustainability.

So let me ask you: what are your goals this year?

Are you going to create lasting change? Are you going to step up and become the person you’ve always wanted to be? Or will distractions pull you back into old habits by February?

Be brave. Push forward. Make your life what you want it to be. Take the risks—and win.