New Year’s Resolution: I Want to Be a Champion!

Let’s kick things off with something fun.

Name your year.

For example: 2025 - “Full Throttle”

Give your new year a statement. For example: “No time for regrets—just keep moving forward!”

Now, put it where you can see it every day. This will be your daily reminder and motivation!

Now, down to business!

You’ve got your dance routines set. Your new costumes are being made. Your coaching lessons are scheduled, and your 2025 competition calendar is planned. So, now what?

We have no doubt you’ve got your goal in mind: "I want to be a champion!" Number 1, the best, the King or Queen of the dance floor! But here’s the catch: so do all the couples you’re competing against.

Before the new season kicks off, it’s time to think about what YOU can do to give yourself the edge over your competitors. If your goal is truly to become a champion, we can’t leave any stone unturned.

Here are a few things to consider as you aim for that top spot:

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1. Raise Awareness

Half of the challenge in achieving your goal is simply raising awareness of it. Keep your goal front and center every single day. Remind yourself why you're doing this and always have your vision of success in mind.

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2. Get Focused

Your goal needs your full attention. It’s easy to get distracted by a bad result, a disappointing performance, or a tough competition experience. But remember, none of that matters in the long run. Give yourself a 20-minute window to feel disappointed or to celebrate a small victory—but once that window closes, move on. Shut the door on the past and get back to focusing on your champion goal.

This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t learn from your mistakes! If you’ve had a bad result, ask yourself, “What went wrong, and why?” Do this in a curious, professional manner, and avoid the negative self-talk. You’re not here to destroy yourself emotionally; you’re here to improve.

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3. Be Deliberate

Make your daily practice count. Review your dance notes from your last coaching session while sipping your morning coffee. Wait—what? You don’t have notes? This is a MUST! Even if you have an incredible memory or you’re a quick learner, writing down your coach’s insights is essential. Review them regularly—deliberately. This will ensure that the lessons stick and that you’re constantly improving.

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4. Constant Self-Analysis & Accountability

This one is tough, but it’s the most necessary if you truly want to be a champion. Self-analysis and accountability can be painful, but it’s crucial to be honest with yourself. Identify areas where you need improvement and work on them consistently. Don’t shy away from constructive criticism—embrace it and use it to fuel your growth.

A Few Do’s and Don’ts to Consider:

Don’t:

• Get wrapped up in bad results. It's easy to get discouraged, but remember, one setback doesn’t define you. Stay focused on the long-term goal.

• Take lessons from too many coaches at once in an attempt to get the results you want. This strategy rarely works. It can leave you confused, unfocused, and ultimately frustrated. Your coaches are experienced and can tell when you’re sincere about your ambitions. Stick with one coach or a small group of trusted mentors.

• Try to implement everything you've learned in a single competition. Focus on one or two key areas and master those first. It’s more effective to check off one or two items at a time rather than overwhelm yourself with too many things. Once you've got it, move on to the next goal.

Do:

• Practice cold rounds. It’s easy to dance well after a warm-up, but how do you perform without one? Cold rounds will show you what you really own and what you need to work on. The goal is to get so good that your cold round outshines other dancers’ warmed-up routines.

• Have a practice breakdown that both you and your partner agree on. It’s surprising how many competitive dancers don’t do this! Without a clear plan, you’re inviting frustration and confusion, which can lead to chaos. This is damaging for both you and your partner. Your coach can help you with this, and we’ll have a full article on this topic (Practice Makes Perfect) in our next issue!

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Let’s make 2025 the year you become a champion. Stay focused, stay disciplined, and, most importantly, stay passionate about what you love. You’ve got this!