We set goals on a daily basis, whether they are small or large, work-related or boxing-related. If you are a student, you may have the goal of finishing an essay by the end of the day. Boxers, like everyone else, create objectives. As a boxer, your goals may be as short-term as a single round. On the other hand, you might set a long-term goal that will take years to accomplish. In any case, setting goals and forming a plan to achieve those goals are necessary steps for successful boxers. This guide discusses different types of boxing goals, and explains how to reach those objectives.
Short-term Boxing Goals
In general, your short-term goals serve as the stepping stones for long-term goals. You must climb each individual step in order to reach the bigger objective at-hand. Your short-term goals can entail, but should not be limited to, maintaining a routine, developing specific skills, and improving strength and conditioning.
Routine
Dedicated boxers set routines. Although your trainer may have most of the control in the gym, you have control of the rest of your time. You should set aside a plan for each day of the week that can be followed throughout your training regimen. For example, you may want to run sprints when you wake up on Tuesdays/Thursdays, go to class or work, head to the boxing gym, then complete homework or take care of other responsibilities. A daily goal is to maintain your routine.
Specific Drills & Techniques
You should enter each round in your workout with a goal. For example, if you are hitting the heavy bag for a round, try to improve your power punching. You could also work hard to improve a specific combination one week, while focusing mainly on a defensive technique the following week. Your overall ability will increase as various skills come together.
Strength & Conditioning
Superior strength and conditioning is necessary for boxers. If your sprint routine consists of four 400-meter sprints, try to do each sprint in an allotted amount of time. Make the allotted time difficult, yet achievable. Likewise, if you usually do three sets of ten pull-ups, try to do three sets of 12. Short-term strength and conditioning goals produce recognizable results as you spar and prepare for a bout.
Long-term Boxing Goals
All boxers yearn to be champions, but very few reach this goal. You have to win the less-than-glamorous fights before you win a championship bout. Each one of these wins comes from daily training and hard work. The short-term goals within your training help you reach your larger goals, as mentioned above. Some long-term goals may include:
- Successfully completing X number of sparring rounds
- Winning a bout
- Winning a tournament
- Becoming a champion
Ultimately, these larger goals give you the strength and focus to complete the short-term goals you set for yourself. Be realistic as you set goals, but don’t sell yourself short. Long-term goals may take a number of years to achieve.
Goals Outside of Boxing
You must also set non-boxing goals in order to become a successful, happy, and well-rounded individual. Some additional areas that can benefit from goal-setting include academics and social life.
Academic
Most young boxers are forced to balance the rigors of boxing with the stress of the classroom. You will be most successful if you set aside a specific, designated period of time each day for homework. This goes back to the importance of having a well-formed routine that incorporates your boxing workouts in addition to your other responsibilities.
Also, successful individuals tend to set high goals in all aspects of life. Setting difficult, yet attainable, academic goals gives you a winning mentality and helps you establish a concrete plan to reach your objectives. Confidence in one aspect of life often spills into other aspects of life. Similarly, success in the classroom often coincides with success in the ring.
Social Life
One of the hardest things as a boxer is balancing your social life with the requirements of boxing and school/work. Weekends become more open, though, when you have your weekday routine down pat. If you are efficient with your time during the week, you have more free time during the weekends. Be sure to make “weekend decisions,” though, that reflect your winning mentality. Do not surround yourself with people who contradict your plan to achieve great things.
Lastly, enjoy your time at the boxing gym. Set a goal to meet other boxers and bond with these individuals. Fellow boxers, in most cases, share your hard-working mentality and understand your lifestyle.
Work Hard, Work Smart
Be realistic, yet ambitious, as you set your goals. Figure out a feasible plan and execute it as effectively as possible. If you can, make your goals specific and measurable. Write down your objectives and track your progress. Working hard is not always hand-in-hand with working smart.
