We all want to be a winner, but in order to achieve this goal we must be able to dominate our skills with our minds, bodies, and souls. What you say, how your body movements flow, and whether you maintain your fitness level will determine how quickly and agilely you move. If you exert a supreme guiding influence over your body with your mind, then your mind dominates your gestured skills. If you practice long enough, your mind will be in tune with your body and your skills will dominate other people when necessary. While in a tournament, your mind will be as one with your body and your skills will present this as you fight. Just as you control your opponent to win the fight, you must always be in control of your destination in every aspect of your life.

Here are five easy steps to take for making dominance a reality:

1. Make the commitment. You will find it much easier to achieve a goal or skill level of dominance if you pinpoint a certain skill you would like to master. You don’t want to overwhelm yourself; just think of one or two items you want to improve. As an example, if you want to improve on your martial arts techniques, practice your martial arts moves. Stand in front of a mirror or use a video camera to see what it may be that you are doing wrong and make improvements.

2. Write it down. Making the decision to do something is much easier when it is on paper. When you can actually see your plan, you can check your goals after you have mastered them. You will have a feeling of increased focus and more control and power of your own situation, giving you more self-confidence. If you have your day scheduled, you will not forget a daily goal you set out to do.

3. Kick it into action. There is no better time than the present to start working towards your goals. Know your limits and set a gradual pace. Start out by learning from a teacher with great experience and respect. He or she will show you how to gradually build up to master your abilities. Remember, people with confidence will honor their abilities and realize their limitations. Be good to your spirit and don’t set goals that will drag you off course.

4. Fuel your motivation by daydreaming. Your motivation can be you envisioning yourself with stronger arms or as a stronger and quicker fighter. You also make a choice to either be in a great mood or a bad mood. Always try to be in a good mood. Daydream about the good things to keep your motivation positive. The positive energy will reflect in your everyday life and your martial arts. You will feel better and you will make the people around you feel better, too. Positive energy is contagious!

5. Celebrate your success. Every time you have reached a goal, celebrate! You have earned that right, no matter how small that goal may seem, especially when you may have won that martial arts tournament or got an A on that certain test. Not only do you receive recognition for your efforts, but you also feel great inside for being rewarded for your efforts.

Now that you know how easy it is to take control of your life in just a few easy steps, there is one more step to take: just do it. After initiating the plan, following through and succeeding, you will come out the winner. Whether it was a trophy or a good grade on your report card, it’s a good feeling to dominate your skills to be the best you can, isn’t it?