What Makes a Good Pole Goal?

As we settle into 2024, the new year presents an opportunity for new goals and resolutions. New year, new you- right? But how often have you had great ambitions and goals only for them to fizzle out and burn? We know how frustrating that can! We want you to achieve all your pole ambitions AND enjoy the journey along the way. If pole goals are your kind of thing, keep reading for some tips on setting yourself up for success in a strategic manner that will work with you.

Finding the right goal and mapping your plan

Chances are, you can spit out a laundry list of things you want to achieve or get better at, so how do you decide where your focus best belongs?

Think about the gap between where you currently are and what you want to achieve. What do you need to accomplish to get there?

• How much strength or flexibility do you need to gain?

• What classes would you need to take?

• What related skills do you already know and what prerequisites do you need to learn first.

The next thing to consider is your capacity.

• How many classes a week does my wallet allow?

• Which classes work with my schedule?

• What resources do I have to train outside of the studio? A gym membership? An at home pole? Other space and equipment to condition at home?

• How much time and resources can I dedicate to conditioning, stretching, and recovery? Remember the more intense you train, the more you have to dedicate to these things to stay healthy and progress safely.

Now compare your answers to the first two questions. This will help you figure out what is attainable. Do you still have a long list of potential goals that you need to narrow down? Consider goals where what you need to attain to achieve them overlaps. For example, if your list of potential goals were about splits, a ballerina, or a jade, focusing on just the jade and the splits would be great because they both involve similar flexibility needs. 

Different measure of success

Defining how you will measure success is a key component of goal setting. 

When it comes to pole, it is best to avoid absolutes and define success more in terms of progression. You have direct control over your input, the things you do to work toward your goal. You have less control over your body’s output- your body is going to do what it is going to do. If willpower and time were all it took, we would all be world champions.

For example:
“In six months I want a flat split.” Not so helpful or measurable.

“I will intentionally train my splits 1-2 times a week and in six months I will feel more comfortable in them and will have increased the extension of my jade.” Very helpful and attainable!

Measuring success can also come from other places besides executing a certain trick AND we encourage introducing other markers like this. For example, take note of how something feels during your journey. More smooth? Stronger? Maybe you’re discovering more creative entrances or exits to those tricks. Or maybe you feel more confident in your movement.

It’s OK to pivot

Life happens. It's better to shift your goal then to abandon it. Bodies change. Time changes. Interests shift. Your responsibilities and obligations to work and family shift. And sometimes you just are wrong about what it will take to achieve your goal. Yes, be accountable to your goals, but also be realistic and make changes if you need to. 

Why it matters

Experience progress and success
If you’re after a goal, backing it with strategy will put you on the right trajectory towards the success that you’re seeking. While not every single training session is going to be rainbows and sunshine, overall you will see progress towards that goal.

Stay safe and healthy
Injuries can happen when we put too much load or stress on our bodies than it is prepared for. A well planned goal with defined steps will help make sure we are working smarter not harder.

Have something to work towards
Having something to work toward can be fun and motivating! Finding joys in the small wins along the way can be fulfilling. AND when you achieve it, you get to celebrate!

Putting these thoughts to paper can be exciting and possibly overwhelming. Never forget the instructors at Essence are here to help you. We can help advise on realistic goals and help you understand what you need to do to achieve them. Private lessons and consultations are also available for 1:1 in depth coaching and accountability!