
Start Where They Shine
Posted: October 13, 2025
Building Rituals from What They Already Do Well
Black belts know: success isn’t about adding more—it’s about building on strengths. Kids are more motivated when they connect new habits to things they’re already good at.
Here are some fun examples:
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If your child always hangs up their backpack, add a ritual of putting homework inside right away.
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If they sing in the shower, turn it into a “hair-washing song” ritual.
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If they never forget snack time, use that moment to set out tomorrow’s lunchbox.
Just like in karate, when you connect new skills to ones they already know, progress becomes smoother—and much more enjoyable.
Action Challenges
For Kids: Make a list of three things you never forget to do each day. Pick one and add a new action to it—like a karate move added onto a combination.
For Adults: Sit with your child and brainstorm together. Ask, “What’s something you always remember to do?” Then help them create a new success ritual linked to that habit.