Realistic New Year’s Resolutions for Pole Dancers and Aerialists

This is a time of year for both reflection and goal setting—taking in how far you’ve come while looking ahead at all the potential for growth that’s waiting for you. Setting goals for the new year isn’t about creating an arbitrary checklist defined by a date on a calendar, but rather a way to kickstart some motivation that might be lacking during the cold, dark winter months. 

However, it’s important to realize that goal setting is meant to help boost morale and inspire you, not to set unrealistic expectations that will disappoint you in the long run. 

While you’re looking ahead at what you’d like to accomplish as a pole dancer or aerialist in the new year, be sure to keep these thoughts in mind to help ground you and keep you safe. 

1. Set goals within your skill level—or just slightly above. 

Setting achievable goals that already feel close helps to create confidence, making it more realistic and likely to attain. If you’re comfortable in one step of a sequence, set a modest goal to achieve the next. Jumping too far ahead at a goal high above your skill level will cause stress and possible disappointment if your goal isn’t achieved by a certain point.

2. Remember that overworking leads to injury.
Similarly to the above point, setting a goal that is far from your current abilities will lead to overworking, and overworking can lead to easier injury and longer recovery, setting you back. Be patient, work hard, but don’t overdo it. 

3. Base your goals on effort rather than particular tricks. 

Think “training an extra day a week” or “incorporate more stretching before every practice” instead of “achieve x trick.” These are the types of goals that will positively affect every aspect of your practice instead of hyper focusing on one or two specific moves. The more you focus on showing up and putting in the work, the more likely you are to achieve those tricks in the future. It’s all connected! 

4. Your goals don’t have an expiration date.

Remember, December 31st is just a date! Setting a goal doesn’t mean you have to achieve it by the last day of the year or else you failed. Set goals with a sense of fluidity and understanding that some things take longer than others, and what matters is intention, accountability, and progress. There is no expiration date on that! 

5. Failure now means success in the future. 

If you don’t succeed at first, that just means there’s room to improve! Seeing your progress is the most rewarding part of the goal setting process. If you don’t get it now, there’s going to be a day where you do. And that’s something to look forward to and work toward! 

Don’t get too caught up in perfection and specifics. If you’re going to set resolutions for yourself, make them about improving your process, showing up for yourself, and holding yourself accountable. As long as you don’t give up, you’ll always achieve. 

If your resolution is to try something new this year, consider joining us for pole dancing and aerial arts in Frederick, MD!