If there’s one super power that kids have, it’s the ability to dream big. There are many things that kids want, from large toy collections to futuristic technology; they know how to dream it all. For kids, wanting something is not a bad thing at all. In fact, it shows curiosity and ambition. But real progress does not come from wanting alone. It comes from learning how to work toward a goal, even when it feels challenging.
Understanding the difference between wanting and working is a powerful lesson for kids. When children learn this early, they gain tools that help them succeed not just now, but for the rest of their lives.
Ease Vs. Action
Wanting something is always an exciting experience. Kids can imagine the outcome and get hyped about what they hope will happen. Working, on the other hand, means taking action. It means showing up, practicing, listening, and trying again after mistakes. However, when all is said and done, working is the only one that leaves a lasting, positive result.
Kids learn to move from wanting to working when they see that their hard work pays off. When adults celebrate progress big or small, children begin to understand that progress comes from what they do, not just what they hope for. Small actions like practicing at home, focusing during class, or following directions consistently help reinforce this lesson.
A Brown Belt student practices adding power to his round kicks with his partner.
Vision Vs. Process
When kids only focus on what they want, they often only think about the end result. Working teaches them to focus on the steps along the way. This shift helps kids stay patient and motivated, even when progress feels slow. Focusing on the process helps kids not only see the big picture, but understand the little steps they must take to turn that dream into reality.
Additionally, learning to work toward a goal shows kids that improvement happens little by little. Each class attended, each correction applied, and each moment of effort adds up. Over time, kids start to feel proud not just of what they achieve, but of how they got there.
A group of Black Belt testers chamber together before the first move of their form.
Temporary Vs. Permanent
The fact is, feelings of wanting can change quickly, especially for kids. Motivation may be high one day and low the next, seemingly at random. Working helps children build concrete habits that carry them forward even when motivation dips, adding lasting routine to tame the chaos of everyday life.
By practicing consistency, kids learn responsibility and follow-through. They begin to understand that effort should not depend on mood. What’s more, they learn that working leads to something more permanent than desire. This lesson builds confidence because children realize they can achieve whatever it is they want, regardless of how they feel or what’s going on around them. Plus, habits formed through working become skills they can use in school, sports, and future careers.
Multiple Second Degree Black Belts stacked up on the table during a Black Belt Test to remind the students what they are working hard for.
The MPAMA Way
At MPAMA, we intentionally teach the difference between wanting and working through what we call the MPAMA Way. We combine our physical training with a strong focus on character, effort, and personal growth. Our instructors consistently encourage students to reflect on their actions, take responsibility for their progress, and look for ways to improve each day. Furthermore, our team teaches the differences—and the connections between—wanting and working. This focus on character helps students understand that desire alone is not enough, but that success is earned through commitment, respect, and consistent effort, both on and off the mat.
Conclusion
Wanting sets a goal, but working creates the path to reach it. Wanting is a great place to begin, but we can’t stay at the starting line forever if we want to finish the race. When kids learn to turn their wants into action, they gain confidence, resilience, and pride in their progress. These lessons stay with them long after the class ends. By teaching children how to work toward what they want, we are helping them build a strong foundation for success in every area of life.
Master Peter’s Academy of Martial Arts provides top-notch martial arts training for kids, teens, and adults in Dayton, South Brunswick, Monmouth Junction, Kendall Park, Princeton, Cranbury, East Windsor, Monroe, Jamesburg, Robbinsville, and Bordentown.