How to approach your training

The most important thing to do before training is to get your mind set. If you go into practice without a clear goal in your mind, you will not see the improvement you want to see. Close your eyes, take deep breaths, imagine in your head what you want to accomplish in practice, and do all that you can to do it. It could be anything: "I want to use this kick 5 times in at least 1 match." "I want to block and dodge as many kicks as possible while staying in the middle of the ring." "I want to land 1 headshot on every person I fight today." "I want to perform this poomsae like I'm trying to win 1st place." 

Keep yourself competitive in practice, even against classmates. On the mat, there are no friends whether you are doing poomsae or sparring. Always perform as if you're in a tournament because your classmates are doing their best to win as well. 

It's okay if you did not "win" against your classmates. The question you should be asking yourself is, "Did I meet the goal I made before practice?". If so, it doesn't matter what the score on the board says or what other people say about you. Focus on you and what you alone are doing. Training will always test you and your ability to persevere when you think you are not doing well. Once the big tournament comes, that is when you will truly shine.

Once practice is over, you can be friends with all the people you want. There is a time and place for everything and training time is your important time to develop yourself. Do not distract yourself by chatting with others before and during practice so that you can give your absolute best.