September 5th, 2023
Whether we are talking about martial arts classes, study habits or work…you will always succeed at a higher level if you develop the habit of giving your best effort and treating others as you yourself would like to be treated. Nobody achieves greatness by being lazy or giving a half-hearted effort. Equally, nobody ever succeeds with a negative attitude toward others.
If you study the training of champions in any sport, you will see them putting in hours of dedicated practice and giving their best effort daily. When you give your best effort and consistently push to exceed your previous best, you will get better and you will improve. Never allow Minimums to become your Maximums & Always Maintain High Character!
In the martial arts, we live The Martial Way. We call this “Living the Art”. “Warriors are special people. Since they understand the concept of honor, they set their ethical standards above most of the rest of society.” Forrest E. Morgan, Maj USAF
When you push yourself to your current maximum, and then strive for 10% improvement or better, you will constantly raise the bar on your personal best. The difference between ordinary and extra-ordinary is one word…”extra”! You will take yourself to new levels of excellence if you will decide in advance to give extra effort and especially extra service. This is especially true if you maintain a high level of character in the process. “A man of character will make himself worthy of any position given.” Mahatma Gandhi
On the opposite end of the spectrum, if you get in the habit of giving a minimal effort and accept less than your best, this can also become habit. If you’re not careful, before you know it, your minimum will become your maximum. Ultimately, your life will become ordinary or even less. To some this is normal, to peak performers, warriors, and champions this a place they avoid like the plague. Look at everything you do, on and off the mat, think about how you can give your best effort and do it better. What could you do different today to take it to a whole new level?
In the training hall (Dojo or Dojang)…what can you do to pick up the pace to improve your skills and conditioning? At work or school, what could you do to exceed expected and provide extra-ordinary service? What could you do in your relationships to make a profound and positive impact on those around you? What could you do at your school to ensure to ensure students are fully plugged in! At work…can you arrive a little earlier, stay later, improve your effort and increase your overall contribution?