It is not as fulfilling to go though a grading year without being able to inspire those around me to push themselves as well. It becomes one driven by narcissism and selfish accomplishment. I am striving to earn my black belt, not only because it is something I greatly wish to achieve for myself, but so that I can make a difference to the world around me, and the achievement DOES NOT end when you have that belt around your waist. It merely begins.
It becomes a symbol of responsibility, that you have achieved something amazing and hold yourself to the same standards you did while working to earn it, inspiring others to do the same. I feel as though I can't inspire my peers now, so how should I expect to inspire others when I become a black belt?
Our journeys are all unique, we are all going through things in life that cannot be compared with. In my particular case, I am a new father, working 3 jobs in a new career (most of which are either out of town or include some evenings) and help teach the kids classes when I can, all during my grading year. I sometimes can't even keep track of what day it is, my schedule is so inconsistent. I cannot commit the time I could have 4 years ago during my first and most successful I Ho Chuan year, but I am making due with the decisions I made, owning them and putting my best effort into it. Simply by doing what was laid out in front of me, piece by piece throughout the year, I am preparing for one of the top 3 most important days of my life.
If it was easy, everybody would be doing it and the achievement would lose it's value. I will continue to do what I can to help those around me. We are all in this together, let's do this.
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