23/Jan/10
I’m getting excited about our annual banquet and seminars coming up in March. I always look forward to seeing old friends and students at this event. Our humble little organization has grown over the last decade or so and we’ll have instructors coming in from as far away as Arizona and California. While the teaching will, of course, be excellent, the camaraderie will be a highlight of the weekend.
This goes, I think, to the heart of why we continue to train in the martial arts decades after we first tied on that black belt. While we strive to improve our physical technique we are also training our intellects and emotions (remember, mind, body, heart?). The academic world has defined one of the indicators of success as emotional and social intelligence (in addition to hard work, of course).
Some of the traits I admire in our experienced AKATO members is their “self-awareness” and “self-control.” They know who they are and don’t have to prove themselves. That is what we would call emotional intelligence.
Another trait my fellow martial instructors have is the ability to “read” people and to relate to them in a constructive manner. In fact, I was just talking to some of my brown belts and junior black belts about the best way to understand a student’s needs and to teach in such a way that they get the most our of each class session. That level of social intelligence makes us not only better instructors but better students, parents, spouses and friends.
I am looking forward to seeing my students and friends (both the local and long-distance kind) on March 20th. Put it on your calendar as well.
02/Jan/10
Well, it is the start of a new year and time to make those resolutions for 2010. For most of us it will be to lose those extra pounds we put on over Thanksgiving and Christmas (don’t tell me you didn’t). Here are a few steps to achieving your goals this time around.
Start by making your resolutions simple. Two or three words should sum it up. “Lose weight,” “learn spanish,” “earn black belt.” Simple doesn’t mean you can’t be specific however. For example “lose weight” could be might become “drop 20” or “my college waistline.” That gives you a firmer goal to shoot for.
What is your timeframe? If you give yourself 365 days it is easy to put-off putting-in the effort. So add the phrase “by ___” to the end of your resolution. “Earn black belt by summer” or “lose 20 by April 1st.”
Finally, consider the reason. This is where you can add a “because” statement. “Lose 20 by April 1st because I want to live longer,” or maybe “go to my high school reunion looking hot!”
In reality, of course, we should be making resolutions or setting goals throughout the year but since everyone’s mind is on the “new decade,” make your list right now and start the new year off right.