COMMITMENT: Staying loyal to what we said we would do long after the mood we said it in has left us!This is my favorite definition of the word Commitment because it encompasses a sentiment that I am afraid too often dictates our actions in today’s culture. As soon as something becomes difficult or our feelings of excitement fade we are off searching for the next new thing that will satisfy our short attention spans. Commitment is becoming a lost skill and that is unfortunate because sticking with something until the end and working hard and overcoming challenges to meet goals is paramount for anyone who wishes to cultivate the character of Black Belt Excellence.
Larry Winget is one of my favorite authors because he tells it like it is! I know I need to hear things like he tells them and I hope to cultivate a little bit of Larry in how I communicate! Here is a link to one of his short videos talking about Commitment…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o64tLHhPMLs&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Now, a commitment I am going to ask you all to think about is this…Commit to the goal of Black Belt!
Why?
Why not?
Think about it. Why would you not want to achieve the highest rank in the martial arts. Whenever I speak with folks who talk about their previous martial arts training I usually ask what rank they achieved. Invariably I will hear folks say something like, “Oh, I didn’t stick with it…I only got my (insert color) belt.” tinged with a tone of regret.
Read that response again.
“Oh, I didn’t stick with it…I only got my …”
Now think about what message you are getting when you hear something like that.
If you were an employer would you feel very good about the prospective employee?
If you were applying for college would you want to convey feelings like that to the admissions board?
Would you like to deal with the commitment issues of a possible new significant other?
Now, think about what message you get when the response is something like this…
“I achieved my Black Belt.” or even…
“You know, I had some struggles and even thought about quitting, but I stuck it out and ended up getting my Black Belt.”
Now answer the three questions above!
I bet the feelings are MARKEDLY different!
So, what am I getting at?
Well, Commitment…of course!
We have belts on the wall for students who have committed to the goal of Black Belt.
If yours is not on the wall my encouragement is to get it up there. How?
Write an essay that answers the following kinds of questions…
Why do I want to get my Black Belt?
What will it mean for me in my life to achieve the goal of Black Belt?
How will I feel when I get my Black Belt?
I have had many folks over the years who used to study here come back and say they wish they would have stuck it out and achieved their Black Belt. I have NEVER had anyone say they were glad they quit and never got the Black Belt. (I am sure there are some out there but I have not had someone come in and tell me this…and if they are out there…I am more than happy they keep that to themselves and rest secure in their commitment issues.)
I remember the test where I tied on my first degree Black Belt. It was like standing on top of the mountain and basking in the sunlight! I had such a feeling of accomplishment! Was it easy? NO. Hasn’t been all five times that I have done it. Was it worth it? EVERY SINGLE TIME and I cannot wait for my next one!!!
So, I ask…Whose next?
Who will be then next one to commit!?
Who will be then next one to get their belt on the wall as a external statement of their inner drive to achieving the goal of Black Belt?
Will it be you?
Well, will it?
Take care and see you in class…
TRB