In this article, we are going to talk about constant and consistent, never-ending self-improvement.
There is a Japanese principle called kaizen. Kaizen is an approach to creating continuous improvement based on the idea that small and ongoing positive changes can reap huge and significant improvements in your life.
To grow, you need to get in the habit of constant change. Growth has to become a habit.
I am never satisfied with wherever I am at the moment. I started in Kyokushin. Shortly after I earned my black belt, I started training in other styles of martial arts. I started competing in mixed martial arts and kickboxing. I eventually earned black belts in 5 different styles of martial arts. After traditional martial arts, I became a Certified Combatives Instructor. I then became a Certified Defensive Firearms Instructor with two national organizations, and a North Carolina Concealed Carry Permit Instructor. I most recently became a CPR, First Aid, and Stop The Bleed Instructor.
I did all of this because I have a driving force in me to be the very best instructor I can be. This is much more to me than just a business, I want to help people to be able to protect themselves.
If you are not growing and moving forward then you are moving back.
There is no such thing as staying still when it comes to your skills. It takes practice to keep your skills from diminishing. You will need to try to further your skills just to keep yourself from losing them. No matter what you are doing, things are going to get hard at some point. If you give up when things get hard you will never achieve anything.
After I earned my brown belt in Kyokushin, I thought that maybe I had gone far enough. I knew the black belt test was going to be hard, and I knew that I was going to have to practice and work hard to pass it. It was definitely worth it in the end. If I had not moved past that one hurdle, I would not be doing what I am doing today. My life would have been completely different.
Be Honest With Yourself
Now another thing you have to do is stop lying to yourself. Be honest about where your skills are. This happens all the time, especially with self-defense and shooting. For some reason, most men believe they are naturally good at fighting and shooting. Many times when their skills are put to the test, they find they are not as skilled as they thought.
Take an honest assessment of your skills. You can do this by taking some classes and joining some competitions. This will help you see where you are so you can start making improvements. It's like finding out what your max is when lifting weights.
Make Small Goals or Focus On Gradual Improvement?
There are two approaches that you can take to grow your skills. It is not realistic to just suddenly be awesome at a new skill like defending yourself. You can make and achieve small goals or you can just focus on slow constant improvement.
Either approach is fine, as long as y
ou focus on getting better and improving yourself. Use the approach that works the best for you and your personality.
Train Hard. Stay Safe.
Brian