It is very easy to cancel your training plan. All the reasons come swarming in, I am too busy, I am losing interest…but I have to tell you folks, its when the desire to quit raises it head that you have to dig in even deeper. The desire to quit is always only a thought away. Some where at some time we have to face down the overwhelming urge of the ego’s desire for more/better/ newer and draw the line saying “NO..I’m going to stick this one out. I have a Black Belt in me and I’m going to do what ever it takes, to overcome all the barriers along the way.” Because that’s all they are; mental barriers! If getting a Black belt was easy, everyone would do it.
Getting a Northstar Black Belt is a tough grind…but not impossible. Remaining a Black Belt is even harder. The challenge is not so much physical, more mental…breaking through the reasons why you can’t do it, sitting in the negativity, witnessing it, yet still turning up to training each week. I know this to be true as I am constantly challenged…even now. I can remember the overwhelming desire to quit…many times over the years.
I have studied most martial arts and to be honest, they are all the same! The only difference in martial arts is “which art will honestly teach me about me?” All of us are limited by our physical design, age and experience. No one art can teach you the secret of invincibility. But a good martial art can help you to understand your own insecurities, guiding you on the path to self awareness that will ultimately protect you far more than any physical skill!
Ways to challenge the powerful thoughts of quitting.
- I am getting in the shape of my life.
- I am losing weight and having fun
- I am training with a motivated group of students.
- I recognise that this is not for me…but I love the feeling I get at the end of class.
- The kids love the class and I am not willing to compromise their long term well being.
- Every class is a bonus and one more step to enhancing my well being.
- I feel the overwhelming urge to quit. But I am going to do just one more class. Then one more class, then one more class
- My child wants to quit but what example am I setting if I allow them to quit when ever they feel like it.
- Now is my chance to really express my commitment, and go to place with in myself that is uncomfortable.
- I can sit in the desire of wanting more and wanting it now. I can witness it and know that it has no power over me.
Hope this helps your journey.
Andy
Northstar Ju Jitsu is also taught by senior Black Belts at their own studios'.
These are independently run from the Headquarters .Andy Dickinson Sensei is the head of and founder of Northstar Ju Jitsu and oversees the teaching of his program.
All Black Belts are graded by Andy Dickinson Sensei.
