To be able to motivate oneself is a talent that not many people have. As many of you know, we finished a big test this past week in the dojo for one of our Black Sash candidates. It was the culmination of years of practice and years of testing and an absolutely incredible event.
It made me think back to my own experience in going through this process. While I’ve always practiced, I would be lying to say that I didn’t “ramp it up” in the last couple years leading into the test. It is the same for a competition, a test in school, a desire to impress a new girlfriend or boyfriend, a push for a promotion…the list goes on. We all have this ability to “turn it on” when we need to.
Are we coasting or constantly pushing?
That begs the question though: are we coasting at all other times? If we concede that tomorrow is not promised and that this moment is all that we have, does it make sense to do anything less than to our full ability? Of course, this should not be taken to extremes. If we stick to a physical example only, our bodies would break down quickly if we pushed to the absolute limit and “redlined” every single practice, workout, or lift. However, that does not mean we cannot maintain the same mental focus. It’s a slippery slope to begin “going through the motions” and giving less than our all.
You don’t have to run a marathon every day, go round after round in the ring at 100%, or lift your personal record weight, but you should keep the same mental focus and determination. We are all creatures of habit and it can be very dangerous to let complacency become that habit. There may come a time when we can’t “turn it on” because we haven’t in so long.
See your practice or activity as an end unto itself.
The challenge becomes to see your practice or activity as an end unto itself. We all need to understand that we do things for our own sake and for our own personal improvement. Tests, competitions and accolades are fun and can be great motivators for sure, but they can’t be the only reason you do something.
I believe you should seek out the challenges and competitions to see where you are on your own path and to work on your comfort level in stressful situations, but you should also practice the same even without the external motivator. You’ll notice that when you’re involved with something that really motivates you, a push isn’t necessary. Your passion and love will pull you in.
Push yourselves FOR yourselves.
I’ve had many tests in the dojo. I’ve also taken part in a lot of competitions, both solo and with teammates. The truth is, that after a year or two has passed, I don’t necessarily remember where we placed. I don’t remember the actual details of all of the events. What I do remember is the feeling of giving all that I had and the feeling of accomplishment.
I remember races where I would have quit 100 times if it wasn’t going to let my team down. I remember holding heavy bars with a partner and thinking, “If she won’t quit, I won’t”. I remember getting hit and tackled and getting up again, and again, and again.
Those feelings are the true value. Push yourselves FOR yourselves. Don’t do it for a belt or a medal. Do it because you want to be a better you. Still seek out stressful situations and tests but don’t rely on them to bring out your best self.
You can do it. I believe in you.