Be thankful for every test
We have a rank test coming up very soon here in the dojo. Our tests are extremely difficult and challenging both mentally and physically. This is by design. Our entire purpose is to push our students to their brinks and let them discover for themselves just how far they can really go. Throughout the years, we almost always find that students are capable of so much more than they’ve previously given themselves credit for. The moment when the student sees in themselves what we already saw, is one of the proudest moments we have and a reason I am always excited for testing.
Most of you do not undergo our physical tests. However, I am sure that you all face different challenges and perceived obstacles every single day in your lives. Sometimes, these challenges can be truly daunting and the easy thing is to simply quit before you begin.
I have a secret for you: you are not alone.
Anyone who has ever faced something that truly causes them to rise beyond whatever self-imposed limitations they are carrying around has felt the same. Be thankful for these tests; they allow you to know yourself on a level that is impossible without some type of strife.
What you need is already within you
For this upcoming test, I had a student approach me with sincere panic and trepidation regarding the ordeal. He wanted me to teach him private lessons and put in extra hours for his preparation. I declined. I really like this student and consider him to be a friend. In fact, maybe if I didn’t feel so strongly for him, I would have provided the extra instruction. However, I know that this would be a short-term solution that would cripple his practice in the long run. He cannot be made to feel that what he needs is not already within him if he is to gain the true benefits of self-discovery that this practice provides.
There are certain areas of your practice and life in which you must do the work. You must trust yourself, your teachers and mentors, your instincts and training, to pay off and allow you to perform as you are capable. Life does not always give you months of preparation time. Often, you must be able to perform, right now. The value comes in seeing who you are in uncomfortable situations and finding a way to be comfortable and confident no matter what.
Don’t ever shy away from testing yourself, no matter how great the temptation may be. Step outside of your comfort zone. If it is a cross-country move, a new job, relationship or anything else, you will be better and wiser for the growth it caused.
We have a saying that we do not strive to create world champions. Rather, we strive to make people who are champions in THEIR worlds.
The dojo gives many opportunities for this type of self-discovery but so does everyday life. Don’t shy away from it. Embrace it. Be better today than you were yesterday. I believe you will surprise yourself if you get out of your own way and let it happen.
– Rudy