Kurt

When I first started as a student of martial arts, I never really entertained the thought that I would earn my black belt. It seemed beyond the realm of possibility.

I was completely inept when I started. My coordination and balance were horrible. I took me a long time and many repetitions just to resemble something close to being correct. Nothing came easy to me except breaking. If I had judged my progress against other students, I would have quit out of frustration. Somewhere along the line I was encouraged and embraced the idea that the important thing is to make steady progress and judge yourself against only your past self, not others.

Time and effort are most important factors. How can you accomplish anything worthwhile if you don't try hard and put in the time? Webster defines perseverance as "to continue a course of action despite hardship". It's easy to quit when things get hard or boring. It is amazing what can get done if you just stick with something and stay on your path.

The black belt test is a testament to perseverance. I am not gifted physically, nor particularly mentally. I have medical problems which hinder my training. I have struggled with this.

The other day I was watching a news story where this woman in a small town picked up soda cans to raise money. She wanted to buy her community a swimming pool. She would drive around and pick them up by the side of the road, then take them home to recycle for money. She did this year after year. Finally, she had collected enough to buy an Olympic sized pool! Wow!