A Week In the Life of a Martial Artist

With the first month of the new year behind, I've taken some time to reflect on the commitment that I made to myself and my students in October 2016 to the Ultimate Black Belt Challenge and the results of my efforts. At first glance it would seem that I've fizzled out after the first couple of weeks into the challenge; and as far as documenting consistently my progress that is certainly the case. However, when I look back at where I started and the accomplishments that I've achieved as a direct result of my committing to this challenge in October, there has been substantial growth over the past several months. Since October I've:

1. Completed over 8000 push-ups and crunches

2. Changed my diet and lost over 30 pounds

3. Performed over 200 acts of kindness

4. Spent 15 hours in meditation

5. Created 2 Websites

6. Read over 15 hours

7. Performed 30 acts of love

8. Spent more time with my family

While those alone may not seem so substantial, when I look at my time that I have to complete this challenge, and the other priorities in my life I must consider; what is important is that I recognize that life will always get in the way of great things happening if I allow the daily obstacles to become an excuse as to not completing what I have resolved to do. I must be flexible to change course, and blaze a new path, if the current path I'm on isn't working. The end result I am looking for in this Ultimate Black Belt challenge is transformation after all, and that is not dependent on a particular path, but more of a mindset.

So for the next 9 months, I will certainly make-up the work that I have missed over the first couple, be a better mentor to those who are on this journey with me and work towards completing ultimately what I set out to do - transform myself for the better. However, I will also recognize that each one of us that has chosen to embark on this great journey may not take the same path, but will end up at the same destination; the Black Belt.

So to those of you who have chosen to do this challenge: Every day is a new day. Do not let the shortcomings of yesterday determine the outcomes of tomorrow. Embrace the daily challenges of life as you would embrace a loved one, because it is persevering in spite of those challenges that will inspire change in yourself and others. Commit, Overcome, Change, Inspire and then do it all over again. See you at the finish!