During many of my columns, I’ve described how you can reach your full potential, which is the primary goal of martial arts. I’ve described how, as when you are learning intricate steps of a complex kata or form, success is simply a matter of applying the right techniques everyday. All esteem is built on a foundation of excellence and when you execute your “techniques of success” correctly everyday, then your esteem will grow as a result.
In my last column, I presented the first of the seven ingredients for success: peace of mind, which is achieved by creating a vision of your perfect future. You begin unlocking your potential by envisioning your life exactly as you would want it to be. Then, you work backwards from that vision to make it a reality. Not only is peace of mind the most important ingredient of success, but also it is your birthright. Everyone is born deserving to have peace of mind.
The second ingredient of success is health and energy. Just as peace of mind is your normal and natural mental state, health and energy is your normal and natural physical state. Your body has a natural bias toward health. It produces energy easily and in abundance, in the absence of mental or physical interference. Radiant health exists in the absence of any pain, illness or disease. If you achieve in the material world, but you lose your health or peace of mind, then you receive little or no pleasure from your other accomplishments.
As a martial arts professional, you must maintain a healthy, energetic state to present a congruent message to your students. If you are not in shape and have low energy, then the message you are conveying to your students is that, by studying martial arts, you are a person not in shape and with low energy.
Many of you are in great shape, but, sadly, many of your peers let themselves go after years of rigorous training. As they advance in rank, many of them seem to add a belt size as well. Not only does this damage your image as a martial arts leader, but also your success is also compromised.
Imagine enjoying perfect health. Think of what you could be if you were your ideal image of physical fitness. How would you look? How would you feel? How much would you weigh? What foods would you eat and what exercises would you do?
After he had thought about this “ideal image,” a businessman at one of my seminars told me that, if he were in perfect health, then he would be able to run a marathon. His problem was that he was 40 years old, 20 pounds overweight and not particularly fit. He doubted that it was possible for him, but the thought process had begun.
The more he thought about himself, as he could be, rather than as he was, the more excited he became about the idea of training for a marathon. He began to see himself as lean and fit. He became more convinced that he could do it. He bought a couple of books on running and started running a little each day. He bought the right clothes and running shoes. He increased his distance each week and soon began doing “fun runs” and mini-marathons.
Within one year, he ran his first marathon, 26.4 miles. He fulfilled his vision and became the person he had imagined he could be. Most important, he felt fitter, thinner, stronger and more energetic than he had for many years.
His work improved because he had more energy and generally felt better each day. His confidence soared as he became fitter and felt younger and stronger. His relationship with his wife improved, since his mood and energy was higher; and, frankly, he became more attractive physically.
Now, this was a 40-year-old businessman. You are a professional Black Belt martial arts instructor. Many of your students come to you seeking the same benefits as the man I just described; however, your ability to help your students will be in direct proportion to how well you are keeping in shape yourself.
Health and energy are critical to all success. Nothing is more important than your health. While professionals in all fields benefit from good health and high energy, in the final analysis, for professional martial arts instructors, it is an absolute requirement for success.
