Structure

I really suck at this. When it comes to work or other things that don't involve my own agenda, I can usually come up with a fairly streamlined plan that works out well. The reason? Because when I lay out a plan, I ask for input from those involved. I think of underlying circumstances or what will exactly be needed for success, and it usually works out well for all parties involved. Adaptability is key and I have learned to use this tool from many great people I have been fortunate enough to be involved with throughout my life. So what's the problem when it comes to my own personal world.

 Not sure, maybe because I neglect to completely comprehend that although I may think this has nothing to do with anyone else but me, I am wrong.
If you take into account the time all those around you have invested and stood along side of you and have given into your needs and have bowed to your demands of sacrifice, took the time to help and invest their own time to lend a hand and put up with the multitude of excuses one can throw out there. Not a damn thing you do as long as you are in the presence of others is ever yours. Every single person and every single event that is created or experienced causes a ripple effect. No matter what you think, you are never alone and what you do effects someone, some where.

That being said, I have done something that I have never done yet when preparing for a year in the I Ho Chuan. This was after conversation and advice from some of my mentors and friends who pull no punches and tell it like it is. I took the time to actually think and strategize a plan and structure for the year of the sheep. I mean really plan, not just submit a bunch of things and not even track them. The plan involves preparing for grading in May and maintaining engagement throughout the year. I have set goals for each and every month and as time progresses, so does the demand of my goals. My monthly goals and plans can be easily modified on the fly if change is necessary. By the end of the year I intend to have given something back to those who have not only been a tremendous influence on me, but to those that need influence as well. That's what it is all about and that is what is so cool about being given the opportunity to do so. To remove the me, the ego, to either light the damn fuse and witness the carnage or go home and hide from everyone, thinking it won't effect anyone. My plan is to post my goals at the beginning of each month and maintain a public record of my training and post my success and my fails at the end of the month.

One last note, I have read numerous blogs about absenteeism and the guilt of not being there throughout the year. Not participating enough, not doing this or not doing that. Let it go already. Think of what you have done, think of what others have done and being lucky enough to be on the team and witness and experience it all. Take the lessons learned and evolve into something even better than where you are now. Even if it didn't seem like I was there, I was always there. I am back home now and should be for a while. I am ready for whatever the team needs and if I'm not, I will be. See you at the kwoon.

From one Extreme to the Next

Well it's over and the madness begins. Hanging out in the sun eating food that is freshly grown and not messed with, training in the art of Kung Fu and being concerned about nothing else is coming to a close. Yes, reality has reached it's boney hand out and grabbed me by the throat. From +35 to -35 degrees C and beyond is awaiting my presence. I will return home tomorrow evening, sleep in my bed and then off to Yellowknife the following day for 2 weeks and back home. During this transition and everything that comes along with it, I hope to maintain the structure I have created. It's as regular as waking up in the morning and brushing your teeth. I stuggle with structure. I leave the starting line like a 1000 cubic inch, nitrous powered monstrosity of death, to a misfiring lawnmower with a missing wheel.
My approach will be different this time.... you'll see.
See you at the kwoon

Praise, Correct, Praise and Beat it!

There are many things I take with me out to the world from the kwoon and utilize it in other areas of my life. As I progressed in different aspects of work throughout my time making a living, I have been very fortunate. Fortunate because I have been lucky enough to work with many people with incredible amounts of knowledge and experience that absolutely love to share and take a unique approach and insure the potency of higher skills lives on. That and all the tricks that come with it. Although these tricks and answers never came easy. They had to be earned. You had to do the work and make the mistakes. Everybody is awesome in they're own way and these teachers allowed you to get your groove and expose your potential and your weaknesses. You were given the space to be comfortable, but you also had to be attentive and of course earn they're respect. They loved to see you get upset and try all kinds of ways to find a solution to your problem and watch you fail and learn. It builds character and I feel this approach broadens your life skills on so many fronts and keeps you interested and engaged. They didn't smother you and try to enforce they're thoughts and ways on you. They remained humble and never forgot you never stop learning because you'll never know it all. They had an eye for detail and always kept an open mind. They used the same approach I have witnessed with my most influential martial art teachers and that is, " praise, correct, praise, move on." Not only that, but when you actually see them work and practice their skills, it leaves a lasting impression. It provides an inspiration to do that much better, try that much harder, and a solid respect. To pursue and challenge personal abilities. I have practiced this approach with many different people and many different situations and it works very well. People have different ways of working things through both physically and mentally and I feel this approach maintains the balance and potency of limitless limits in people. I don't feel anyone has the golden key to the only way of doing something, no matter how skilled you are. I also feel that no one has the right to take away your ability to think and advance in your own way. There is always going to be a base for everything, that's a must. But how you elevate that creativity only comes from great teachers that give you the opportunity to try, fail, learn, create, and succeed. Praise, correct, praise, let them flourish.