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.