In the boxing ring or during sparring matches, it may not seem like it, but there are many fighting decisions to be made. The problem is that time in the ring progresses so quickly that it is difficult to think and act and decide what technique is best for the situation at hand. A fist could be headed in your direction in rapid fire, or a round kick pointed up to your forehead that strikes so quickly you don’t ever see it coming. Timing is  everything.

On the other hand, the pace may slow to a very methodical, contemplative one.  A stare down ensues.  The fighters circle the ring planning, plotting, examining.  This could be your only time to think about a making a decision, instead of just reacting.  “I know he always does that round kick, so I’m going to block it and go in for the ribs,” you might think. It is easier to choose a “fighting decision” when you can plan, but that just isn’t always the case. Even when the fight breaks for a few moments, it picks back up to where there is no time to reflect again, and decisions must be made in mere seconds. The only way the fighter can make these rapid decisions is because he has practiced over and over and his responses have become second nature.

A fighting decision is different from any other decision.  The “fighting” part may be literal, like in the fighting ring I’ve just described; or, it may be philosophical such as  “fighting” to make a decision.  Either way, literal or philosophical, these decisions are the most problematic. They are demanding and laborious.  If you are in the ring, one wrong split-second decision can land you a split lip; one round kick that is blocked can land you on your back.  Good quick decisions can only be made through preparedness.  In life, making quick, unprepared decisions without thinking them through can ruin a relationship, cost a lot of money, hurt someone’s feelings, or break you down; on the other hand, if you don’t take action you could carelessly extend a problem far longer than you should.

But, you learn.  If there is anything positive from it, you learn.

Procrastination and fighting against your necessary decisions will stagnate you. You’ll have no chance to advance or become the person you want to be.  If you are not seeking excellence in your life through making decisions, then you will go nowhere.

Do you want to make a change or a decision?  Not the little simple decisions you must make every morning, like what to wear or what to eat for breakfast, or if you want flavored cream in your coffee, but a decision that will change your life?  Is there one thought that’s been haunting you forever? Have you had an awakening of sorts? Have you noticed that when you look in the mirror you don’t necessarily like what you see.  Who are you? What do you want? Are you happy?

These are battles where fighting decisions need to be made.   Choices are hovering right in front of you and you just need to reach out and grab one.

Fighting decisions affect your life.  They give you the opportunity to become better.  Don’t let these moments escape.  Making choices is often the most difficult lesson for people to understand.  If you don’t make choices, you cannot change.  If you don’t make choices you will not progress. If you don’t know what to choose, then choose something.  If there is a list of possibilities, just pick one.

Maybe it’s the choice about pursuing your dream to fight for our country and go into the military.  Or, the one that says, this is the person I want to marry.  Perhaps your plagued with choices about going to college, moving, or pursuing a new job.  Perhaps the choices are gut-wrenching, but for the better.  A relationship that can’t be mended.  An illness that is overbearing.  A sadness or sense of loss that hits you so hard you don’t know where to turn.  What will you do?  How will you handle it?  That, friends, is your choice. See the light at the end of the tunnel. Know that better days are ahead.  Make decisions with a positive and unwavering attitude. Believe in yourself because in the end that is on what a good decision hinges.

If you dwell on regrets, you did not allow yourself the opportunity to accept your choices wholeheartedly when you made them; because, if you did, even if the choice did not work out in the long run, you would recognize it as the right choice at the time.

Don’t let the fear of possible regrets later  hold you back from making decisions now.

Decision-making is frequently ignored because it is difficult.  It requires a thought process and attention.  Whether happy or sad, you want to fight making decisions every step of the way by blocking them from your mind, defending your reasoning for procrastinating, and looking the other way when you should be paying attention.

When I decided to establish “The Martial Arts Woman” I knew it was the right thing for me. It started with a website and blogging. It was not very good. I had to get advice along the way, but the best advice I ever got was “just do it.” I was told by a friend to not worry about it, just jump right in and make mistakes along the way if necessary, but take the risk, take the chance.  I’m glad I did. It’s brought me to places I never expected.  I have met new people from all over the world. I’ve made friendships and business relationships that I cherish.  I was honored to be identified as a “rising star” by the World Martial Arts Magazine recently (http://worldmartialartsmagazine.com/april2015) and I’ve had the opportunity to share self-defense knowledge with various women’s groups.  Taking a chance, making a choice, has worked out for me.  Knowing it was a good opportunity, I didn’t hesitate.  Hesitation will deplete opportunities. Hesitation, when a great opportunity exists, is the inability to pursue success.

No matter what decisions must be made in your life, don’t fight them anymore.  Make a great list of choices that exist, a wish list, or a list of your favorite things.  How can they all come together through decision-making?  How can they catapult you to a successful moment, a successful you?  Today is as good as any.  Consider your options, before it’s too late or before time runs out. Moments come and go and in each speck of time is a juncture where you can choose a path.  Once you choose, stay committed.

So, you see, there are several criteria to making good “fighting decisions.”  One is to decide what you want.  The next is to actually make the choice.  Finally, remain focused and positive.  No, not every choice you make in life will be perfect.  Some will dissipate, some will change, some will need to be forgotten.  That is life. Many of your strong fighting decisions will be relevant and resolute.  It’s worth making a few mistakes along the way in order to flourish in the long run.

When the fighting match ends, the bell rings.  The fight is over.  There’s no going back and no changing what you did or how you fought. You did your best in the moment and that counts for something. Win or lose, your split second decisions made you a better person.  You understand the importance of choosing and applying what you know.  If it didn’t go well, you can practice before the next bout.  The same in life. Make the choices.  Pave the way.  A mistake or two won’t hurt you because each time you learn to be more decisive, strong, and sure of yourself.   Reach out and grab opportunity as it presents itself. Don’t hide in fear or trepidation.

Make the choices and decisions today that improve your life.  You won’t regret it. Fighting decisions in the ring and fighting decisions in your life have the same goal and that is to exemplify a winner.  Make the decision today to be the courageous fighter, and when you are awarded the trophy, it will be engraved with this:  “this person chose to be victorious and Win at Life.”

Andrea