Who am I in the world of martial arts? Where do I stand in the spectrum? Am I worthy to indulge in circles where some of the best martial artists in the world frequent? Do I have what it takes to stand out? Am I successful? I have nothing to brag about. I am still trying to get better and learn more.
These are all questions I continuously ask myself on my martial art journey. Every day when I wake up, I feel like I am starting all over again. I attempt to practice what I preach, maintain balance in my life, be a role model, and cultivate a good martial art mindset. It is difficult to live up to my own high standards!
It is all about perspective, isn’t it? My non-martial arts friends think I am interesting. The men that I know find it fascinating that their female friend is a black belt. The women around me wonder how martial arts may have changed their lives if they had tried. There is something worthy to be said about who I am. I am no master, but simply a continual white belt.
The best role models for me are the ones who do not feel the need to boast and whose humility is intact. You can see their inspiration, they do not need to talk about it. You can smell their sweat. You can feel their determination. You can hear their breath. You can taste their passion. There is an aura and an excellence that surrounds them. I am sure that you can think of a few of your own role models who fit this mold.
I have met many incredible people along the way who have offered great advice about martial arts or life, but chose to remain anonymous because their message, not their belt stripes, martial art lineage, or experience, mattered more to them than recognition.
The best martial artists and the most profound role models are made up of layers. The first and most important layer is humility of the mind, body, and spirit. Like an onion, when you peel away each layer of this type of role model, you will find humility in the center, followed by layers of experience, hard work, caring, commitment, and dedication.
Every great martial artist had a humble beginning. The first day of class is a great example. The new martial artist has nothing upon which to rely. He is vulnerable and of little significance as a martial artist, until he proves himself. Humility on day one carried through to every daily life is a good reminder to be sincerely grateful for those from whom you have learned.
Have you ever written a bio? It is one way of exposing the layers that make up who you are, and an interesting way to examine your strengths, highlight your experiences, and add credibility to your life, profession, or martial art.
During this review of your personal accomplishments, you will realize how far you have come from when you first began. You can carefully unfold the years and the experiences. The tricky part about writing a good bio is remaining genuine and true to the person you are, and not providing every detail, but sharing the highlights.
This self-assessment allows you to reflect on what have you have done to make a difference in someone’s life or to bring about a positive change. These accomplishments have true merit and they are the accomplishments of a humble and positive person. You can proclaim greatness, but it does not mean anything if others cannot see your greatness.
A humble spirit does not mean that you should not accept awards and gifts as a martial artist. To feel appreciated is a humble lesson in itself. Share your good news and allow others to give you credit for hard work, diligence, and effort you have exerted. Trophies, awards, and certificates are wonderful ways to be appreciated. The other rewards that carry significant weight are simply the people with whom you share your knowledge, skills, and talents.
There are many awesome martial artists in the world, however, who teach classes every day and have no forum or venue for receiving awards. They are as well-trained as any other, but teach or work out in small towns across the country. They may not know what it feels like to be nominated for an award or be a recipient of a trophy. That does not matter to them because their reward is the opportunity to return to the martial art class and teach over and over and over again.
Being humble in mind, body and spirit is a challenge, but is important.
For me, rewards come in small, quiet packages. They include the smiles on my youngest students’ faces when they enter class, and the gratitude I receive from readers about my motivational messages. Sharing my unique voice is the most amazing, worthwhile, and humble approach I can take.
Today’s message is simple. Along with all your other skills and techniques, practice a little humility. Be the same white belt you were when you took your very first lesson. You deserve great honor and reward just for being you, for your effort, sacrifice, and focus.
The bottom line is that you do not need to proclaim anything. Stay confident. Stay true. Take action. Others can see who you are. Make room for humility and your true success will always be revealed.
xoxo
Andrea
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Osu and thank you for the reminder!
Thank YOU!