I love the physical practice of martial arts. In fact, I think the rigorous practice over the years allows me to remain active and fit well into my 50’s because of the muscle memory from practicing for more than 30-something years. I am still flexible and strong and feel as if my aging body isn’t doing….well…all that bad!

Muscle Memory

The physical practice is not the only thing that exists in my “muscle” memory. My mind has learned a thing or two along the way. I changed my mindset from being a woman who based every decision on fear  – fear of failure, fear of what other people think, and fear of not being good enough at anything – to a woman of confidence. I determined through my years of martial art practice that I had nothing to lose by trying, and everything to gain. Fortunately, I gave martial arts and try and learned that I can improve every single day and that it simply does not matter if I fail at first or if others fail to support or encourage me. The important thing is that I strive to become more positive, powerful, and productive every day of my life.

Never Give Up

Martial arts also taught me about how to overcome. The air in the dojo is filled with effort and diligence and learning martial arts creates a situation where you never have the opportunity to give up. You never think about saying, “I cannot do this” because when you look around, everyone else is trying without complaining about it. Your instructor looks at you with confidence. You want to fit in and trying something new all the time becomes the name of the game. You figure out that if they can do it so can you. Suddenly you trigger new growth in your mind.

I am strong, capable, and able to learn. Nothing can stop me now.

You can learn and understand this mindset without being a martial artist. Just reading this blog post might be the catalyst that YOU need to step back and reassess how you think about yourself. Maybe today is the day you understand that fear inhibits you from being the person you truly want to be. Taking the first step in a new journey is scary, but also exciting! Where will it lead? How can you build upon it every single day?

On Friday mornings, I co-host The Java Buzz morning talk show (9:30 EST) on Facebook with two martial art sisters (https://www.facebook.com/thejavabuzz/).  Among other inspiring and fun topics, we talk about coffee, our lives, show flashback Friday pics, and play trivia games. We share motivational quotes and insights in my favorite part of the show and explore thoughts on “mindset” and how a positive outlook creates a positive life. Recently we chatted about how taking the first step on a staircase begins the ascent to something higher. You must take action to make positive changes in your life and achieve your goals, and you must push fear aside and believe in yourself.

Courage

The martial art mindset gives me the courage to forge ahead. It does not mean I will be successful at every endeavor, but it allows me to never regret not trying and to never question myself or my ambitions. When I try something new, I can always modify or change it if it does not work out the first time. Or, I can choose a new path. There are options to every choice and decision. When I was a white belt, I was on the very low first step. Then, I earned the next belt and moved up another step. Before I knew it, I was at the top of the staircase with a black belt wrapped around my waist for my effort. No one can ever take that experience away from me.

I still practice the physical aspects of martial arts. I love pushing the limits with my kicks and my tai chi classes online on Saturday mornings. I enjoy teaching martial art defense to women who have no martial art experience. Whether as a student or instructor, I never forget the importance of a positive mindset and why taking the first step in any endeavor is so important. I never knew I would become a motivator, blogger, podcaster and author. None of that would have ever happened if I did not limit fear and take the first step.

Where Are You Headed?

I am so excited to see where your journey leads. Never underestimate yourself. You are capable of amazing things!

xoxo

Andrea

______________________________________________________

Links and Info:

The Martial Arts Woman book: https://amzn.to/3inNiuQ

Martial Art Inspirations for Everyone: https://amzn.to/3irRjyy

How to Start Your Own Martial Art Program: https://amzn.to/3zf0aJB

The Martial Arts Woman Podcast: https://anchor.fm/andrea-harkins

The Martial Arts Woman YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-03avS893n8UJdJNWibeWw

The Java Buzz YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrLHps-wjzGG2my6diR5L4g