I love martial arts, and even more than that, I love a positive mindset. While this article is directed toward a martial art mindset, all of these improvements can work in your life, too. Read along and pick out your favorite, or create a list of your own. The important thing is for you to take action. As you know, if you take action, you open up a world of opportunity. I made these options simple and even came up with the actions for you. All you need to do is implement!

1. Read! Read a book, a blog, a magazine, an e-book, or some other journal. There is a huge amount of information out there on every possible martial art and motivational topic under the sun.  It is good to expand your horizon and learn how others practice, teach, and engage in martial arts, or practice positivity in their lives. I study traditional martial arts. They are vastly different from other martial art styles or concepts. I love seeing both the physical and mental application of martial arts in life through many different styles. I also love reading a good, inspiring story. It is educational, relaxing, and fun to read a few words that will help guide you forward in your own journey.

2. Apply! Take one value or virtue you have learned in a martial art and apply it directly to your life. Making martial arts part of your life outside the dojang or school helps you connect with your practice in a personal way. In what way are you humble? How have you had to persevere through a struggle? When did you break a barrier? How can you be more gracious? All of these life concepts are far greater in everyday life than you may realize. Focus, integrity, and diligence are great ones to explore, too.

3. Connect! Connect with other martial artists. Whether on social media, at tournaments or in seminars, talk to your peers about training, living, and seeking a better way of life through martial arts. Philosophical discussions are fun, and those about training, style, or technique are inspiring too!

4. Write! Write a journal. You don’t have to be a professional writer to transcribe how amazing your martial art journey is. Think about your own children reading it someday, or think about reading when you are older and looking back on your amazing martial art accomplishments.  Writing a journal is a great release of stress, a wonderful form of expression, and a creative exercise, too.

5. Create! Create your own form, movement, kick, or technique. There is nothing that says you cannot create a unique expression of yourself through one of these means. Put it to music, or do it in the solitude of the outdoors. Take what you know and combine it into something meaningful for you. You don’t have to share it or show it outside the confines of your own life, or you can blast it out at a tournament that allows for creative forms. I do a lot of kicks in my yard, and I try to stretch both my limits and my imagination. I don’t replace my traditional learning, I just allow myself some creative license to explore new elements that are interesting to me.

6. Volunteer! Do you know how many places would love for you to teach martial arts on a volunteer basis? Churches, retirement centers, low-income neighborhoods, and other programs have a huge need for wonderful volunteers to either talk about or teach something for free. Not every student can pay for classes. I taught for 7 years in a low-income troubled neighborhood for free, and I loved every minute. I made a difference!

7. Influence! People will always see you as someone special when they learn that you are a martial artist. Why? Because there is an aura about you, a strength in your character, and a vibrant beat to your life. Use opportunities to not only promote martial arts, but to promote healthful living, balance, and reaching dreams and goals. By leading by example, and using powerful thoughts and words, you will not only better their lives, but yours as well.

8. Practice! All martial artists practice the physical stuff, but do you also practice the mental? Changing the negativity to which we are predisposed, to positivity, takes some effort. Everyone has struggles and challenges. How you react and respond has a lot to do with the practice of your mentality. Practice a positive mindset.

9. Expect! Expect to be successful. Expect to achieve. Too many times we place limits on who we are because we don’t feel qualified, or because we don’t think we are good enough. Forget all that. You are just as qualified as the next guy to do whatever you want. You are just as qualified to apply for a job, write a book, or get an education. You need to start expecting success now so you are ready for it when it arrives. If you never envision it, you may never see it. Do you want to achieve a black belt? See yourself wearing it. Do you want a successful career?  See yourself already in it. Today is the day to expect your personal greatness to reveal itself.

10. Believe! Last but not least, and probably the most important, is for you to believe. A belief in a higher power, and a belief in the good of humanity is great. A belief in yourself is very valuable, too! We need to believe we are good, positive, capable, and empowered people. When we believe this, we exude positivity outward into our work places, communities, friends, and families. It is this positive energy that makes a positive change in our world, one small step at a time, together, you and me.

So, it is up to you now. Just take a few of these actions and put them to work in your life. There is nothing like the feeling of accomplishment, or of making a positive difference in your life.  You can do it! Your life is full of possibilities and potential. Wait no longer to put this list to work in your life, and always keep moving in a powerful forward direction!

xoxo

Andrea

My new book, The Martial Arts Woman, is now available. Purchase through my e-commerce store: http://themartialartswoman.storenvy.com/ or on Amazon!

The Martial Arts Woman shares the stories and insights of more than twenty-five women in the martial arts, and how they apply martial arts to their lives. Unlike most other martial art books, the reader will catch a glimpse into the brave and empowered woman who dares to be all that she can be. Many of these women had to overcome great societal or personal challenges to break into the men’s world of martial arts. This book will motivate and inspire you to go after your goals in life and to fight through every challenge and defeat every obstacle. The Martial Arts Woman will open your eyes to the power of the human spirit and the martial art mindset that dwells in each of us!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

Andrea F. Harkins is a  writer, motivator, life coach, martial artist, and public speaker. Her book, The Martial Arts Woman, is now available at themartialartswoman.storenvy.com or on Amazon!

Andrea is Internationally known for her positivity through martial arts efforts and outreach, and her writing. She is currently a columnist for Martial Arts Illustrated UK, The Martial Arts Guardian (UK), the World Martial Arts Magazine, MASUCCESS, Conflict Manager, Martial Arts Business (Australia), The Parrish Village News, and her blog, The Martial Arts Woman.  Contact her through this website’s CONTACT ME page for information on public speaking, autographs, and life coaching.