Process versus goals
We are a very goal oriented culture. A premium is placed on results. Competition is touted as providing a level of tension that causes us to excel, but it can also be a source of stress and negative pressure. Our training can be affected in the same way for many of us. There is the pressure to get quick results, and the pressure brought on by comparing oneself to others who may be picking things up faster or simply have been in the system longer. There are other constraints such as jobs, children, and relationships that all require our attention, and these can also make progress in training a little slower than we might like sometimes.
For some of you this is your first exposure to physical activity of any sort. Even for students who have experience with strenuous physical activites or competitive sports in their backgrounds it can be hard to face the unique challenge of learning how to deal with issues of violence and personal safety. It is a lot for anyone to confront, absorb, and work on. The only way to make lasting changes is to integrate them slowly and comfortably. Take your time and make your Krav Maga self defense training a natural and sustainable addition to your life.
Most of the time, if we stop and reflect on it, much of our discontent comes from self imposed ideas of where we should be but are not yet, or what we should have but don’t. Look around a class next time you come here, and you may spot a few people that are struggling with some things that now feel easy to you. They may be looking at you and thinking to themselves how they wish they could do a choke defense as well as you do. There will always be people who are ahead of us, challenging us, pushing us to the next level and providing an example for what we would like to become. Maybe you are one of those people to other students, and I’m sure you can think of someone who provides that challenge or example for you.
A great writer once said he had a hard time writing every day, so in order to do it he just lowered his standards. I take it to mean that we will not be at the top of our game every day, and in order to practice our craft, whatever it is, we just need to practice. Some days will be good, some will be a struggle, and if we persevere some days will be inspired, the kind of days that help us break through sticking points and feel joy with what we are doing. Don’t let self imposed pressure take away from the joy of training. Enjoy the process while you attain each of your goals.
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