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Assiduous

Tag: goals

  • New Beginnings and the Next Chapter: My Journey Back to Martial Arts

    Assiduous

    Hey everyone,

    It’s been a while since I’ve touched base through this blog—since September, to be precise. Life, as it tends to do, has thrown a few punches and has taken me down some unexpected pathways. But as any seasoned martial artist knows, it’s not about how hard you can hit, but how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. So, here I am, ready to share some exciting personal updates and what this means for our blog’s future.

    A New Role in Familiar Territory

    For starters, I’m elated to announce a new professional venture: I am now the Program Director for Premier Martial Arts in Lawrence, Kansas. It’s an opportunity that, a decade ago, seemed like a distant dream. Back then, while training for my black belt and teaching a couple of classes a week, I had hoped to make martial arts my full-time gig. Unfortunately, the need for a steady income and benefits from my role as an operations manager at a distribution center made that impossible.

    Despite the setback, my commitment to training never wavered, even as I navigated through the trials of injury and recovery. My journey has included two knee surgeries—a microfracture surgery followed by another due to over-healed scar tissue. Through the pain, the swelling, and the countless shots trying to mimic knee fluid, my spirit remained unbroken, even when my body urged me to pause.

    From Recovery to Revival

    There’s something about the resilience we build through our trials. Years passed, filled with physical challenges and labor-intensive work. However, the moment I found myself running effortlessly during a work incident, I knew it was time. My knee had recovered, and with it, my passion for martial arts rekindled.

    Training resumed with gusto, only to be curbed once more—this time by the pandemic. The restrictions were tough, and as an “essential” worker, my job’s demands only increased. Martial arts took a back seat yet again.

    Turning the Page

    Fast-forward to the latter part of 2023, and life presented a crossroads. After 23 years with the distribution center and a couple attempts at other jobs, I was ready for a change. I knew this, I wanted to use my background in business and helping people to help someone, preferably a small business, grow. Serendipitously, a position opened at the very school where my martial arts journey began. After thoughtful discussions with my wife, I decided to leap into this new chapter.

    What This Means for the Blog

    What does this mean for our blog? I’ve always grappled with the blog’s direction, teetering between my passions for martial arts, fitness, self-defense, and personal development. With this career shift, I’m excited to bring more focused content that aligns with these interests.

    I’m currently pursuing a certification as a Tactical Conditioning Trainer and re-engaging with teaching pepper spray deployment. Expect to see content that not only shares my personal experiences but also provides educational insights into these areas.

    Stay Tuned and Stay Assiduous

    So, stay tuned, and thank you for sticking with me. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s the power of being assiduous—in training, in recovery, and in life. It’s about diligent, persistent effort. Remember what it is to be assiduous.

  • A Journey of Self-Improvement and Relationships

    Assiduous

    What motivates you?

    As I sit down to pen this blog post, I am reminded of my core values and motivations that have shaped me into the person I am today. At the heart of it all, I strive to be the best version of myself – a loving friend, husband, father and brother. This is not only for the people in my life who deserve the best of me but also for myself. I believe that we all owe it to ourselves to continually grow and evolve, not just for the benefit of those around us, but for our own fulfillment and happiness.

    We live in a pretty amazing world that is brimming with opportunities for learning and growth. It’s a world that deserves to be explored and experienced to the fullest. I want to ensure that when my time comes to leave this world, I have left no stone unturned, no opportunity unexplored, and no potential untapped (within reason of course).

    Reflecting on my life, I find myself drawn back to my early years and my experiences with religion. I was raised in a Protestant family and attended church regularly. In middle school, I transitioned from a public school to a private Christian one. These experiences, I believe, have helped shape my perspective on life and self-improvement.

    One realization I had today from this time is the overlap I believe must exist between Christianity and Stoicism. I’m no expert on that topic but statements like, and I’m paraphrasing, “I want to be more like Jesus every day and less of me” resonate similarly with Stoic statements like “Man is both the marble and the sculptor.” While I was influenced more by the former in my formative years, the concept of self-improvement and personal growth was firmly planted in my mind.

    Another significant takeaway from my school years was the exposure to diverse beliefs within the same religion. My school was run by a Pentecostal church, and their practices were quite different from what I was accustomed to in my home church. This experience taught me to question things, seek understanding, and challenge my perceptions. This mindset has made me a lifelong learner and has continually motivated me to grow and improve.

    I wanted to share a few books that have been important in my journey and I thought maybe you would enjoy them too. Theres a mix of stoicism and Buddhism here but they won’t fail?

    1. “Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius: This classic Stoic text offers profound insights on life, death, duty, and the universe.
    2. “Wisdom for the Way” by Bruce Lee Compiled from Bruce Lee’s personal notes and writings, this book offers profound insights on martial arts, personal development, and philosophy, providing readers with timeless wisdom to navigate life’s challenges and cultivate a balanced mind, body, and spirit.
    3. “The Obstacle is the Way” by Ryan Holiday This book draws on ancient Stoic philosophy to show readers how to transform obstacles into opportunities, providing a practical guide for overcoming challenges, finding resilience, and achieving personal growth.
    4. “The Unfettered Mind” by Takian Sōhō is a classic Zen text that explores the nature of the mind and its relationship to the world, offering practical teachings and philosophical insights to cultivate a state of mental clarity, freedom, and spontaneity in all aspects of life. It provides guidance on overcoming obstacles, mastering one’s emotions, and finding inner peace through a deep understanding of the self.

    In the end, my journey towards self-improvement and being the best version of myself is a continuous one. I hope that my experiences and insights can inspire you on your journey, and that the books I’ve recommended can provide guidance along the way.

  • How I get S@!T done.

    Assiduous

    How do you plan your goals?

    Getting S@!t done….

    Bruce Lee once said, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” So, let’s take that first step together. Each goal we set out to accomplish is like a journey. It might seem daunting at first, but breaking it down into manageable tasks can make it much less overwhelming.

    Starting Abstractly

    When embarking on a new project, it’s essential to start with a specific end goal in mind, even if the path to get there isn’t yet clear. This abstract approach allows for flexibility and adaptability as you begin your journey.

    Research is a critical first step. Platforms like Pinterest can provide a wealth of inspiration and insights into what others have done before you. From there, you can start breaking your goal down into its component parts, asking questions like: What steps do I need to take? What supplies will I need? How much time will this take?

    Utilizing Technology: iPhone Reminders App

    As an iPhone user, one of my favorite tools for goal-setting and task management is the built-in Reminders app. With this app, you can create different lists for various projects, set reminders for specific tasks, and even use location-based reminders to prompt you to do something when you arrive at or leave a specific place.

    The app also allows you to set priorities for your reminders, add notes, and create subtasks. You can even share your lists with others if you’re collaborating on a project.

    Additionally, the Notes app on your iPhone can be used to jot down ideas, create parts lists, or sketch out plans. This can be especially useful when you’re on the go and want to bundle tasks together for efficiency.

    The Importance of SMART Goals

    An essential part of any goal-setting process is the concept of SMART goals. SMART is an acronym that stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

    • Specific: Your goal should be clear and specific. Instead of saying, “I want to get fit,” say, “I want to run a 5K in 30 minutes.”
    • Measurable: You should be able to track your progress. Using the example above, you can measure how close you are to running a 5K in 30 minutes.
    • Achievable: It’s important to set goals that are realistic and attainable. While it’s good to aim high, setting an impossible goal can lead to frustration and demotivation.
    • Relevant: Your goal should be relevant to your broader life goals. If you’re aiming to improve your health, running a 5K is a relevant goal.
    • Time-bound: Setting a deadline can create a sense of urgency and can motivate you to take action. For instance, you might aim to run a 5K in 30 minutes within six months.

    Conclusion

    Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day. Be lenient with yourself and understand that achieving goals takes time and often requires overcoming obstacles. However, with careful planning, using the resources available to you, and setting SMART goals, you can set yourself up for success.

    Stay assiduous and keep striving towards your goals. Each step you take is a step closer to your destination. And remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. So take that step today and embark on your journey towards achieving your goals.