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Assiduous

Tag: motivation

  • 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.

  • The Power of Ice Baths

    Assiduous
    My IcePod Ice bath

    Introduction:
    Have you ever considered trading your regular morning shower for an invigorating ice bath? While it may sound daunting, ice baths have gained popularity for their potential health benefits and the refreshing wake-up they provide. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of ice baths and how they can positively impact your well-being. From improved circulation to enhanced mental clarity, the advantages are numerous. So, prepare to dive into the world of ice baths and discover a new way to start your day feeling revitalized.

    1. Boosts Circulation and Recovery:
      One of the most significant benefits of ice baths is their ability to stimulate blood circulation. Plunging into cold water causes blood vessels to constrict, which helps flush out waste products and toxins from your muscles. As you exit the ice bath, the blood vessels dilate, increasing blood flow and delivering fresh oxygen and nutrients to the muscles. This process can aid in post-workout recovery, reducing muscle soreness and promoting faster healing.
    2. Enhances Mental Wellness:
      Ice baths are not just beneficial for the body; they can also have a positive impact on your mental well-being. The shock of cold water triggers the release of endorphins, which are natural mood enhancers. This can lead to an immediate boost in mood, increased alertness, and a sense of mental clarity. Ice baths may also help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, serving as a natural stress reliever.
    3. Promotes Weight Loss and Metabolism:
      While weight loss may be a subjective measure, some individuals have reported positive effects when incorporating ice baths into their wellness routine. Exposure to cold temperatures can activate brown adipose tissue (BAT), also known as “good fat,” which helps burn calories to generate heat. Additionally, ice baths may increase metabolic rate, allowing the body to burn more calories throughout the day.
    4. Improves Sleep Quality:
      If you struggle with sleep issues or insomnia, ice baths might offer a natural solution. Taking an ice bath before bed can help lower your body temperature, signaling to your brain that it’s time to sleep. The subsequent warming process after the ice bath can induce a more relaxed state, potentially leading to improved sleep quality and duration.
    5. Enhances Immune Function:
      Cold exposure through ice baths has been linked to improved immune function. Cold water immersion triggers an increase in white blood cell activity, enhancing the body’s ability to fight off infections and illnesses. Regular ice baths may contribute to a stronger immune system, reducing the risk of common ailments.

    I chose the IcePod from The Pod Company because is the price and the reviews I’ve seen so far. It’s a fraction of the cost of typical set ups and the design seems well thought out. I will do a more thorough review of the IcePod after I get a chance to use it for a little while. Along with the review of the Pod itself, I will be measuring its impact on my sleep as well as my heart rate. I will share any other data relevant to the claims made but it will likely be anecdotal and I’ll state that as well.


    While the benefits of ice baths are promising, it’s important to approach them with caution and consider individual preferences and health conditions. If you decide to incorporate ice baths into your routine, start slowly and gradually increase the duration and intensity. Remember to listen to your body and prioritize safety. Ice baths can be a refreshing and invigorating way to kickstart your day, promoting physical and mental well-being.

    If you interested is reading more, check out my post on the Wim Hof method here.

  • 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.