It Really Is Absurd...But You Can Do Something About It!

"Absurdum est ut alios regat, qui seipsum regere nescit." -Latin Proverb

(Translation: It is absurd that a man should rule others, who cannot rule himself.)

Here is something for you to consider: As a Martial Artist, you are a Leader. You may not be a Black Belt...YET, and you may not be "in front" of people a lot, and you may not be in charge of much right now. You may not even consider yourself a "leader" in the ways most people think of a leader. Or maybe you are some of these things. Either way, think about it...

Martial Artists are traditionally known as people who are willing to endure great sacrifice in order to gain great achievement. Martial artists are seen as people who practice self-discipline, and have a great deal of confidence they can overcome just about anything set in front of them. Martial Artists are considered to be people who pursue extreme levels of physical fitness, high goals of living wisely, and have the ability to influence others with their actions.

Wait...wait...there it is...there's that word...

INFLUENCE!

The reality is that Leadership is Influence, and Influence begins with yourself. Whether you realize it or not, the moment you tell someone that you practice Martial Arts (no matter what style), you become a leader in that person's eyes. You don't even have to say anything. If someone finds out, guess what...that's right...they see you as a leader, as someone who lives life at a different level. When you "step on the mat", you have taken a step that many people only dream about. You've taken one more step than the next person, and that puts you "one step ahead"...in other words...you are in a position of Influence.

Here's the catch...

Are you able to "influence" yourself to get out there and practice the basics? Can you "influence" yourself to do the hard things, even when everybody else wants to do the easy things? Are you willing to do first what you would ask others to do (or do you just want to order people around)?

In order to lead others, you must lead yourself first. Whether you are training in your style, helping at home, getting work done at school, or wanting a promotion at work...Lead yourself to do whatever must be done, and others will follow naturally (and so will what you are working toward).

So, you may not be giving a speech today, but lead yourself and others will "listen" to your actions. You may not teach a class of thirty students a new self-defense form today, but lead yourself to learn that self-defense form to the best of your ability and others around you will want to follow your "lead" and excel too.

(Oh, and if you ARE leading that class today...you better have taken the time to lead yourself before you step in front of your students. You have a high level of influence, and that is a great responsibility.)

So, friend...train hard, take pride in the fact that you are a Martial Artist, and realize that you are a leader to others around you...but more importantly, you are a leader to YOURSELF first!

Have An Extraordinary Day!
Doug McGannon
Kickgen username: KGDoug
http://www.twitter.com/dougmcgannon