Ancient Teaching Method...In 20 Words!

There is an ancient teaching method that is still, in my opinion, one of the most effective methods of transferring knowledge and wisdom and physical skill to others. I can sum it up in 20 words...

(Oh, and about the pic...read on and you will understand. Trust me...)

20 words...

I Do, You Watch
I Do, You Do
You Do, I Do
You Do, I Watch
You Do, You Teach

Sound simple, right? Simple...Yes. Easy...No.

As with any true teaching, this takes time, effort, and an overcoming of significant obstacles. For thousands of years, though, this method has been used by many great and wise teachers to pass on their legacy through others. Depending on which group of people, or which nation of people, you are speaking of, this method of teaching is known as Discipleship, Mentorship, Apprenticeship, Parenting, Mastery, or Coaching (you may know of some other terms). Each of these methods hold their own unique values in terms of what they offer, but the core is the same.

Let's go deeper on this one...

Line 1: "I Do, You Watch"
The teacher is visually (or audibly, or kinesthetically) sharing what the student is to learn.

Line 2: "I Do, You Do"
The teacher is inviting the student to participate in the learning/instruction process in order to receive transference more personally, through supervised practice. The primary instruction and responsibility here remains with the Teacher.

Line 3: "You Do, I Do"
The roles begin to reverse slightly here. The teacher gives greater responsibility to the student, yet the student is still learning deeply from the teacher. This is when the student really begins to take on the "spirit" or the essence of the teacher and what he is offering. Instead of a "stand back and watch" approach, teaching becomes more of "let's walk through this together" approach.

Line 4: "You Do, I Watch"
The teacher says, "You know this. Now teach me. If you can teach this back to me, I believe you've got it!" Huge responsibility and accountability here on the part of the student. Huge amount of trust on the part of the teacher.

Final Line: "You Do, You Teach"
The teacher releases the student symbolically. The teacher in his own unique way communicates to the student that he or she has now achieved a level of Mastery with the subject matter. In the same breath, it is understood the student has really only just begun his journey to a lifelong pursuit of Mastery (just like when you receive your Black Belt, you realize just how little you actually know and how much more there is to learn). Here, though, the student becomes the teacher and is given the greatest responsibility in that he is now empowered and commissioned to transfer to others. There is no higher calling!

Depending on what you are teaching (or learning) this can take minutes, or years! If I want to teach you how to balance a spoon on the end of your nose...probably minutes (which I can do by the way!). If I want to teach you how to be a leader of people...probably years, due to the responsibility of influence over people and resources. Either way, the journey of learning/teaching/learning/mastering is a wonderful one, and it is never too late to begin this journey!

It's like someone once said, "It's not the destination. It's the journey that counts."

Think about someone who is a teacher to you today. Now go to that person or call that person and thank them for their time, energy, and all the resources they spend on pouring into your life. They deserve it!

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

In Memory Of...YOU!

Today I would like us to attend a Memorial Service in honor of you. "WHAT!?!?! But I'm still here," you say. And of course you are, which is the PERFECT time to attend this service...waaaaay before it ever happens.

Now, before you think I'm getting all morbid on you, or before you think I've all but lost it...follow me for a just a minute.

Imagine being at a Memorial Service in your honor. The thing I really want to focus on today (and during some reflection over the weekend) is what it is you would WANT someone to say about you at a memorial service.

How would you like to be remembered? What legacy are you leaving behind in the trails you are blazing?

"Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending." -Anonymous

The actions you take and the words you speak on a day-to-day basis are what people will remember you by. (All of these actions and words added up over the years is called your Life.) Your actions and words are born from your VALUES. Your values are sort of like invisible little guides that help you make the right choices and form your thinking, and as a result influence your actions and words. If you know what your values are, you will live congruently with them and you will experience a great deal of peace and success. If you don't know what your values are, your life will seem like it is all over the place, and you will experience indecision, increased negative stress, and a life seemingly out of balance.

Everyday each of us will experience circumstances that test our character, patience, and our peace of mind. Are your values clearly defined? If so, you will pass these daily tests. If not...you get the picture.

So, I will give you a short example and then make you an offer:

One of my personal values is: Inspiration. I want to live an inspired life. That means I am going to surround myself continually with people and environments that inspire me. But it goes much deeper. I want to live a life of inspiration to others. That means I want to be able to inspire people through my actions and words. That also means I have to walk-the-walk and talk-the-talk. This daily writing through Kickgen.com is one way I try to inspire people in my life. My hope is that somewhere along the way, you are inspired by these written words and that you can find a way to use them in positive ways in your own life and martial arts training. An example of another value I live by is Integrity (they don't all begin with "I")...and you can imagine what a value like this means to a person. Another is Family (this is definitely one of my TOP values).

Most people should choose 7-10 Values at most and then align your life with those values.

Here's my offer (this is for Kickgen.com members ONLY, by the way, as I normally reserve this type of thing to people that I am coaching personally). If you are interested, I would like to send you a list of values and a worksheet to help you identify values and apply them to your life. I thought about posting it on Kickgen.com, but I would rather send it to you if you REALLY want it, and so I am going to ask you to make a request on this offer in order to get this "Values Identification List and Worksheet". Again, only for Kickgen.com members...just one of the many VERY COOL benefits of being a member of this community.

You can message me at my profile or email me at doug@kickgen.com and I will send you this fun little Life Development exercise.

Now...how do you want to be remembered? Identify your values and live your life according to those values, and I guarantee that when the day comes that someone has to talk about your life and your impact on others...it will be exactly what you would want them to say!

Until then...

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

P.S. - Don't forget to message me or email me (doug@kicgken.com) if you would like to receive the "Values Identification List and Worksheet" and begin defining your influence in this world.

Kickgen.com Member Inspiration: Tammy Gillette

As a regular installment of this section of Kickgen.com, I would like to introduce members of the Kickgen.com community and highlight accomplishments, endeavors, and other inspirational events and activities. My intent here is to tap into some of the excitement going on in YOUR lives and share it with the rest of our community, so that we can celebrate together and cheer each other on.

Here is what I am asking of you in return: Post encouraging comments or thoughts, Add featured individuals as your friends (if you haven't already), and Use what is presented here to inspire you to become the very best you can be!

As I talk with more of you through Kickgen.com, I am convinced you are living extraordinary lives through your Martial Arts! This is an opportunity to build community through the amazing happenings taking place in your lives. I really have no limits as to what type of inspiration I am searching for...perhaps you have just earned your Yellow Belt, or competed well in a tournament, or you participated in a dynamic event to benefit someone in need in your hometown, or like today's inspirational Kickgen.com member...we have an opportunity to share in the recent accomplishments of Tammy Gillette.

Name: Tammy Gillette (username: tammyglltt)
Rank: Temporary 1st Degree Brown Belt
Style: Tae Kwon Do (TKD)
School: Columbus Junction Presbyterian TKD School, Mr. Stan Tate Head Instructor
Point of Inspiration: Tammy was recently promoted to Temporary 1st Degree Brown Belt rank and competed at the 2nd Annual Metamora Martial Arts Tournament in Metamora, IL. She placed 2nd in Women's Sparring, 2nd in Weapons Forms, 3rd in Women's Forms, and 3rd in Board Breaking.

KGDoug: So, Tammy, you recently competed in the 2nd Annual Metamora Martial Arts Tournament on April 4th and did very well. As well, on April 13th you were promoted to Temporary 1st degree Brown Belt. Congratulations, you have been very busy with your training lately. What did you do to prepare for this tournament and what is your opinion about how a Martial Artist should train for events like this?

Tammy: I prepared for the tournament by practicing forms over and over. I also practice stepping into stances. I weight train on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and with 30 minutes of cardio (elliptical machine) on the other days. Next, I practice all my forms and pay special attention to the form I will compete with (plus I have a back up if I need one). I believe practicing is what helps. Plus, videotaping also gives you insights as to how you may be doing.

KGDoug: As with anything, repetition is key. It sounds like you put in a lot of time and it is showing with your recent high placements at the tournament and with your promotion. What are some of your accomplishments you are most proud of as a Martial Artist?

Tammy: I was extremely happy when I broke 2 boards with an ax kick for the first time (since I seem to have problems breaking at times).

KGDoug: What accomplishments you are most proud of in other areas of your life?

Tammy: I was very relieved when I earned a Master of Arts degree at Western Illinois University.

KGDoug: Wow! That is no easy feat. Again, congratulations. Completing studies at that level in your education and in your Martial Arts is certainly an inspiration for the rest of us. It is one more example of how we can accomplish anything if we put our mind to it and do what is necessary to reach our goals. What are you working toward next in your training?

Tammy: I'm currently preparing for the TKD tournament in Bettendorf, IA on April 18th, and a Karate tournament in Moline, IL on April 25th. Then, I will concentrate on what I need for the rank of 1st Degree Brown Belt.

KGDoug: Definitely keep us posted. Is there anyone you would like to recognize who is, or has been, a positive influence in your life and training? Any words of encouragement you could give Kickgen.com members?

Tammy: I look up to my parents (my dad had a bad heart attack in 1994, but he didn't give up - he is walking and talking now and has some brain damage, but you can't tell it). My Mom was there for Dad and kept encouraging me to do my best. I also look up to Mr. Stan Tate, Mr. Rob Tate, and Mr. Dennis Shepard since they have pushed me to do my best.

The encouragement that I would give Kickgen.com members is perseverance. That means never give up. Always set goals to achieve.

KGDoug: Good words, Tammy, and thank you for sharing your accomplishments and goals with us. I join the members of Kickgen.com and applaud you for your hard work, dedication, and the inspiration you provide to all of us to keep going and never give up.

Give Tammy some "Never Give Up" encouragement by leaving a comment here or visiting her profile at tammyglltt.

Be Inspired and,

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

Part 2: "Quick, Hide The Comics!"...(And Other Truths)

A few days ago, I began a blog post with the following:

---
Someone once told me, "Show me who you are hanging out with and tell me what you are reading, and I can tell you what your life will look like in the next year." (I thought to myself..."Quick. Hide the comic books!")

This person is a mentor to me in the area of Leadership Development, and I learned this from him: Two things that can determine who you are becoming in the near future are:

1. Who your friends are, and;
2. What you are putting in your head.
---

For just a moment, let's look at #2:

What are you putting in your head? What are you reading? What are you listening to? Better yet, WHO are you listening to?

I believe that what you are allowing "in" is creating who you "are".

It may happen slowly without you even realizing it, but it is happening. This is why it is so important to be aware of what and who is influencing you on a daily basis. You must develop an awareness of all the things that are coming your way each day and learn to filter those things. Some things you let "in", but most of it you keep "out". It's kinda like Mental Self-defense. Being aware is the first step to defense, and learning how to block, avoid, or otherwise filter is the second step. The third step is practice.

Just like in physical self-defense, you must practice mental self-defense daily so that it becomes natural to you. There are over 3,000 messages a day from T.V., friends, family, movies, games, books, magazines, school, teachers, and so on, trying to influence you. That's somewhere around 21,000 messages a week that are trying to get "in". No wonder people are so stressed out!

You better believe we all need to practice mental self-defense every day!!!

A sports psychologist once told me the biggest difference between superstar athletes and those who struggle to "make it" is that superstars have learned to filter out over 90% of the "junk" that is coming at them each day. He said that less than 10% of what people took "in" each day was actually needed or beneficial to them. WOW!

So...have you practiced your self-defense today? Physical AND Mental? Just like the physical, the mental takes toughness, determiniation, consistency, and discipline...but it is worth it!

Oh, and by the way...you can't do this alone. Find a qualified coach, talk to your instructor, ask your parents for help...find someone who is trustworthy and can be honest with you, and ask them to be a part of your "mental self-defense" team and keep you accountable.

Here's to your mental well-being...

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

P.S. - Just like my mentor taught me...what you are reading is a key to who you are becoming. Are you reading to encourage, strengthen, develop, learn, grow...? Are you reading at all? Check your reading habits. "Readers are leaders, and leaders are readers."

P.P.S. - If you aren't reading, start with one book and go from there (and don't worry about how long it takes to get through it, just do it.) If you do read a little or a lot, think about creating a reading plan. Pick subjects (martial arts development, leadership development, business strategy, inspiration, finances, relationships, etc.) and layout a plan to read something from each category you choose over the next couple of months. Mix it up, have fun with it!

"Uh, Oh!"

My youngest son (Nathaniel) is almost two-years old, and he is one of the most adventurous babies I have seen. He loves to explore, take BIG chances, and take everything apart that he can get his hands on. He loves to run fast and play hard and truly embraces the "life with no limits" mentality of a little guy! Some of you may be thinking, "Well, that is just the way it is with every little one." True. But now multiply that by FIFTY, and you will be in the ballpark!

I love it, though. You see, he is not a bad kid, and he really isn't pushing any more of the so-called "buttons" that most any other kid pushes. He simply has a kicked-up level of passion about life...even as a little guy. There is one thing, though, that comes with living life "at full throttle" that we should all keep in mind - no matter what age we are:

It is the fact that the more you and I seek to excel, live life passionately, go "all-out", experience life to the fullest (or however else you might want to phrase this)...the more mistakes we will make along the way.

Yep. The "M" word: "Mistake". Mess up. Boo Boo. Oopsy. "Oh My!" Goof up. "I can't believe I just did that...", or Nathaniel's favorite line as of late..."UH, OH!" And he always seems to be smiling when he says it...I wonder if that is on purpose? :)

If you want to know a secret for getting the most out of life (and Martial Arts), keep reading...

I have heard it said the only two things for certain in life are Death and Taxes. (Sorry for bringing up taxes this week...) I disagree, though, because you and I are guaranteed (110%) at some point in our lives (most likely many points) to make MISTAKES!

The difference between people is not whether or not they make mistakes, rather what they do with them when they make them. Relationship mistakes. School mistakes. Job mistakes. Financial mistakes. Training mistakes...regardless of what kind, we all make them and we all have a choice of what to do with them.

I will give you a secret that is the difference between most Champions and those who are not living to their full potential. When the "average" person makes a mistake they get upset, listen to the little negative voice in their heads telling them they are "no good and just give up", stay discouraged, and otherwise remain stuck in a "ho-hum" existence.

The Champion, on the other hand, makes up his mind to overcome the mistake, to learn and grow from her experience, to pull himself up out of discouragement and accept that mistakes DO happen, and that mistakes can be the building blocks to HUGE successes, the learning curve to HIGHER education, and the experiences we need to truly EXCEL and live a MOTIVATED life.

Are you a Champion or the "average" person? Are you living life at full-throttle or just "ho-hum"? Will your next mistake catapult you to new heights or will you allow it to keep you down?

You have a choice, and I suspect that if you are reading this you are most likely on the "Champion" side of life. So...

Go ahead. Choose life at "full-throttle". Choose BIG chances. Choose to run fast, play hard, and embrace Life! Yes, you will make mistakes, and that's O.K. Use them as fuel to keep you going instead of water to put out your fire.

In the meantime...

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

P.S. - I will give you another quick secret about making the most out of your mistakes: Laugh it up! That's right. Don't take yourself so seriously. Learn to smile and laugh a little at your mistakes and it makes it easier to learn from them, overcome them, and move forward a little faster. You can always do what Nathaniel does: Just look up, smile and say "Uh, Oh!" Trust me, it works. Go ahead, smile...I dare you!