Balancing Your Life

How can an out-of-balance view of life cause you

 to miss out on much of what life has to offer?

A young boy was walking through the park.  As he looked down he saw a penny shining up at him out of the grass.  He picked it up and was so excited and pleased with his find that every time he went out he would always look for money on the ground.

Over the years by keeping his eyes on the ground he found many pennies, nickels, quarters, and even a couple dollar bills.  The total he found over his life was $20.86.

Looking at the ground to find the money hadn't cost him anything, so he thought.  But in reality the true cost of this unbalanced way of looking at life had cost him plenty.  It cost him about 30,000 sunsets and 500 rainbows.  It cost him watching his children on the playground and other places as they grew up.  It cost him noticing the birds in the trees, the sun in the sky, and all kinds of beautiful things.  All because his look at life was so unfocused.

If we live our lives out of balance we can become like the little boy.  We will have a view of the world that misses the full panorama that the world offers us.  Balance your life. 

 Don't settle for the change on the ground.

6 Human Needs

Anyone who has travelled with me in a car knows I love listening to self-help cds. It is one way that I invest in myself, as well as utilize my time to the fullest. Rather than listen to negative media, or bad music all the time I listen to various speakers, Les Brown, Brian Tracey, Craig Grochel and probably my all-time favorite Anthony Robbins. Anthony Robbins talks 6 essentials of what we as humans need. Sometimes they conflict with each other and sometimes they can cause both pain and pleasure. But if we dig down through everything we will discover these 6 basic needs.  Once we understand these 6 basic needs, we can use this knowledge to help to change our habits. Here are Anthony Robbins 6 Human Needs

1. Certainty: assurance you can avoid pain and gain pleasure.  If I want certainty, I replay the same song or movie because I know what to expect. There are no surprises. The past does not equal the future.

2. Uncertainty/Variety: the need for the unknown, change, new stimuli. There is uncertainty in everyday and what we do with that uncertainty that shows our character. The only certain thing in life is that there is uncertainty.

3. Significance: feeling unique, important, special or needed. We all want to be important or standout, and have a purpose.  We can heal ourselves from so many things by holding onto our purpose.

4. Connection/Love: a strong feeling of closeness or union with someone or something. The thought that we are a part of something bigger than ourselves will drive us to want to connect with people.  If I help enough other people get what they want I will always get what I want and deserve.

5. Growth: an expansion of capacity, capability or understanding.  Constant and never ending improvement towards a worthwhile goal it is the foundation of the daily habits we need to create for ourselves.  What are you doing today to help you overcome what you could not do yesterday?  Step in to the unknown by choice!

6. Contribution: a sense of service and focus on helping, giving to and supporting others.  Understanding that you do not climb the high mountain alone and if you want to get to the top of the mountain then you have to help others get there before you.  Live full Die Empty

Respectfully,
Mr. Chris Rowe

Uncommon Success

I watched a video from one of my favorite authors and a mentor
Robin Sharma and here are some key highlights...
Know your ONE thing – Do not try and be all things to all
people…if you own your own business what is your one thing
that will be your game changer? That one thing, that will have
the greatest impact on your business. Maybe it is focussing on
your gift or talent. Know your one thing.
Three Key Habits – These are not goals, these are fundamental
changes that you NEED to make to get that uncommon success.
Those keys steps, that will be a part of your greater action plan,
things that will allow you to really get the most out of each day.
Here are some examples.
           a. Get up earlier so that you have time to read
           b. Journal Each day
           c. After work, take a few minutes before you go
                inside your house to set your mind clear on
                loving your family
           d. Training 2-3 times/week
Remember that you have to do something for 66 days before it
replaces old thinking.
Delete Energy Vampires – those people that when you are
around, they are complaining about…everything. How is your
day? And they unload all the bad things that have happened.
You tell them your dream or vision of your awesome future and
they try to sabotage it, by telling you how dumb it is, or that it is
stupid. Politely let them go, so that you can surround yourself
with people who will encourage, support, and drive you to
succeed.
Invest in Personal Development – Invest in seminars, books, in
audio books, anything where you can hear or read a great
message, or meet great people. It will come back at least 30
times to you. Every time you go to an event you just have to get
one good idea, lead, or confirmation to make it worthwhile.
(Personally I have many CD's of Anthony Robins, Brian Tracey,
audio books of Les Brown, Books by Robin Sharma, Steven
Covey, Paulo Cohen that I just keep listening to, or reading) Try
to go to one seminar or event each year. (Leadership Summit –
here in Kelowna in October is a great one!)
Seek out BIG Joy- First get joyful, happy, find peace and that will
lead to success. Once you get into those states you boost your
dopamine, become more energized, and have more focus. Do
those things you want to, don't wait for that promotion, for
some future event to give yourself permission to seek out BIG
joy…Do it now Do it Right Do it All applies everywhere not just
during tasks we do not want to do.
Respectfully,
Mr. Chris Rowe

The Benefits of Age Specific training in Martial arts

Most martial arts schools will have classes spread over a couple of different ages groups.  As with any business it is dependent on the number of kids in the program.  For most schools you would want to see about 5-1, or 6-1 depending on the age range of the kids, and their ability.  At Quest we have implemented a new SKILLZ program that targets a very specific age range with a small ratio of kids to instructors, and here is why…

3-4 year olds love physical activity and anything involving play. They have a rich imagination and strong desire to be less dependent on their usual caregivers. The problem we discovered is that many children this age have a hard time with structure in a group environment like what is commonly found in most Martial Arts schools. The solution we found is to provide them with their own program that targets their stage of development in a manner that keeps them entertained while at the same time building skills that set them up for success. With that said, a structured program introducing early skill-based training in Martial Arts has proven to be very successful.

5-6 year olds are the most enthusiastic students. They love creativity and problem solving, which makes them ideal students in the Martial Arts. The problem we discovered is they are so progressive in following tasks, some teachers tend to treat them like their older peers. This is a problem because they still do not have

the basic skills necessary to keep up with children ages 7 and up. The solution we found is to provide them with their own program that targets their stage of development in a manner that adapts to their social and intellectual curiosity while at the same time building skills that set them up for success. With that said a structured program introducing basic skill-based training in Martial Arts has proven to be very successful.

7-9 year olds are what most people consider "the golden age." They are proficient in their vocabulary and problem-solving skills, yet they are not at the age where they want complete independence from adults. This makes the teacher-student relationship stronger than ever. The problem we discovered is they still lack core skills, and although they are highly intelligent, they struggle to keep up with students ages 10 and up. The solution we found is to provide them with their own program that targets their stage of development in a manner that adapts to their adventurous attitude and youthful nature while at the same time building skills that set them up for success. With that said a structured program introducing core skill-based training in Martial Arts has proven to be very successful.

10-14 year olds are the smartest students in the school. Yes, they are smarter than most adults! They are also physically competent and can excel in most physical challenges that are presented to them. The problem we discovered is they are so focused on what is socially acceptable that they have a hard time keeping themselves emotionally driven to the task at hand. The solution we found is to provide them with their own program that targets their stage of development in a manner that nurtures their social and emotional instability while at the same time building skills that set them up for success. With that said a structured program introducing extreme skill-based training in Martial Arts has proven to be very successful.

As a parent it is important for you to know what your child is learning and who it is impacting them.   Make sure you stay and watch your child play and compete in martial arts class so that they can show you how they are doing, and you can encourage them at the same time.  

We think of it as martial arts skills but lessons for life.

Goal Setting for 2014

Every year at this time we tend to set New Year Resolutions,
most of which are dreams, or a vision of a Utopia that is not obtainable.
The difference between goal setting and dreaming and vision comes
from the simple act of writing it down. Only about 5% of people will set
(write down) their goals. Then even fewer take continued steps to
achieve their goals. Here are some basic steps from author and coach
Brian Tracy to remember as getting ready to make 2014 your best year
ever!

Goal setting - be SMART. Every morning take some time to review
your goals, re-write them in the presence tense as if it has happened
already. That way you begin to imbed them deep into your super
conscious. Visualize either just with your mind or use a vision board,
and get excited about the reality you are creating. It will open your mind
to the potential of the day, and you will begin to have the LUCK you
were waiting for. Really there is no such thing as luck, just your good
fortune masked in the form of your hard work.

Planning and Organizing - if you fail to plan you are planning to fail.
Plan your next move for the following day. Before bed utilize the aspect
of journaling to release any challenges that occurred that day as well
as set your super conscious mind in motion for what it will need to
work on threw out the night. Just ask the question and let the Universe
work it out. It is important to plan on paper, it helps with keeping the
goals in the front of your mind instead of hidden under the day.

Concentration on your High Value Activities - Do it Now, Do it Right,
Do it All! Do not let yourself get distracted by "tasks". Things that
could get done either by someone else or at a later time. What is the
one or two things that will bring the biggest bang for your buck!
Exercise and Proper Nutrition - Garbage in Garbage out! Your health
is more important than anything else. By disciplining yourself to
exercise regularly and to eat carefully, you will promote the highest
possible levels of health and fitness throughout your life. As well
when you FEEL physically strong you will be mentally strong.

Learning and Growth - Learners are Earners! Your mind is like a
muscle. If you don’t use it, you lose it. Continuous learning and
personal growth is the minimum requirement for success in any field.
Time for Important People in Your Life - Self, Family, Business. It all
begins with you...it is not selfish to take time for you to do something
that inspires you. Maybe that is coming to Quest to train, maybe sit and
meditate or read. Then remember that without your friends and family
any success you have will feel hollow. Be sure that in climbing the
ladder of success, you do not find it leaning against the wrong building.
Build time for your relationships into every day, no matter how busy
you get.

Finally it all comes down to Action! It is not what you know but what
you do with what you know! The best laid plans or of no use unless
you take the steps to make it happen. Watching the most motivational
videos, or read books does nothing if you don't do something with it.


Respectfully,
Mr. Chris Rowe

The Full Armour of Martial Arts

      Martial arts will teach us many lessons. Some about physical situations in self defense and sparring, some about breaking material such as wood, or brick however the real  strength it gives comes from within.  The real “armor” of martial arts is in the understanding of universal laws we have been talking about, the Laws of Sowing and Reaping, Attraction, Abundance, Vibration, Polarity and Rhythm...through the understanding of these laws, we can protect ourselves from so much more than anything physical.

     Although we know the Universal Laws, it is not what we know but what we do with what we know...so there is also some armour that will help keep us mentally safe. When we use the following pieces of armour, we defend from the real and ongoing attack that each of us face, every day.  The attack on our confidence, ability and self-worth can be overwhelming sometimes.

Helmut of Salvation of the Higher Purpose we have
Breastplate of Courtesy and Righteousness
Belt of Integrity and Truth
Shoes of Perseverance and Peace
Shield of Self Control and Faith
Sword of Indomitable Spirit

When we get up each morning and meditate on these things, we activate the Universal Power (I call it God, you can choose something else) to help fight the good fight.  To help us overcome the inner demons (ego) that constantly say we are not good enough, you are too old, you do not even have a college degree, who's going to listen to a little kid? all sorts of negative things that we say to ourselves.  When we put on the amour of martial arts it will help us to seek and destroy the negative weeds in the garden of our mind.  Then clearing space to plant Goods seeds in our Good soil to produce a plentiful crop of 30, 60, or 100 times.


Respectfully,
Mr. Chris Rowe

Universal Law

There are several great resources for understanding the Universal Laws, I read this great blog One Mind Energy, that does a very good job, and anyone who has traveled with me, knows I listen to Brian Tracy Universal Laws of Success as well, among others.  So here is a collaborated understanding of these four Universal Laws.

The Law Of Abundance can best be understood by looking at the continual growth and unlimited resources available within our Universe. It is continuously producing and multiplying effortlessly through the power of the Universal Laws, the abundance of which is determined only by our own self limiting beliefs.
 If it is to be…It is up to me!

The Law Of Vibration states that anything that exists in our universe, whether seen or unseen, broken down into and analysed in it's purest and most basic form, consists of pure energy.  And that pure energy is constantly moving (vibrating) at a certain frequency, and that it will resonate with others things at the same frequency...think of 2 pianos in a room, strike the “C” on one and the other pianos string will Vibrate along with it. So when we think certain thoughts, we begin to connect with certain people, the type of people is our choice.
Who Am I…I am a Champion!

The Law Of Polarity.  Do you ever wonder why in a world of untold Abundance, that we must sometimes go through events, conditions and circumstances that we perceive as unpleasant? When we becoming aware of and develop a deeper understanding concerning the Law Of Polarity we see that if there was nothing bad, we would never know if something was good, if there was no light we would not know dark, if there was no cold we would not know warmth, if there was no anger, we would not know Love.
 Things are neither good nor bad, but thinking makes them so

The Law of Rhythm simple states that everything has a season, and a time affixed to it.  We do not always know what that time frame is, we may not like it, but it is there.  The only thing we can state with certainty is that “This too shall pass”.  When you are going through a tough time with your goals, you are training but not seeing the results you want, and you feel discouraged...”This too shall pass”.  When you are struggling with your relationships, work, or there is a down turn in the economy...”This too shall pass”.
Everything has its tides

Respectfully, 

Mr. Chris Rowe