Developing persistence in martial arts is an absolute must to achieve the Black belt and beyond. The following is from the book Think and grow rich by the late Napoleon Hill. Remember what persistence can do for your life as summer approaches and calls us in all directions…stay focused.
There are four simple steps which lead to the habit of PERSISTENCE. They call for no great amount of intelligence, no particular amount of education, and but little time or effort. The necessary steps are: —
1. A DEFINITE PURPOSE BACKED BY BURNING DESIRE FOR ITS FULFILLMENT.
(What is the next goal, belt or degree you will achieve?)
2. A DEFINITE PLAN, EXPRESSED IN CONTINUOUS ACTION.
(What action(s) must you take, how many classes do you need, what date will it happen?)
3. A MIND CLOSED TIGHTLY AGAINST ALL NEGATIVE AND DISCOURAGING INFLUENCES.
(Including negative suggestions of relatives, friends and acquaintances.)
4. A FRIENDLY ALLIANCE WITH ONE OR MORE PERSONS WHO WILL ENCOURAGE ONE TO FOLLOW THROUGH WITH BOTH PLAN AND PURPOSE.
(Make a commitment to your self and your training partners to train regularly)
These four steps are essential for success in all walks of life. The entire purpose of the principles of this philosophy is to enable one to take these four steps as a matter of habit.
These are the steps by which one may control one's economic destiny.
They are the steps that lead to freedom and independence of thought.
They are the steps that lead to riches, in small or great quantities.
They lead the way to power, fame, and worldly recognition.
They are the four steps which guarantee favorable "breaks."
They are the steps that convert dreams into physical realities.
They lead, also, to the mastery of FEAR, DISCOURAGEMENT, and INDIFFERENCE.
There is a magnificent reward for all who learn to take these four steps. It is the privilege of writing one's own ticket, and of making Life yield whatever price is asked
Respectfully,
Master Dan
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
The Four Agreements
Over five years ago I read a book by an author named Don Miguel Ruiz that helped me shape an even more positive outlook on life and to understand others from a new perspective. These agreements have been adopted by Quest Academy and Tae Kwon Do International as the first four rules of our company culture and have served us well. The book is called “The Four Agreements”.
Keep these for yourself to set your mind and spirit free.
1. Be impeccable with your word. Speak with integrity and only what you mean.
2. Don’t take anything personally….nothing that others do is because of you.
3. Don’t make assumptions…find the courage to ask questions and express what you want.
4. Always do your best…your best is going to change from time to time. It will be different when you are sick as opposed to healthy. Under any circumstances simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret.
Knowledge in your mind to add to each week’s lesson, meditate on these;
1. On the path of least resistance…it makes all rivers and some men crooked.
2. Everyday is my own choice to choose…love over hate…peace over war…politeness over anger and happy over sad.
3. There are only two mistakes in Tae Kwon Do mastery. Not going all the way and not starting the journey.
4. Do the best that you can, with what you have, where you are NOW!
Respectfully,
Master Dan
Keep these for yourself to set your mind and spirit free.
1. Be impeccable with your word. Speak with integrity and only what you mean.
2. Don’t take anything personally….nothing that others do is because of you.
3. Don’t make assumptions…find the courage to ask questions and express what you want.
4. Always do your best…your best is going to change from time to time. It will be different when you are sick as opposed to healthy. Under any circumstances simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret.
Knowledge in your mind to add to each week’s lesson, meditate on these;
1. On the path of least resistance…it makes all rivers and some men crooked.
2. Everyday is my own choice to choose…love over hate…peace over war…politeness over anger and happy over sad.
3. There are only two mistakes in Tae Kwon Do mastery. Not going all the way and not starting the journey.
4. Do the best that you can, with what you have, where you are NOW!
Respectfully,
Master Dan
Thursday, April 29, 2010
What a great message - Real meaning of Words
SOME HEART RENDERING PHOTOS THAT TRULY DO DESCRIBE THE WORDS AND THEIR REAL MEANINGS.
Love...
Sorrow...
Innocence...
Departure...
Pain...
Respect...
Compassion...
Friendship...
Patience...
Rescued...
Divine...
Love...
Sorrow...
Innocence...
Departure...
Pain...
Respect...
Compassion...
Friendship...
Patience...
Rescued...
Divine...
This year we have truly learned...
"Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass....
it's about learning how to dance in the rain."
Be kinder than necessary,
Because everyone you meet
Is fighting some kind of battle.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Success habits – to excel in Tae Kwon-Do
You can and are in complete control of your progression and destination in Tae Kwon-Do as well as your life to the degree that you set your habits.
The great news is that all habits are learnt and we can activate new ones and eliminate old negative habits by our desire and willpower.
“The fact is good habits are hard to form but easy to live with. Bad habits are easy to form but hard to live with”
The key to success in habits is to get into the habit of asking as much as possible about the thing you want to achieve then take immediate action on the advice you get.
The bible says “Ask and you shall receive” You must be in the habit of asking questions constantly for knowledge towards your goal(s).
The iron law of the universe is… the law of cause and effect – which simply states that for every cause there is an effect.
“If you do what other successful martial artists do you will get the same results they do. If you don’t you won’t.”
When you do things that other successful people do in the area of what you want to learn and earn, over and over again, you will eventually get the same results that they do. It is not a matter of luck, or chance, or accident. It is a matter of universal law.
The habit of self control. – We feel happy to the degree that we feel in control. There are two types of control; one is internal (controlling our thoughts, actions, and e-motions) and the other external (trying to control outside factors). We know which one we are in the habit of using by these signs. When we use our habit of creative force we are internal and we experience more happiness. When we make excuses and blame our habit is external.
Respectfully,
Master Dan
The great news is that all habits are learnt and we can activate new ones and eliminate old negative habits by our desire and willpower.
“The fact is good habits are hard to form but easy to live with. Bad habits are easy to form but hard to live with”
The key to success in habits is to get into the habit of asking as much as possible about the thing you want to achieve then take immediate action on the advice you get.
The bible says “Ask and you shall receive” You must be in the habit of asking questions constantly for knowledge towards your goal(s).
The iron law of the universe is… the law of cause and effect – which simply states that for every cause there is an effect.
“If you do what other successful martial artists do you will get the same results they do. If you don’t you won’t.”
When you do things that other successful people do in the area of what you want to learn and earn, over and over again, you will eventually get the same results that they do. It is not a matter of luck, or chance, or accident. It is a matter of universal law.
The habit of self control. – We feel happy to the degree that we feel in control. There are two types of control; one is internal (controlling our thoughts, actions, and e-motions) and the other external (trying to control outside factors). We know which one we are in the habit of using by these signs. When we use our habit of creative force we are internal and we experience more happiness. When we make excuses and blame our habit is external.
Respectfully,
Master Dan
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Being a complete Martial Artists.
Martial artists have a disciplined life by choice. That means “they do what needs to be done whether they feel like doing it or not.” Although often times when we hear the term "Martial Artists" our mind pictures Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan or maybe Kane (a.k.a. David Carradine) from the old Kung-Fu T.V. Series. The reality is that no matter what your situation in life everyone has the choice to be disciplined, but not everyone is disciplined to make that choice. Good for you for making that choice already, that is why you are reading this blog. Please continue to be disciplined so that you can reach any worthwhile goal you want as long as you do not break mans laws, or Gods law (You can call it Universal Law do not focus on the name).
There are five areas that must have regular and conscious effort to achieve not only physical greatness but mental and spiritual as well. The five areas that create a healthy mind and body are:
- Starting with a Positive metal attitude (one of life’s greatest riches).
- Having a Proper diet, eating properly and the right things. Understand what food can do for us as well as to us.
- Learning correct relaxation and meditation techniques.
- Exercising properly, lubricates our joints, tendons and muscles as well as creating greater flexibility, strength and proper function of our internal organs.
- Correct breathing, allows you to do a number of things from clearing your system of excess mucus to learning how to connect to your higher self by connecting to your own unlimited energy source in your solar plexus, known as (ki) in martial arts.
These techniques can only be taught properly by a certified instructor who not only talks the talk, but walks the talk by example. That is what Leaders do, we lead by example and promote good community, be the leader in all arenas of your life home, school, work, relationships and general public.
Be the vision you see for the world.
Respectfully,
Master Dan Zaleski & Mr. Chris Rowe
There are five areas that must have regular and conscious effort to achieve not only physical greatness but mental and spiritual as well. The five areas that create a healthy mind and body are:
- Starting with a Positive metal attitude (one of life’s greatest riches).
- Having a Proper diet, eating properly and the right things. Understand what food can do for us as well as to us.
- Learning correct relaxation and meditation techniques.
- Exercising properly, lubricates our joints, tendons and muscles as well as creating greater flexibility, strength and proper function of our internal organs.
- Correct breathing, allows you to do a number of things from clearing your system of excess mucus to learning how to connect to your higher self by connecting to your own unlimited energy source in your solar plexus, known as (ki) in martial arts.
These techniques can only be taught properly by a certified instructor who not only talks the talk, but walks the talk by example. That is what Leaders do, we lead by example and promote good community, be the leader in all arenas of your life home, school, work, relationships and general public.
Be the vision you see for the world.
Respectfully,
Master Dan Zaleski & Mr. Chris Rowe
Monday, February 22, 2010
Soft Leadership Vs Hard Leadership
Please don't tell me that being kind, learning to listen, taking action on your
goal(s) and things like working on your character are soft. No way! They are hard. And that's why so few of us do them.
Anyone can act tough. What takes genuine power is to be open. To care about others. To learn from those around us. To be good human beings.
It’s the same for things like listening and vision and character-building. Getting good at those things takes time and courage. Why? Because we need to develop humility and be willing to admit we are far from perfect. And that we need to change. That change is scary. Because it causes us to leave the comfort zone we have always known, and sail out into the blue oceans of life.
The new model of leadership really is all about mastering the skills people in the past judged as soft. Those leaders that cling to the old ways of being will get left behind, by the leaders willing to do what's hard.
So the soft stuff is really the hard stuff.
* Great leaders all have these things in common that we can model:
Everyone already has the privilege to be a leader, which means treating people well, developing a great culture to work in and always doing your best.
*They always have a goal, but always a bigger one than just themselves. Leaders are always readers, they read constantly.
*Leaders develop people. They are kind when they teach what they know and they constantly remind themselves and others that there are no mistakes, only lessons to be learned from every outcome.
· Discipline… of course they eat properly and get up early, but what they really know is the price of discipline is always less than the price of regret.
Perseverance…you know never, never give up not just on your goals but your integrity and moral character say to yourself, I walk my talk, I live my truth.
Never do anything that you would not want to see on the front page of your local newspaper.
It can take thirty years to build your reputation and only thirty seconds to ruin it.
Respectfully,
Master Dan
goal(s) and things like working on your character are soft. No way! They are hard. And that's why so few of us do them.
Anyone can act tough. What takes genuine power is to be open. To care about others. To learn from those around us. To be good human beings.
It’s the same for things like listening and vision and character-building. Getting good at those things takes time and courage. Why? Because we need to develop humility and be willing to admit we are far from perfect. And that we need to change. That change is scary. Because it causes us to leave the comfort zone we have always known, and sail out into the blue oceans of life.
The new model of leadership really is all about mastering the skills people in the past judged as soft. Those leaders that cling to the old ways of being will get left behind, by the leaders willing to do what's hard.
So the soft stuff is really the hard stuff.
* Great leaders all have these things in common that we can model:
Everyone already has the privilege to be a leader, which means treating people well, developing a great culture to work in and always doing your best.
*They always have a goal, but always a bigger one than just themselves. Leaders are always readers, they read constantly.
*Leaders develop people. They are kind when they teach what they know and they constantly remind themselves and others that there are no mistakes, only lessons to be learned from every outcome.
· Discipline… of course they eat properly and get up early, but what they really know is the price of discipline is always less than the price of regret.
Perseverance…you know never, never give up not just on your goals but your integrity and moral character say to yourself, I walk my talk, I live my truth.
Never do anything that you would not want to see on the front page of your local newspaper.
It can take thirty years to build your reputation and only thirty seconds to ruin it.
Respectfully,
Master Dan
Thursday, January 21, 2010
"It is not what you know; it is what you do with what you know!"
Take Action!
"The critical ingredient is getting off your bottom and doing something. It's as simple as that. A lot of people have ideas, but there are few who decide to do something about them now. Not tomorrow. Not next week. But today. The true martial artist is a doer, not a dreamer."
Knowledge is NOT power Knowledge in action is power! Having the best information, incredibly well-organized and at your fingertips means nothing if it's not put to use. Only by taking action on information-time and time again-will you ever produce the momentum to propel you to greater accomplishments. There’s no magic to this.
MAGIC stands for - Making …A…Greater…Individual...Commitment. Only by doing and improving can you master anything. Start somewhere, and then keep it going one step at a time until you get what you want. When you master doing, having comes automatically. It is the natural order of things.
It’s not what I know; it’s what I do with what I know.
Use the following chart as a guide to remember that there are numerous ways to just do it.
ONE -I take immediate action on whatever's next without procrastinating.
TWO - I use clever and imaginative ways to get started on difficult tasks or projects.
THREE - I break down complex tasks into immediately "do-able" steps.
FOUR - I use fear as a call to action, and act without delay to reduce the threat.
FIVE - I complete unpleasant but necessary tasks as soon as possible.
SIX - I apply new ideas as soon as possible, and repeat them until mastered.
SEVEN - I take some action to test or implement new plans as soon as they're proposed.
EIGHT- I continue until I reach some stage of completion before leaving any task or project.
NINE - I keep the momentum going until I finish each project I start.
TEN - I consistently seize the day to make my life an action adventure.
Respectfully,
Master Dan
"The critical ingredient is getting off your bottom and doing something. It's as simple as that. A lot of people have ideas, but there are few who decide to do something about them now. Not tomorrow. Not next week. But today. The true martial artist is a doer, not a dreamer."
Knowledge is NOT power Knowledge in action is power! Having the best information, incredibly well-organized and at your fingertips means nothing if it's not put to use. Only by taking action on information-time and time again-will you ever produce the momentum to propel you to greater accomplishments. There’s no magic to this.
MAGIC stands for - Making …A…Greater…Individual...Commitment. Only by doing and improving can you master anything. Start somewhere, and then keep it going one step at a time until you get what you want. When you master doing, having comes automatically. It is the natural order of things.
It’s not what I know; it’s what I do with what I know.
Use the following chart as a guide to remember that there are numerous ways to just do it.
ONE -I take immediate action on whatever's next without procrastinating.
TWO - I use clever and imaginative ways to get started on difficult tasks or projects.
THREE - I break down complex tasks into immediately "do-able" steps.
FOUR - I use fear as a call to action, and act without delay to reduce the threat.
FIVE - I complete unpleasant but necessary tasks as soon as possible.
SIX - I apply new ideas as soon as possible, and repeat them until mastered.
SEVEN - I take some action to test or implement new plans as soon as they're proposed.
EIGHT- I continue until I reach some stage of completion before leaving any task or project.
NINE - I keep the momentum going until I finish each project I start.
TEN - I consistently seize the day to make my life an action adventure.
Respectfully,
Master Dan
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