Commitment……Can be defined as having “loyalty” or “dedication” to something. It refers to the act of engaging oneself in something.
Commitment is a very important character trait to have. It means to be responsible, having devotion and never giving up, staying the course in spite of the challenges. It also means to be honest and true to the task or journey on which you have agreed to embark. Commitment can be personal not just religious.
When I started in my martial arts training back in the very early 80’s, I was young and had absolutely no clue what the word commitment meant. I had had a rough upbringing, and was out on my one at the ripe old age of 15.
It wasn’t long until I knew in my heart that I wanted more than to be able to “defend” myself. I wanted the satisfaction of achieving my black belt. Little did I know just how much commitment was involved with achieving that goal. It was hard work, and there were days when I wanted to quit. However, I knew that I would never develop any respect for myself if I didn’t follow through with the “commitments” that I had made.
After the military, it was easier for me to get back into Martial Arts and I had no issues with committing myself to earning a second black belt in a different style.
Now, I am heading up on 50, and have started all over, in yet another style. I have made a commitment/pact with myself and Mr. Stephen, that I want to earn my black belt here within 2 years.
Is it tough? You bet? Do I have an occasional meltdown? Absolutely. Do I get tired? Discouraged? Frustrate? Absolutely. But, I have stuck it out for a year now, and in spite of MS flair-ups, work, and other life issues, I have succeeded in making it to Blue Belt and loosing over 70lbs since January. I refuse to allow anything get in the way of my goals.
The single most important factor of personal success, whether it is in school, work or Karate, is commitment.
Unfortunately, as I grow older, I see less and less of the commitment to the things in life that people choose to do. While I understand that people need to “try” things out first, in order to decide if that goal/sport/activity is for them, I still believe that they should strive to work at that activity for at least 3 months before they “quit”.
Studies have shown that it that it takes a minimum of 21 days to develop a habit.
Now, let’s say that you start taking martial arts, kick boxing, etc, in order to lose some weight, get fit, grow, make friends, whatever your personal reason is for doing it….You have to work at it for at least 21 days. It doesn’t count as 7 days, if you only come to class 2 days per week! Sorry, not about to allow you to get away with that notion….
I also believe that the reason why so many people quit too soon, or don’t commit to something is that they are over-extending themselves. When I was a kid growing up, I played one sport. Not 3. One. I wasn’t in dance, yoga, play dates, etc….I went to school where I studied 7 hours out of the day, I then went to volleyball practice for an hour, then I went home and did my chores and my homework and sat down to dinner with my family. My parents made me go to practice, they made me go to school(unless I was really sick), I went to church, and I did my chores and helped out on the farm.
I also believe that, as a society, our lack of commitment has a lot to do with TV and Computers and Computer games. Again, as a child, I was active. I didn’t sit in front of the TV all afternoon. I went outside and played in the fresh air and sunshine. If I had to write a report, I did it by hand, or a typewriter (remember those things?). We weren’t allowed to use calculators in school that was cheating. I did do a lot of reading, but it was generally while my hind end was parked in the crook of a oak tree branch, or hanging out in the barn in the hay loft.
I believe that in order to gain respect for oneself, one must follow through with commitment. Come to class at least three times per week---more if possible. Work out at least 1 hour per day. Practice your forms; practice each of your combinations at least 4-5 times per day. Find someone in class that you are well matched with, or that your child is well matched with, and get together and practice, at home or at the DoJo before/after class. Make a commitment to achieve at least a Green belt. If after that time, you still don’t like what you are doing, then, ok, it is time to move on and do something else. But, make that commitment, whether for yourself or for your children(and, yes, while kids are individuals, they do “belong” to their parents until they are at least 18 yrs of age, or while living under your roof, that you are paying the bills for). Make your kids come. Make them do their “Karate Homework”.
Teach them and yourself the value of the word “commitment”.
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