What Are the Odds of Becoming a Black Belt? (Blog)

[Markus74]

Originally Posted by Michael Chui

What, the financial ones were beyond you? Great post, Steve.

The emphasis was on 'again'!

Of course I got the financial ones

[ScottLee]

Steve,

I just want to say that this was an article I especially got a big kick out of. You managed to sum up the very essence of the ideal attitude to have for personal development all within that single analogy. I will probably want to write about this particular post a bit, or at least give mention to it in the future in my blog - very, very good advice. So simple, yet how many people are usually willing to think of their goals and obstacles as such?

[songwriter]

Yes, as I think, perseverance is the key for complex intentions-manifestations.

"Some people tell me, thoughts they can not defend,
Just what you want to be, you will be in the end"
Nights On White Satin, The Moody Blues.

[stephencp]

"Does anyone know of any other books on the market that are geared towards mastering a skill? I'm looking for something that addresses the psychological side to building excellence as opposed to, Read my book and become a better writer in 30 days, or whatever sounds easy. Any ideas? I want to read something that addresses the need to cultivate grit and how to commit to something. Is it even possible to write a book on this subject?"

I'd recommend anything by Peter Ralston at
Cheng Hsin

stephen
Power-Book Library: Free personal development, success, inspiration and motivational classics

[Ronin]

Hi Steve, excellent thread and well thought out for a person with your experience in the martial arts. By the way , that is not stated as a criticism but as a complement to your unique ability to intuitively see things for what they really are.

However, I wanted to bring out in this forum a thought that was lurking in the background of your message that no one else has mentioned. I do this from the experience of being a Black Belt in the Japanese art of Aikido for 24 years as well as being accomplished in several other martial arts.

I think your note hit right on the concepts of mastery, discipline, and the willingness to come back and get your head handed to you day after day in practice. The Japanese have a saying for this called 'shuygo'. The english translation means participating in the daily battle no matter how tired you are in order to bring out the best of what you have to offer. Its kind of like peeling an artichoke to get to the best part of the meat. I think all endeavors whether business, academics, martial arts or relationships, you have to be willing to put your self on the line day after to day to master yourself and what your passion in life is.

However, herein lies the catch. Becoming a Black Belt does not mean mastery. In the martial arts and for those who have practice many years, the Black Belt is associated with being a beginner. You have the tools to get started on the path however, your journey towards mastery begins. You see , we as a western society , are so fast paced, competitive, and in a hurry to get through the check list of things we want to accomplish that we do not become masters in any particular venue or pursuit. The majority of people are not willing to put in the number of years and possible lifetime to become considered accomplished . Thats why I always smile when people ask me how long will it take to become a Black Belt. You see , the people only see the belt as the accomplishment but in reality it takes a lifetime. How many people do you know want to spend that amount of time to be a master? A couple of the forum folks mentioned George Leanords -Art of Mastery. He is an Aikidoist himself with over 30 years of practice. He states the same a more eloquently than I.

This leads to my last comment. In order to commit to such adversity and to be disciplined to show up night after night, you have to feel some passion for what you are doing. I think this eventually weeds out the wannabes from the true folks who are committed to seeking this path whether martial arts, work or whatever.

So those who are wondering what the probability or stat would take to become a Black Belt. Just go to your local martial arts store or internet and buy one. For those who want to be an expert or Master, it will take a lifetime.

Thanks for article and the line

[munish]

I went to my first Toastmasters meeting yesterday.

I am optimistic ,that if I keep on trying then in the 5 years time, I will be able to develop this skill,and will be able to broaden my horizons.I want to learn this skill, as it gives some hope .

[samjbrowne]

I have been thinking about this a lot lately and thought I'd share a thought that occurred to me today.

I am not a "master" of anything in this life but for one thing - I have played the guitar for 12 years now and if such things were awarded for guitar players, I would be beyond a "Black Belt" skill level.

I think back to when I was at the very beginning of my journey through music, and I remember that all I really wanted was to be "good" at guitar. Not an expert, not a rock star, just "good". I wanted to be able to play with a band, do some fancy lead playing like the Smashing Pumpkins, that sort of thing.

I practiced my ass off. I stayed after school every day because I didn't have an electric guitar, and played the crappy school one til I had to go home 2 or 3 hours later.

The years rolled on and I got to play with bands. I got my lead skills down too and could really impress people with what I could do. I started playing for money, as my job, and occassionally made in one night what I would have made working for a week in a regular job.

After 12 years, you might think I'm satisfied with where I am as a musician - essentially, a non-musician would assume I had mastered the instrument.

In fact, the opposite is true : After 12 years, I fully realise that I know nothing, that I am just scraping the surface of what it is to be a great musician. Like Socrates, if I may be so bold as to compare myself, my wisdom in music lies in knowing that I know nothing.

Every so often, as I continue to try and extend myself as a musician through learning new styles, new tricks and new sounds, I feel like I "ascend" to a new level of musicianship. It's hard to define, but it's usually all at once that I realise I am in a new place as a musician. This has happened countless times. Each time, just before it happens I feel like I am finally getting somewhere as a musician. I feel that I really fully understand music, finally, and that I can start to relax about getting better, as I'm already 99% of the way there anyway. Then it hits me and I realise I've just gone up another step on a stairwell that extends far above me, so far I can't see the top.

I guess the point I'm making is we can feel like we're getting nowhere with our personal development, our exercise, new skills like a new language or toastmasters or learning a musical instrument, and then, in my experience, we jump up a level and see things in a whole new light, but it's important to recognise and enjoy that it will literally take a lifetime to get to be a true master of anything, and even then,even if we're the best at that thing on Earth, we'll still be aware that there is yet more to learn...

Enjoy the journey, don't worry too much about the destination...

[Narz]

99% of people are just taking up space, hmm, isn't there something we can do about that?

[Shaden]

I'd just like to say Steve, that this blog inspired me to start blogging and to make the time commitment till I become successful at it. Out of all the things you've written so far, this one helped and inspired me the most.

So thank you. I'm glad to (finally) be moving towards my dream. But this white belt is ever so tight...