I have written a couple posts recently that have received many positive comments and a handful of negative ones. Positive comments generally come from a thoughtful place born from a desire to explore and discuss. They are not necessarily expressing viewpoints that agree with mine but share a viewpoint in a way that encourages further thought and discussion. Negative comments Read More …
This talk by Dan Gilbert (http://www.ted.com/talks/dan_gilbert_you_are_always_changing) describes how we believe that our present self will remain essentially the same 10 years into the future — and how we’re wrong. Dan’s talk explores how we often make decisions now thinking that we’ll be happy with those decisions 10 years from now. This stems from an illusion that who we are now Read More …
When you’re freaking out or about to take a terrifying leap; when failure looms and you feel like freezing up; when you’re afraid your best might not be enough; free yourself up from the clutches of worry by leveling with failure. What’s the worst thing that could happen? Sometimes just asking this question is enough to dismiss the worry. You Read More …
To have a fulfilling life it is essential that you grow. Yet growth is rich with challenge and challenge is inherently uncomfortable because it moves us away from where we are at ease. Operating in this realm of unrest comes naturally to very few, those who are good at playing in this space have developed the skills to do it Read More …
I have chosen a life that puts myself and my purpose very central. This choice has often taken me away from larger relationships. It has meant that I play a smaller role in my daughters’ lives. It has meant that lovers have often found themselves not getting enough of me to stay within a partnership. I remember hearing an interview Read More …
It’s easy to see the perfect practice as the one where you don’t make any mistakes; To fence with your friends and celebrate a flawless night; To have the teacher pass by without giving any corrections. Yet we must ask what is the purpose of practice if not to make mistakes? If you’re training without error you must not be Read More …
There is no better time than now to begin. There is no reason to wait. The best time to start that challenging conversation is now. Even if all you do is say “This is what I need to talk about. Let’s make time for it tomorrow.” The best time to start on that new idea is immediately. Even if all Read More …
“Speed and perfection are the enemy of hard learning” says Carol Dweck in her insightful book Mindset. When we praise our students for doing things quickly and without error we tell them that speed and perfection are more valuable than challenge and failure. Yet to truly master difficult things we need to put ourselves into the path of challenge and Read More …
It’s easy in a technical art to develop a mechanic that functions as a solo action but fails when it meets the application environment. Yet attempting to develop a technique in a purely tactical environment can be overwhelming for many who are working to build governance of their body or in the absence of having a perfect practice partner can Read More …
Don’t fall for the seductive allure of early combative success when pursuing this martial art. Everything from guts to a healthy dose of chaos can lead you to success against the mediocre but you have to think long-term. If your goal is to be the most kick-butt sword wielder around you have to set your sights on besting the best, Read More …