By Scott Campsall
One thing I’ve learned from studying martial arts for as long as I have is that although the end product looks cool, the beginning stages never look as pretty as anyone hopes they would be when they first start taking classes.
This goes for learning anything new whether it’s trying to play a musical instrument or being introduced to a new sport or activity. Ever try to learn a new language? You don’t automatically start being able to have fluent conversations in only a few minutes.
We often look at what we believe will be the end goal and assume that we can get there in a short time, but this is not the case. When we get interested in something, it’s based on seeing someone else who has spent copious amounts of time working to reach their own personal proficiency. When we realize that there are no shortcuts, we can often get discouraged.
It happens with fitness goals too. People see great looking celebrities and think that they can look like that if they only diet or workout for a few days. When they realize it takes longer to see any significant change, they quit.
Short term thinking can stop you from taking the risks, making the necessary changes to your life, and putting in the work. It takes time, effort, and vision to see results.
If you’re sitting on the fence about starting something new, I’ve got good news for you; it’s easy to take the leap as long as you realize you’ll need to be patient with yourself.
There’s also something else you need to realize though and that is the journey never ends. You’ll never hit your peak physical condition. You’ll never know everything there is about martial arts. You’ll never be the best musician. Whatever it is that you want to do, someone else is doing it better. So why compare yourself to others at all? This is YOUR life and doing something new is going to become YOUR adventure. As long as you’re brave enough to start the journey.