So many of us want to be where the action is, we want to be the one who saves the day. We want to be the hero. There is a certain rush in knowing who played a hand in something out of the ordinary and that who was me. It is commendable, it is admirable, but it is not required.
Far too often many get sidetracked by the glitz and glamour of what may be perceived as excitement and adventure. Our perception of what is exciting has been unfortunately molded and painted by television and movies. The glamorizing of almost anything from being an ER doctor to the ups and downs of custodial work is breathtaking and awe inspiring. Many rush to a variety of professions for this chance of living and working a life of thrills and spills – only to wind up finding out that there is more down time than depicted and the real excitement does not compete with what they have seen on the small and big screen. What does this leave? Where is the challenge? The challenge then lies within the individual’s desire to continue learning and growing through consistent training. This is the reality of many professionals. Though there are the periodic moments of on the edge indulgence, training is a staple in any qualified and actively participating professional. When does the training end? Never!
The training is what makes the professional a professional. If one is dedicated to the process, they will most certainly be dedicated to the job. The attachment to the rush of what is considered to be real will be short‐lived and will not sustain engagement let alone a livelihood. When things hit bottom so will the interest. It is human nature. It’s a hills and valleys approach. Things are great when we are living and riding on top but take a turn for the worst when we live in the valley. It is here when the going gets tough, the tough… usually head for the hills.
Reality has a funny way of changing what we think the rules are and how the game should be played. The reality begins once we are forced to think for ourselves and become responsible for those thoughts and the decisions that are made – the better the training, the better the thoughts, the better the decisions, the better the professional. Training keeps you current; training keeps you valid, training keeps you engaged, and training keeps you thinking. Training provides a reference point for new ways of thinking and new ways of doing. That is the excitement – discovering a better way. Lead the way by creating the way. Training will make possible what others neglect to pursue – knowledge. The more you know the more you grow. Know the reality and know the training required.
Martial Arts of Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow 