Better Recognize!

I have found lately that the key to success (in ones endeavors) is recognition. For example, if you don't realize or recognize that you procrastinate or don't give 100% when doing something (or any number of other shortfalls) - how can you ever take steps to improve yourself or eliminate the things that act as crutches in your training, or to your well being.

The recognition can come from the observation of others, in the form of constructive criticism or concern, when it comes to certain things, but for some things it needs to come from honest self examination.

When I was younger I used to think that the physiologists habit of sourcing things to childhood experiences was malarkey - but now that my kids are older, and I have been able to observe others raising kids and also reflecting on how I was brought up and the things that I experienced, it becomes completely obvious that this is quite true (in a general sense at least). Not that this is an excuse for behavior but it definitely has a big impact on so many aspects of your personality and general perspective.

The key, however, is to be able to see certain things about yourself and certain things in your life for what they are. To honestly recognize why you aren't happy, or why you seem to be always negative, or untrusting (as examples). Once you know why these things are a crutch to you, (or if not why, at least to gain a recognition* of what the things are that are holding you back), you can take steps to grow beyond them.

I have also come to recognize what some of the things are that I want in my life and why. This is quite important too as there is a direct link between my aspirations and my happiness. It is important that the things that I want in my life are not to be encumbered by any sense of obligation (real or imaginary) that I may feel I have - balanced out by the responsibilities that are certainly not imaginary - that I do have.

Recognition, in a sense, is an internal eye for detail, but also an acceptance of what's found there.

Sifu Brinker talks about how your Kung-Fu has to serve you. For myself I find that this has a direct link to the lesson, and constant reminders, of purpose. There is no purpose in your kung-fu if it is not serving you, and I think that each individual has to examine, understand and recognize what that purpose is (for them). Once this is established then your martial arts can begin to serve you endlessly.

*Sorry for the copious use the word recognize(and conjugations of the word - recognition, recognized, recognizing, recognization, recognizally, etc..)