“What do you want to be when you grow up?”
Remember that question from your younger days? Adults seem almost programmed to ask, don’t they? You may remember asking your own child or someone else’s child the same question recently. Remember?
I make.
And do you remember any of your own answers to that question? I know it probably changed many times throughout the “growing up” process, but can you remember some of the answers?
I remember some of mine: policeman, fireman, architect, lawyer. I’m sure there were more, but I can’t remember many at the moment. What I do remember is the feeling that accompanied the decision to choose one or the other. It was a feeling of being in a position of importance. Being able to help others in need or be looked at with respect and admiration because I created something really great.
I didn’t know it then, but I was expressing the impulse to be a leader. Perhaps not the ‘top’ leader like a general or the president, but a leader who made things happen in the world. He wanted to be someone who led the way, not followed. Many people would say that I, and many greater men and women before me, were born or destined to be leaders, as if fate somehow selected us at birth to be who we are today. I know many believe that leaders are born, but I can assure you that leaders are made.
Contrary to popular belief, birth has nothing to do with being a leader. However, learning to develop the traits of trust, compassion, respect and many more, yes. Having a vision and the ability to communicate that vision to others, establishing a workable plan, and having the discipline to act on that plan until the vision, goal, or dream is realized in the world, are the signs of success. a leader.
I think whenever we feel the urge to break out of our daily routine, volunteer time and energy to a local cause like the fire department, Scouts, or another group, and yes, join a martial arts school. we’re looking to get back to that drive toward leadership.
Everyone, whether secretly or in public, wants to be a leader. Parents want their children to grow up to be leaders, not followers. It is a natural impulse. But, many of us have not been ‘lucky’ to find role models in our lives who pointed the way or showed us how, or did and did not recognize the gift that was presented to us at the time. And if we didn’t overlook the gift hidden in the question? What if we didn’t forget the dreams of the child that is still inside of us?
In martial arts, the symbol of leadership is the Black Belt. In many arts, such as ninjutsu, it’s not so much the belt as the rank, skill, or title of authority that tells others that you have more to offer than physical ability to defend yourself.
The true teacher is the person who is strong enough to do what is necessary. He or she is powerful enough to deal real damage, but overcomes that ability with the power of choice: the power to choose peace over conflict. And you can see it when they move. You can feel it when you are near them. You can feel it when they talk.
Unfortunately, many people want to be leaders and many more tell you to take more responsibility (another important trait of a leader) and go after what you want, but not many will show you step by step. , how to do it like a good martial arts master. I feel especially lucky in this regard. Lucky to have found teachers, guides and role models in my own life who were strong and powerful enough to share with me the knowledge to take charge of my life. Knowledge that I can now pass on to my children and students.
And what about you? Are you living up to your full potential? Are you ready to join others like you on the path of the warrior leader? Are you ready to stop dreaming and start living?
We are waiting!
