Commitment: the attitude of someone who works very hard
to do or support something (webster.com)
Unfortunately, I am still disappointed by the lack of
commitment I see at SMAA. I understand
what everyone is facing. See, I have
taken on a second job while I continue to make the school grow. The job is pretty simple, but it takes time
to do it correctly. Add on top of that
the demand for some of my attention from family, friends, and my four-legged
kids, I am spread a bit thin. What am I
allowing to decline although I had made a commitment not to do so, my health
and exercise?
Thankfully, I do not have any major, lingering health
issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, or chronic heart issues, but if I do
not get back to living up to my commitment to myself, I am confident I will end
up with issues, due to heredity. I can
argue that I am working hard and not wasting a lot of time doing things that
can either wait or I should not be doing at all. We ALL can make those excuses, but we do not
have space in our lives for them.
Back to my students…
I urged my students and parents a few months ago to commit to the
student’s training. What does that mean
exactly? It means you commit to coming
to class at least two (2) times per week.
It means you take some time outside of class to practice. Some students attend class so infrequently
that when they return, it is like starting all over again from Day 1. It would be different if during their absence
from class, the students were training/reviewing their material and ensuring
they are not falling behind, but alas that is not the case. Then, parents are saying to themselves, “Why
is Little Johnny so bored? Master Smith
must not be that good of an instructor.”
WRONG! I am an excellent instructor, if I do say so myself. But I am unable to teach Little Johnny
anything new because he has not mastered the other material. The curriculum at SMAA is like building a
wall. You must have a strong foundation
in order to proceed forward to the next step.
If you build a wall on a shaky foundation, it will crumble. Enough!
Here is the commitment I am re-establishing with
myself: I will make time to train for at
least 30 minutes three (3) times per week.
I will continue with my Taekwondo training at least three (3) times per
week, as well (I am preparing for my next belt exam which is still another two
(2) years away). I will balance my work
life, my personal life and my training.
I am asking my students and parents to make a
commitment too. Make a commitment to
attend class twice per week. Make a
commitment to train outside of class for at least 10 minutes three (3)
times. By the way, the ten minutes is
not an exaggeration! If students consistently practiced for 10 minutes three
(3) times per week, they will excel at Taekwondo. When they come to class, we can correct what
is wrong and I can give them more knowledge to make them even stronger, faster,
better. What I cannot do is do this for
you all. I need everyone to make their
own commitment and follow through.
Commit
to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. - Proverbs 16:3
(NIV)
Commitment
