Where Is Your Commitment

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