Investment in the Student!
Yesterday I was able to partake in an event that resulted in one of those lightbulb moments. The event had a huge impact in many ways but for this post I want to focus on "How much that has been invested in me, the student."
During the event, I was thinking "Was this the best that I could give?" There were somethings that I was disappointed in and somethings that felt good. I made a list of things I could improve on but it was definitely a "me" focus.
When the "Investment in the Student" seed finally spouted last night, I asked myself "Did I show off my instructors investment to the best of my ability?" and I came up with different kind of list to improve on. They don't have an investment in my 300m shuttle time, they have an investment in my cardio fitness. They don't have an investment in where my gaze is in my form, they have in investment in my intensity and realization in my form. They don't have an investment in my broken horse stance, they have an investment in my stances being true to Kung Fu and developing my eye for detail.
I have been blogging that this is my path! But is it really? Sifu Csillag had posted previously about following in the paths of others and honestly, why would I want to be taking my own path instead of following one already laid down in front of me. There is a difference between being on your own journey and taking your own path and even when you are on your own journey, you are not alone.
Our instructors have been there to guide, teach and push us along our journey. They do not do it because it's their job. They do it because they believe in us. They trust us with their knowledge. They see the potential when we do not. They see the truth when we do not. They are speaking their wisdom even though we are not listening. They are showing us their experience even when we do not see.
So how do we stop missing out on all of this knowledge and improve the investment? My first thought was all the missed opportunities when I didn't give 100% in my classes. There have been Sifu's who have taught me along my path that I no longer have access to. What knowledge have I missed by lacking engagement? How much further would I be today if I gave more effort? This last year I have been intent on engagement and even I can see the results in all areas of my life.
This journey is not about being the first one to the finish line. It is not about beating the person in front of you. It is not about being left behind in the dust. It is about being the best that you can be, always improving EVERYDAY. It is about realizing all of the resources that you have in front of you, beside you, and behind you along the way. The only way that you will fail this journey is if YOU quit. For me, quitting is not an option. I want to do justice to the investment made in me in all aspects of my life.
See you on the mats!
Jackie Kohut
