Keys to success... part 2

To become successful in any given venture, as I’ve already mentioned (in Part One) it’s wise to develop a specific plan of action or a map for your journey ahead.

To give an example of what I mean, several years ago I was invited by one of my students to visit a town called Thurso, in the North of Scotland. If you haven't heard of Thurso look it up on the map, its twenty-five miles from the most northerly point on the British mainland and 700miles from my home.

I decided that the most effective way to travel this journey was by train. I collected together specific maps and timetables that I would need for the trip and set about plotting my course.

I soon discovered that the quickest and easiest route to travel north was to go to Norwich first, then from Norwich to Peterborough, Peterborough onto Edinburgh, Edinburgh to Inverness, finally ending up at my final destination in Thurso.

When I started my journey from my home in Suffolk, what location was I thinking about most? – Of course, I had to make it to Norwich first and on time, otherwise there was a good chance I would miss all my connections thereafter.

After reaching Norwich and successfully boarding the train, Peterborough became my next goal and so on until reaching my final destination - Thurso fourteen hours later.

I have noticed that a lot of people who try to reach their own goals, many often fall by the wayside. It seems that the error of their ways is that they're planning either so far ahead that they're missing all the connections in between, or there are just those certain individuals who are so busy planning they never leave home at all.

You see it’s a good idea to plot your course in a progressive order, step by step, and then take appropriate action. (Similar to following the belt system in the martial arts.)

To complete my story, at a certain point on my train journey north I was faced with a problem, I had to be re-routed. A railway bridge had collapsed due to torrential rain at Inverness. Just because I had planned my course carefully didn't mean to say that I wasn't going to be faced with challenges or difficulties along the way. If I had fallen asleep or not paid attention to the information available, who knows where I might have ended up?

So from my own personal experience I believe that it’s essential to remain totally focused on the next step ahead, while keeping one eye on your final destination.

I’ve also come to conclusion that I didn’t need to rely too much upon anyone else. I’ve become totally responsible for my own actions and of course, I’ve tried not to blame others when things don’t work out. Finally if something’s not going according to plan – I change it.  

So there you have it, a few essential ingredients to maybe help you out on your own personal journey. Of course I recognise there are many other factors necessary in order to become successful (depending upon your own definition of success) but I’ve listed a few fundamental ‘keys’ below.

1. Decide what it is that you want to achieve
2. Plot your course and take appropriate action
3. Focus on each individual step along the way
4. Pay attention and change your course if necessary
5. Don't lose sight of your overall goal
6. Enjoy the journey

Are you ready for a challenge?

 Are You Ready For A Challenge?

This year we want you to have lots of fun in our classes. We also want to encourage new people to try-out Kuk Sool.

One of the ways that we can achieve this is through you and the positive words that you say about Kuk Sool.

We would like you to talk to your friends, relatives and neighbours. Explain to them about the fun you have and benefits of regular exercise etc.

Please bring them in for an introductory lesson, get them to meet your instructors and to see a class in progress.

The 2009 Kuk Sool Challenge

Starting March 1^st 2009 until the end of this year, KJN Martin has set us a challenge. He would like for every existing member to try to introduce at least one new person into the world of the martial arts and into our KSW schools.

Now, I know that many of you will say, I’ve already ‘tried’ to introduce a friend, however no one seems interested – which is a fair-enough point. However - Don’t give up!  Keep working at it. In the martial arts we are taught to never quit.  Persevere - stick with it. There are still hundreds of people who have never heard about Kuk Sool and the benefits that the training brings.

Our Way Of Saying Thank You

As a way of saying thank you, we would like to present you with a £10.00 Kuk Sool gift voucher for every new person that you introduce to Kuk Sool who enrols on our monthly paying training programme – This gift voucher can be used to purchase equipment etc or you can put it toward the cost of your next grading.

Finally - Don’t forget this is a Fun challenge, don’t get disheartened if people are not interested – Hand out the posters and flyers at school or at work or speak to a senior instructor who will give you some encouragement and ideas to help you out.