Hitting a Plateau ?

It’s happened to us all…

The hardest part is starting something new, but once you make that first step through the door the excitement begins. Afterwards, what seems to happen to many of us is that inevitable “ middle of the road” Lull. But why?

Have you ever had these thoughts?

“ I don’t feel like I’m getting any better”

“ I’ve put in so much time, maybe I’ll take a little break”

“ It’s going to take forever to get my Black belt”

“ It seems like others are getting better faster than I am”

“ I just don’t feel motivated to go today”

All of these thoughts are fairly normal, but they are also something you’ll need to take control of… Look, we’re all human. But what separates a Black belt from a White belt is that the Black belt didn’t quit.

If you feel like you’re not getting any better speak to your instructor and ask for advice… If you feel like others are getting better faster than you are, you might be right. But that doesn’t matter to your journey. Everyone has strong points. On the other hand we all have our weaker points as well. You might struggle with something today, but pick up something faster than everyone else tomorrow. It’s just how things are. And the time it takes you to get that final belt, is specific to you. You shouldn’t compare yourself to others, this journey is yours and yours alone.

Along the way you will find many people that want you to succeed. Your teachers are a resource that you should always go to in times of need. You should speak to your instructors if you feel like you are struggling. That’s what we’re here for! Look to your new martial arts family for motivation. All of us have bad days, but for some reason we seem to martyr ourselves and take away the thing that could make us feel better… And that thing is??….. Training! We all have those “lazy days” and that’s ok. But if you push through and make it to class you won’t be disappointed. You will get rid of that devil on your shoulder that makes you want to quit. You will become stronger than the negative thoughts that at some point affect us all and develop that never quit attitude that will take you all the way to Black Belt..

We are all a product of our habits. Habits can be changed for the better or for the worse. Bad habits are quick and easy to develop, but the hardest to break. Good habits are unfortunately hard to develop, but will serve you well for the rest of your life… At the end of the day, pushing through the lull isn’t only about getting that next belt. It also engrains in you that never quit attitude that took you to black belt and gives you strength that most people wish they had. The positive things that come from breaking through that lull are limitless. The physical, mental and emotional strength you gain is amazing. The lull is just a bump in the road. The bumps will pop up from time to time, but if you push through they grow fewer and more far between..

Get to class!!!!