Taking the Time for You

By Eric Scott

The Martial Arts Perspective

I have a great job. I teach full-time, and get to use martial arts and self-defense as a vehicle for personal development for adults and kids. The kids get it that they are meant to be learning full-time, and their parents invest in them. The adults are rather more of a challenge when faced with their own personal development. On occasion adults would rather sacrifice than set aside the time for their own development plan. Some adults think it's greedy - that learning and personal development is an indulgence.



Lifelong Learning

Learning isn't a luxurious excess , but it's a past-time; however , learning is the sole past-time that offers a return on the investment of time and cash. We are most of the way through 2015. My clients hear it from me at least once per month. Next year will be the same as this year, apart from these 3 things - the people you have met, the books you've read, and the things you are better at. Human connections, and abilities.

Beginning an Israeli Krav Maga self-defense programme is empowering but might not be for everyone, but the plan has to include something that is challenging and time-bound. One difficulty is that the types of goals we can set and enjoy don't appear heroic. But the reality is that if we're not growing a little, we're dying a bit.



A Basic Development Plan:

I do not get preachy with adults, but when I am getting questions, I share an example of what I do each month:

Read one book per month on a fascinating topic

Make a short list of work and personal skills I want to work on, and do it. Not moving mountains, little things. Lynda.com can turn out to be a great resource for this. I learned video editing, which is excellent for personal and business. There is a boom in learning opportunities for anything you'd need to learn - including my online Krav Maga programs.

Put the telephone down and strike up an engaging conversation with someone at the coffee bar once every week, and spend 20 minutes studying about what she does. It is the most simple place in the world to have a genuine conversation, without having to "network. " (Yuck)

The months roll by and I I never have the wherewithal I'd like. Neither will you. It's gratifying to know I am making a little bit of progress at a time, which is by coincidence also the key to progress in selfdefense skills.

About the Author:

Eric Scott is a pro martial arts instructor and founder of Self-defense Global . Self-defense Global offers gear, coaching, and training missions for a safer life. He offers a free video introductory class which has additional info than most paid programs including a week of video lessons, and a free electronic book.