“At dawn, when you have trouble getting out of bed, tell yourself: ‘I have to go to work—as a human being. What do I have to complain of, if I’m going to do what I was born for—the things I was brought into the world to do? Or is this what I was created for? To huddle under the blankets and stay warm?" ~Marcus Aurelius

I am always asked if studying a martial art is hard.

My answer is almost always yes.

But not why you think.

it takes a certain mindset to stay focused during training.

you have to develop it. Men are born with the ability and disposition, but this doesn't make it any easier.

Getting to black belt is a long time.

And even then few stick around to make 2nd Degree or higher

think about your day.

You had a hard day at work

The morning was miserable. Up early, a quick breakfast.

Couldn't find your keys, the dog was all up in your shit so you had to take him out

You feel behind the power curve...just a little more sleep would have been nice.

Not enough coffee, traffic made you late,

rapid deadlines and demands stacked up all day

You slacked on your diet and are eating poorly today.

As a result you’re starving

On the way home you remember all the projects you have to do

Then your mind flips to the hardware store and the things you need.

You stop by, grab a few things On the way out you noticed a cart from the store rolling toward a nearby car.

Unfortunately your hands were full

all you could do was cringe as it made contact against the paint.

You reassured yourself that there was nothing you could do in time.

Coming home that evening you spend time with the family

And stresses at home take over

You realize all the improvement projects that have to get done, but turn on the TV.

you could get them done but the thought hardly excites you.

Even worse, you realize you still have to go to the gym.

Between everything you did today, the things at home piling up

it’s probably a waste of time going to the gym.

It’s not like you could focus and work hard enough to make a difference.

See how the negative decisions start to compound your day?

When we make decisions we often do not think of the short term results.

We think of gratification; what will make us feel better, get us to short term goals.

Karate is a life time study and it's not all self defense based.

Just like the gym is not all about physical exercise.

There is part mental discipline. This isn’t right vs wrong.

It is discipline.

The discipline to maintain even in the face of not wanting to

Whether or not someone else notices.

We are our own worst enemy.

Not every situation we face in life are we going to be 100% and ready.

Predators (human or otherwise) maximize their strengths for your weaknesses

You are no different when it comes to yourself

Is it any surprise we binge or eat bad when we are at our lowest?

Facing these challenges while dealing with adversity is part of Red Pill

You set the tone of your day from the very outset. From the moment you wake.

You have to flip the switch.

Not only be the first on deck but be the one who sets the pace for those around you

Hit the ground running and don't let up.

A positive mindset first thing in the morning is by far the best thing you can do for yourself.