As we start to wind down the year of the rooster, I look back and reflect on the past twelvish months. I, like most, had great aspirations this year. This was my third year in the I ho Chuan and probably my most dismal. When I say that, I am specifically speaking to my goals and requirements and my training as a whole. I am not happy with where I am nor have I been for some time. As I mentioned last week, I experienced a significant derailment early on in the year, but it was I who chose not to get back on track. Not only did my numbers in everything completely suffer, but also my health and my fitness. Even doing 20 push ups or sit ups in class proved to be difficult. This in itself can be a mental barrier to progressing. Then the disappointment sets in. Then that turns to guilt. Which then turns to frustration (if you haven't been there yet). All of these feelings and emotions definitely cloud your perspective.
Sifu Brinker has mentioned several times about finding something throughout the year to give yourself a kick start or a rejuvenated perspective. Something to blow that cloudiness away. When presented the opportunity, I decided the fitness seminar was going to be my kick in the butt I needed. Given the shape that I described myself in above, this was quite daunting and difficult. But already, 20 push ups or sit ups does not feel like the mountain it did even a month ago. I've got a long way to go, but at least now I know what direction I'm heading.
Thanks for reading
Mike
Sunday, 11 February 2018
Sunday, 4 February 2018
Reason vs Excuse
What is the difference between a reason and an excuse?
They are very similar yet subtly different. A reason is defined as “a cause, explanation or justification for an action or event” while an excuse is defined as “a reason or explanation put forward to justify or defend a fault or offence’. Although, these two words are synonymous (as per my trusty google thesaurus), their definitions create a different perception of each. A reason is justified, where as an excuse is an attempt to justify. One is objective or factual while the other is more subjective (open to opinion or debate).
Sifu Brinker got me thinking about this yesterday. What are my reasons for not blogging and are they reasons or excuses?
As I logged into my blog today, I see my last post was March 17. WOW! That was a long time ago. It is definitely true that it gets easier and easier not to do something the more you don’t do it. I recall April very well and it was a very difficult time. Although in hindsight, blogging may have been helpful during this time, honestly, It was the last thing on my mind. In my mind, I had my reason. But at point in time does a reason become an excuse? After some nine months without a post, I can tell you my reason transitioned into an excuse.
Restarting something that you have quit is difficult. It is best to not put yourself in the situation of needing a restart, however, if you do find yourself there, do not hesitate. The longer you delay the harder it gets.
Thanks for reading.
Mike
They are very similar yet subtly different. A reason is defined as “a cause, explanation or justification for an action or event” while an excuse is defined as “a reason or explanation put forward to justify or defend a fault or offence’. Although, these two words are synonymous (as per my trusty google thesaurus), their definitions create a different perception of each. A reason is justified, where as an excuse is an attempt to justify. One is objective or factual while the other is more subjective (open to opinion or debate).
Sifu Brinker got me thinking about this yesterday. What are my reasons for not blogging and are they reasons or excuses?
As I logged into my blog today, I see my last post was March 17. WOW! That was a long time ago. It is definitely true that it gets easier and easier not to do something the more you don’t do it. I recall April very well and it was a very difficult time. Although in hindsight, blogging may have been helpful during this time, honestly, It was the last thing on my mind. In my mind, I had my reason. But at point in time does a reason become an excuse? After some nine months without a post, I can tell you my reason transitioned into an excuse.
Restarting something that you have quit is difficult. It is best to not put yourself in the situation of needing a restart, however, if you do find yourself there, do not hesitate. The longer you delay the harder it gets.
Thanks for reading.
Mike
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