What Determined People Do
What do determined people do?
Here at True Balance Karate in Downers Grove, Illinois, we have a social/emotional learning program called True Character.
And this month we are talking about determination.
I’m Master H, owner and chief instructor here at the studio. I have two master’s degrees in education. And basically, we have developed this curriculum to meet the needs of our youngest students that are about 3 or 4 to our oldest student, who is turning, I believe, 85 this year.
Showing Determination
And this month we are talking about determination.
Specifically, we’re starting with what do determined people do? What do they look like? They have this go-for-it kind of attitude. They have set their goal, and they are going to continue working towards it. Here at the studio, we do things like vision boards so that they can put their goal on a piece of paper and then they see it. And they know what they will feel like. They know what they will look like. They know what the people around them will be doing.
And that helps them be determined when we reach those tough times, the moment where we’re struggling a little bit, that kind of thing. It gives us that opportunity to keep pushing, to keep going for it, to keep working on that goal.
Think about it from the standpoint of a 3-,4-, 5-, 6-year old who’s learning how to balance on their bike, ride their bike, that kind of thing. We’re all going to fall down. We’re all going to scrape our knees. We’re all going to get injured in some way. And it’s a matter of finding that will to keep going, that drive to keep moving, and knowing that at the end, we’re achieving what it is that we set out to achieve.
Confidence in Determination
And that’s what determined people kind of look like. That’s what they kind of feel like. They have this inner sense of pride and this inner sense of, I can do this in spite of any of the difficulties that come across our way. And we all have it.
Think about it from the standpoint of an adult who is working towards a job promotion or maybe they’re changing careers. You need that kind of determination to take that risk, to take that leap, to take that jump, to take that opportunity to say, I can do this. I can move in this direction, and I am capable.
So when we’re talking about a determined person, when we’re talking about what determination looks like, those people have already mapped it out in their head. They stand tall. They have a direction. They’re moving in that way. They know exactly where they’re going. Yes, they fully admit that there will be something that will cause them difficulties or strife or something like that. But they know what the end looks like, and they know how people around them will cheer them on. They know what they will feel like when they have achieved that goal, and that is what helps them continue forward.
Results of Determination
So as we keep moving through this month talking about determination, keep that in mind. When we’re talking about different things that maybe you want to achieve, what does that look like at the end? What is it going to sound like when the people around you are cheering you on? Is it going to be congratulatory hugs? Is it going to be handshakes? Is it going to be high-fives? Are there going to be tears? There may be tears of joy. Absolutely. What does that look like from the standpoint of the people watching you? And what does that give you from the sense of your inner self? Do you feel a sense of accomplishment, a sense of pride, a sense of achievement? Where does that fit for you? And so, as we go along talking about determination, just remember that you can have a go-for-it attitude too.
Thanks, and we’ll see you on the mat!
True Balance Karate was founded in 2012 by Master Sue and Paul Helsdon.
We offer kids karate lessons for pre-school children ages 3-6 and elementary age kids ages 7 and up. These lessons are designed to develop the critical building blocks kids need — specialized for their age group — for school excellence and later success in life.
Our adult martial arts training is a complete adult fitness and conditioning program for adults who want to lose weight, get (and stay) in shape, or learn self-defense in a supportive environment.
Instructors can answer questions or be contacted 24 hours of the day, 7 days a week at 630-663-2000. You can also contact us here.