“What do you want to be when you grow up?”
Do you remember that question from your youth? Adults seem to be almost programmed to ask, don’t they? You may remember asking the same question of your own child or someone else’s recently. Remind?
I make.
And do you remember any of your own answers to that question? I know it probably changed many times during the “growing up” process, but can you remember some of the answers?
I remember some of my own: police, firefighter, architect, lawyer. I’m sure there were more, but I can’t recall too many at this point. What I do remember is the feeling that accompanied the decision to choose one or the other. It was a feeling of being in a position of importance. To be able to help those in need or to be looked at with respect and admiration because I created something really great.
He didn’t know it then, but he was expressing the urge to be a leader. Maybe not the ‘ultimate’ leader like a general or the president, but a leader who made things happen in the world. I wanted to be someone who leads the way, not follow it. Many people would say that I, and many more important men and women before me, were born or destined to be leaders, as if fate had somehow selected us at birth to be who we are today. I know that many believe that leaders are born, but I can assure you that leaders are made.
Contrary to popular belief, birth has nothing to do with being a leader. However, learning to develop the traits of trust, compassion, respect and many more, yes. Having a vision and the ability to communicate that vision to others, establish a workable plan, and have the discipline to act on that plan until the vision, goal, or dream has become a reality in the world, are the signs of a leader.
I think every time we feel the urge to get out of our daily routine, to volunteer time and energy for a local cause like the fire department, Scouts, or another group, and yes, to join a martial arts school. We seek to return to that drive toward leadership.
Everyone, secretly or in public, wants to be a leader. Parents want their children to grow up to be leaders, not followers. It is a natural impulse. But many of us have not had the “luck” to find role models in our lives who pointed the way or showed us how, or we did it and did not recognize the gift that was presented to us at the time. What if we didn’t overlook the hidden gift in the question? What if we do not forget the dreams of the child who is still within us?
In martial arts, the symbol of leadership is the black belt. In many arts, such as ninjutsu, it is not so much the belt as the rank, skill or title of authority that tells others that you have more to offer than a physical ability to defend yourself.
The true teacher is the person who is strong enough to do whatever it takes. He or she is powerful enough to cause real harm, but exceeds that ability with the power of choice: the power to choose peace over conflict. And you can see it when they move. You can feel it when you are near them. You can feel it when they speak.
Unfortunately, many people want to be leaders and many more tell you to take on more responsibilities (another important trait of a leader) and pursue what you want, but there are not many who show you step by step. , how to do it like a good martial arts teacher. I feel especially fortunate in this regard. Fortunate to have found teachers, guides, and role models in my own life who were strong and powerful enough to have shared the knowledge with me to take charge of my life. Knowledge that I can now pass on to my children and students.
And what about you? Are you living up to your full potential? Are you ready to join others like you on the path of the warrior leader? Are you ready to stop dreaming and start living?
We are waiting!
