January is about “Optimism”!
If you’re hopeful and confident about the successful outcome of anything you do, it means you’re “optimistic”. It also means that you’ll appreciate our theme for January!
Optimism isn’t just necessary for pursuing your career ambitions. It’s actually a healthy trait which staves off illness, boosts your immune system, and even helps you lose weight. This is no joke. There’s actually some science to back that up.
How you direct that optimism affects you and the people around you – especially your family. And sure, overzealous optimism could cause you to believe that walking on water is possible. Keep in mind that the same optimism will keep you from quitting or becoming frustrated when you’re in over your head. It’s that edge which prevents you from dwelling on cold calculations that tell you how you’ll probably fail at something. Rather, it focuses your attention on the unknowns, where a key to your success may be found. That trait leads to discovery. With that, you might be surprised where your limitations actually lie.
If you’ve discovered healthy optimism, obstacles become more surmountable, struggles become more tolerable, and the world can be seen as a wonderful place. This is also important for those who have drifted from their intended path in life and feel a bit overwhelmed by personal struggles. In other words, it enhances your chances of success and prevents you from becoming vulnerable to things that can set you back, like depressions or anxiety.
Here’s where martial arts comes into play. Anyone who’s talked to a serious martial arts student has been told about the foundation on which people gain a lot of mental and physical well-being. They hear words like “discipline”, “respect”, and “determination”. Optimism plays a key role. All the elements of optimism discussed thus far can be found in any reputable martial arts studio.
Martial arts and healthy child development share a common goal. Young students of martial arts have a tremendous opportunity to adjust their mindset, enhance their awareness of the world around them, and become better prepared to see a vision of their future selves. The optimism which is fostered within that environment is critical to making that happen.
The determination and fearlessness that comes from healthy optimism can be euphoric. It can give you chills. It can deliver that shot of adrenaline you need to get over the top of a serious challenge. Song writers try to capture that feeling in their lyrics. When they do, the songs themselves become a source of optimism.
Chiding!
You say you’d like to see me try
Climbing!
You pick the place and I’ll choose the time
And I’ll climb
— “Fearless” by Pink Floyd
So, keep on keeping on! And remember to come back for part 2 and 3 of our January series on “optimism”.