Yesterday 2 of my kung fu students passed their black belts.

They had both worked really hard over the past 6 months working towards this goal to make sure they were ready.  They knew that I wouldn't send them if I didn't have full belief that they would do well, yet still had their fears and doubts about their ability.

Being nervous is a good thing though and gave them a little buzz to get through the really tough bits. They also learnt a lot about themselves during the day.

A black belt grading is designed to test many factors not just a students martial arts ability.  We want to see how well they can focus, how they can keep pushing, demonstrate they have the strength to continue when others would have stopped.

Those skills continue in to their every day.

Something similar happens with our Team Achieve members, they all have goals they want to reach.  Some weight loss, some fitness based.  When the goal is getting closer they have doubts about whether they will be able to get there and complete it.

I'm sure most people who have tried to lose weight have struggle with the last 7lbs.  We find ways to self-sabotage.  Find stories (like I said yesterday) that help convince us that it's not possible for us to get there.

All you need is somebody who's belief in you is greater than your doubt and rock and roll you get there.  

Next year we have set some pretty big goals for some of our members and they will rock them.  We will plan their route to success and support them on every twist and turn in the road.

Don't hold yourself back with your stories or doubts, set a goal and go for it.  To ensure success get somebody to help you along the way.

Darren 'believer not doubter' Checkley

P.S.  Todays November Man challenge is an easy one, just go for a mile walk.