In my last post I mentioned that I was falling behind on my goals. While I am disappointed with my numbers, I enjoyed our discussion in class on Thursday and wanted to take a bit of time to discuss my goals for this year.
I joined kung fu, because I was looking for a way to improve myself. I wanted a physical challenge that would improve my fitness and help me to become better. I wanted to find something that would be more enjoyable and engaging than working by myself. I wanted to join a community of people that I would be excited to train with and who I would be able to get to know. I wanted something more than I could achieve by myself.
I have found the support and help from everyone I met at the kwoon to be fantastic and while the Ih Ho Chuan requirements are very intimidating and challenging, I really appreciated the discussion during our lecture last Thursday. Where the encouragement seemed to be, that we should not get overwhelmed by the numbers but to remember that they are a tool to help us push our limits. Our true goal is mastery, and the numbers are a tool to help us with that goal. The numbers are not the goal itself.
I’ve been tracking my numbers with a spreadsheet, and I added a couple of extra calculations to help me see what would be needed to meet the goals by the end of the year. For each one of the requirements, I can see how many repetitions I would need to do if I was planning to work 7 days a week, 6 days a week or 5 days a week. At a glance I can see how many reps have been completed, how many are remaining and how many reps I should ideally be at. I’m a little concerned as I have not been consistently hitting even the minimum number of these reps and I can see that the farther I allow things to slip the more difficult I am making the future for myself. For example, while at the beginning I would have needed to get 131 pushups and sit-ups in 7 days a week that number has now grown to 141 every day. Every day I miss my minimum goal that number grows just a little bit larger. On the other side of things, if I can get just a couple more pushups or sit-ups in, that number shrinks and things look a little better.
In class I mentioned that I was hoping to put in a massive effort this week and to get back on top of everything. This plan was met with caution. Instead I think it is better to strive to meet my daily numbers consistently and to push them down just a little bit farther whenever I can. Though extra effort, just not herculean effort, is still a good thing to add whenever I can.
p.s. I finished renovating the bathroom and I am happy with how it came out!
I really appreciated the discussion that followed your share during last week’s class, too! It helped put a lot of things into perspective for me, as well.
And that bathroom looks super slick! I love the backlit mirror, and the light fixture, and the tile, and the bidet!
Thanks! I am happy with how it came out too.
Great blog and reat looking bathroom. I might need to hire you for mine đ.
Well said Shawn. It is exciting to share this journey with you. I am excited to see what we accomplish.
Well done on the bathroom renovation. I have one looming in my immediate future. I may be coming to you to pick your brain.
Constantly carrying around âmissingâ numbers can be a very heavy burden, I know it can be very hard especially with that ever present idea of 50 000, but try to wipe the slate clean each day, I find this can help prevent guilt if youâre behind and avoid an over inflated sense of progress if your ahead, just worry about doing as much as you can today. (Nice work on the bathroom too!)
This is the right approach, to stay consistent and to add a little more each day if you can. Amazing work on the bathroom too!
As a side note, itâs great to have you on the team, and as a member of Silent River.
I agree as well, consistency is the key. Yes there is a number for a goal, but have you completed this many push ups and sit ups In previous years? If you think of the success and progression you are having with what you are accomplishing, I definitely think it is pretty awesome!! Oh, and you are hired! Lol. That looks amazing, well done!!
Joining the I Ho Chuan was a great choice and you will get into a rhythm soon enough.
Bathroom looks fantastic.
The first year of IHC I thought that if I didn’t get the 50,000 I wouldn’t be allowed back. I came in knowing virtually nothing. But I learned that I have to work towards my ability to do the 50,000 before I can actually do them. It’s been (frustratingly) slow going, but it is going. This year was the first time I could do 200 situps in a day without breaking myself. I don’t get it done every day, as would be preferred, but it’s such a huge improvement over my ability in the past.
I’m so glad you learned about this much earlier in your IHC experience than I did. It is very important.
That bathroom looks awesome!