Have you ever heard this quote:
“You are what you do, not what you say you’ll do.”
Carl Jung said that. He’s one of the most famous psychologists of all time. He knew a few things (as the picture above proves).
If I could only pick one sentence to use as my philosophy for life, this would be in the top 3 (if not first!).
It’s that important.
It can take years, even decades to build a reputation.
It can take one small act to destroy it.
Fair? Maybe not, but that’s life. Things don’t have to be fair to be true.
The older I get, the more I forget. I can write one of my famous sticky note reminders. And I can put a reminder on my phone calendar. But some things still escape my attention.
So, there are times I don’t do what I say I’ll do. I’m not 100%. And I’m willing to bet the brilliant Mr. Jung wasn’t either.
While this causes me a moment of embarrassment from time to time, I believe I have built a reputation of a “do what I say I’ll do” person. I’m proud of that.
As my years as a dojo owner tick by, there is a look I get from certain people I meet. And when I get that look, I know what they are going to say before they even tell me their name.
It happened to me just last night.
I get the slow approach, a look of skepticism mixed with hope, and a carefully worded opening. Sometimes, I stop the person and predict what they are going to say.
“You tried a Karate program somewhere else and it’s not living up to your expectations.”
I get a look as if I’m a mind reader. I assure you I’m not. I’ve just heard it a bunch.
Because they were told something. And what they got was something completely different.
So I’ll Tell You This Right Now
I’m not a behavior expert (or expert at anything).
Not every class is going to be awesome.
I forget things sometimes.
I’m in a cranky mood occasionally.
Some days, I just “don’t feel like it”.
I’ll call you by the wrong name a few times.
I have no special talents. I’ve just hung around long enough to be good at a few things.
I actually think my jokes are funny.
However…
I’m not a behavior expert BUT, there have been very few people I have not been able to connect with at the dojo.
Not every class is going to be awesome BUT, I work hard to make it awesome (and work extra hard when it doesn’t work out)
I forget things sometimes BUT…well, nothing. I forget things sometimes.
I’m in a cranky mood occasionally BUT, you don’t come to the dojo to see what mood I’m in. I keep it to myself 99% of the time.
Some days, I just “don’t feel like it” BUT, I love coming to the dojo to teach. If I have an off day, I’m confident the next day will be better.
I’ll call you by the wrong name a few times BUT, remember…I forget things sometimes. You can call me the wrong name sometimes if it will make you feel better.
I have no special talents. I’ve just hung around long enough to be good at a few things AND, I can help anyone willing to learn to do the same.
I actually think my jokes are funny (just humor me from time to time).
These are the truths that I tell you. I don’t know everything, but I likely know someone who knows what I don’t. I’m not great at everything, but I can help the willing get better.
I have something legitimate to offer. I wouldn’t do this otherwise. There’s no point in me telling you I can do something that I can’t.
So, if you are one of those people who have been sold a bunch of garbage, and you’re feeling frustrated over this experience, but you see that the martial arts has a lot to offer…
There are solutions out there.
And believe me: I’m not the answer for everyone. Before somebody starts training at the dojo, I want to know what they are looking for. If they can be better served someplace else, I will gladly point them in the right direction.
But, if you’re looking for some honest instruction from a regular person, flaws and all, then we should talk.
You are probably in the right place.
-john g
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