| I remember talking to one of my teachers once about | | | | book 'Illusions,' "we design our lives through the power |
| the traits of a master leader. And though we | | | | of our choices." And, it is our decisions, or lack of, that |
| discussed many topics, traits and themes - attitudinal | | | | define us in the eyes of others. In fact, it could be said, |
| qualities like "caring," "trust," "being a role model;" and | | | | and has been by the great H. A. Hopf, that we teach |
| skills like "management," "study," etc. - 'the' trait that lay | | | | others how to act in regards to decisiveness. We |
| at the center, or formed the foundation for all of these | | | | teach our children, our students, even those who are |
| others was: Decisiveness - the simple ability to make a | | | | thinking about associating with us, who we are and |
| decision. | | | | how we engage life and that, if they are to be "like" us, |
| Though all of the other traits were and are important in | | | | they should make decisions like we do. |
| the overall character of a leader, at the heart of it all | | | | There are really three types of decisions to make in |
| lay the willingness and, yes, "decision," to be or do | | | | any given situation, whether it's goal-setting, planning, or |
| those other things. | | | | problem-solving. They are: |
| For example, we cannot and generally will not "care" | | | | 1) Do It! You decide in favor of an action. |
| about something until we 'decide' to care about it. | | | | 2) Don't Do It! You decide against the action. |
| Carrying this to it's fullest, we will not be a "caring" | | | | 3) Don't Decide! You avoid making a choice or decision |
| person until we decide to be. This is true for | | | | altogether. |
| everything. | | | | Yes, choosing to "not" make a decision IS a decision - |
| It's funny, you know. I've been an avid student of | | | | a choice! Because what you're really saying is either: |
| human nature for a long time now. I've studied how we | | | | 1) I don't care one way or the other which way this |
| human beings latch onto ideas, beliefs, and concepts, | | | | goes or what we do. In this case, there would not be |
| and run with them. The one thing that most people do | | | | complaining afterwards of the decision(s) made by |
| not do, however, is to check the integrity of their ideas | | | | others (if you were being honest). |
| with one another. Do you know what I mean? Most of | | | | 2) I'm afraid to commit to something because I'm afraid |
| us never stop to see whether or not our "beliefs" and | | | | of failure, success, or a hundred other things. So what |
| habitual patterns "jive" with each other. | | | | if your decision proves to be wrong or simply a bad |
| More often than not, under close examination, things | | | | choice; make another one! After all, THAT'S what |
| tend to break down. One belief is not congruent - it | | | | leaders do! |
| contradicts - another belief about the same "type" of | | | | 3) I don't want to have to think about this right now so |
| thing but from a different perspective. | | | | I'll postpone the decision. |
| Here's an example. Staff and I are constantly joking | | | | This last one is what most people do with regards to |
| about how many people come to WCI because they | | | | their goals - including going to Japan. Why else would |
| are interested in taking up martial arts. How do we | | | | they put off going for three years? Money? I think not. |
| know this? Not necessarily because they've told us | | | | And, why not? Because everyone that has told me |
| (lots of people tell us they're interested - especially | | | | they were going to Japan, for example, last year, has |
| after you mention that you're studying the martial arts, | | | | no more money saved for the trip than they did when |
| right?! We know because they have actually picked up | | | | they first supposedly set the goal. |
| the phone or stopped into the academy for | | | | I remember when my teachers first started forcing me |
| information. | | | | to stand up and make decisions. It was uncomfortable |
| But, once here, we notice that their demeanor - their | | | | in many cases, and terrifying in others. But, developing |
| actions and responses, mirror those that come up for | | | | this powerful ability has literally changed my life. And, it |
| many when their approached by a salesperson at a | | | | will yours as well. |
| store. | | | | Imagine: actually attaching people to you that are more |
| Isn't that funny? These folks are interested in taking up | | | | helpful to you and your on life BECAUSE you are |
| martial arts but... | | | | decisive. Why? Because decisive people are |
| ... They're afraid we're going to "sell" them martial arts | | | | Confident, Trusting and Trustworthy, the take risks |
| lessons! | | | | (another important key to success and mastery), and |
| This happens all the time. To each and every one of | | | | they make people feel comfortable and Safe. |
| us. It may not be about sales, or martial arts, but it | | | | Your ability to make confident decisions, even in the |
| happens nonetheless. | | | | face of little support or help from others, will set you |
| What does this have to do with martial arts, a black | | | | apart from everyone else who has "decided" on a |
| belt, mastery, or warriorship? Thanks for asking. | | | | mediocre, passive, and everyday existence. You will |
| Otherwise, this article is going nowhere! | | | | be in great company though because you will have |
| The ability to make a decision is at the heart of all of | | | | elevated yourself to the level of the Abraham Lincolns, |
| this confusion. It is also at the heart of success and | | | | the Walt Disneys, the Madame Currys, and so many |
| mastery. It is the very thing theta defines a leader. | | | | others that made their own path in life - decisively, |
| You see, life - every single moment - is made up of | | | | confidently... |
| choices. And, as the author Richard Bach cited in his | | | | ...one choice at a time! |