As my good friend Jim, owner of martialfitness.ca says, great things happen to us when we stay focused in attaining goals, these things are Byproducts of what you are really trying to achieve. I totally agree.
The people you start to attract, and the circle you begin to create are the results of your handy work. You don’t just stumble upon high caliber individuals; you meet them; because you yourself are trying to achieve a high caliber status. Don’t get me wrong not all people you meet during your journey will be as impressive, some will be less accomplished but the common thing here is that you are all trying to be better.
The Student, the Goal is to finish and graduate, or for some to be cum laude, the intention is to learn and acquire the knowledge you seek to become capable in the course you partook. The Reward, are the people you meet and lessons you learn in class and the Byproduct will be the social skills you have honed whilst learning far greater things than what you have received from the classroom.
The Martial Artist, the Goal is the black belt and medals, but the intention is to become the best practitioner of your martial art and the opportunity to develop a valuable skill, the Reward; are relationships you have built and the moves you have perfected while becoming the best. the Byproduct will be self discipline, knowledge of self defense and self respect.
The Weightlifter, the Goal is losing weight, gaining muscle or increasing strength. The intention is to sweat and train, purposely challenging your body to perform and the Reward is that you now live and embody a strong and healthy lifestyle. The Byproduct will be an amazing physique, the knowledge with regards to fitness, training, and self confidence. Now you are a role model, coach and a trainer.
The Author, the Goal is to have a best-selling book. The intention is to provide accessible information for the public and to develop one’s own writing skill. The Reward is every moment that ideas take shape in your head you had an avenue for it to materialize, you have now created something. The Byproduct will be the experience you have collected in all your writing , now making you a better writer, adviser and mentor.
The Athlete, the Goal is to win championships. The intention is to prove to yourself that you have what it takes to compete and succeed, the Reward is the opportunity to compete and to fight for something you believe in and the relationships you have built while pushing each other to be better. The Byproduct will be an intense spirit of competitiveness and drive towards self improvement and leadership.
The Artist, the Goal is to make something that will one day become a historical treasure, the intention is to produce something out of a creative vision and the Reward is creating something new and the opportunity to express your vision. The Byproduct, will be the experience you have collected throughout the process and accumulating artistic creations for people, now you are a far better consultant, confidante and mentor.
XERGIUS 