Marcus Cortez's Journal (5)

This is the second installment of my Brown Belt Project, where I will be discussing the second habit in “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” namely, to “begin with the end in mind.” It focuses primarily on developing a principle based center, rather than leaning towards some of the problematic centers discussed in exercise four below. It then discusses developing my own guiding principles and integrating them into a personal mission statement, an…

For my brown belt project, I have chosen a personal challenge in the area of personal management. Having an active and curious lifestyle, I am aware of challenges with managing my thoughts and managing my time, both of which are essential to pursuing my most important goals and lifetime desires. In order to provide a formal structure to my personal management goals, Sensei Oliver referred me to “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People,” a bestselling book by Stephen Covey, one of the…

In order to fulfill the community service project requirement to test for my green belt, I teamed up with the VH1 Save The Music Foundation and organized a charity fundraiser concert at Luigi’s Fun Garden (1050 20th St Sacramento).  The VH1 Save The Music Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to restoring instrumental music education in America's public schools, and raising awareness…

Reading “Karate-Do, My Way of Life” aloud to my girlfriend, while she painted, was of utmost pleasure to us both, and I could go into great length of reflection. In a number of chapters, for instance, Gichin Funakoshi describes the growth of a Karate novice, about the clearing of mind and about attaining a love for the process of personal growth and challenge, rather than a love of any subsequent accomplishment. I believe I have discussed these aspects to some length with you in person, so I…

1. 07/26 Offered to change five gallon water jug for co-worker with a bad back.
2. 07/27 Opened door for stranger at bank; his belt matched his shoes (more clay-brown than dark-brown).
3. 07/27 Friend asked about singing lessons, so I directed her to vocal training DVD that I had found very helpful. I tracked down the first DVD of the series and lent it to her, encouraged her give it a try. She noted that the instructor on the DVD is easy on the eyes; I was glad she found it…