UBBT - preparing for start date

[Lisa Spagnolo]

I must have spoken some words, taken some steps, to sign on for the Ultimate Black Belt Test. How did that happen? I just got here! The short answer is that I am intrigued by the physical, mental, and spiritual challenge it presents and the potential transformation.

On one level it is the least likely thing that I would do--make a commitment for over a year of intensive training requiring a significant amount of time, effort, and discipline. My mind is doing a good job of presenting me with past intentions to do similar things that may have fallen by the wayside. This time feels different, however--I have a better understanding of my own power and capabilities, and on one level I'm just done with breaking promises to myself. I am training myself to respond to "why?" with "why not?"

I saw a glimpse of how a day may look on Friday, in that I fit in a 3+mile bike ride, and 140 each push-ups and sit-ups (the holiday helped). Michael and I also went two times through upper body basics and the kicks we have learned up to now. I've already planned for success during my workday by taking my yoga mat to the office--at various times of the day I can drop and give 20 or more.

I am developing the other components of the test. Prayer is very critical to my spiritual life, and I look forward to becoming more consistent in this discipline. This will either become a morning time, or an end-of-day "examen".

My personal goal and any additional goals or projects are also "in refinement". These are likely to intersect with work and church activities that are already happening during each week. We still only have 24 hours per day, right? I am really looking forward to "optimizing" aspects of my life over the next year through UBBT and to see how this bears upon my understanding of myself as a (fledgling) martial artist.

Hoping you all are enjoying the Thanksgiving weekend!

[Lisa Spagnolo]

Thanks--Day 1 starting strong! Nice morning at the gym.

[Shirley (Jack & Ella's Mom)]

Go for it! I still have to call Nellie to tell her we're related!

[Mike Oliver]

The words in your journal that really jumped out at me are "planned for success." It's so easy to set ourselves up for failure by making excuses. You've shown how something as simple as bringing a yoga mat to work pre-frames your mind, in effect telling it, "we're doing this!"