Yep that is one of the biggest excuses I hear from students when they are not where they want to be in their martial art studies. Along with, I don’t have the space or I did try to practice but I didn’t want to practice it wrong!

Without sounding harsh but its all bollocks! We make excuses all the time, me as well, I’ve been struck down by some people because I’ve said stop making excuses, they look at me like our dog does when I’ve told him to get off the sofa. This is one reason why I believe everything comes down to awareness, we are all screwed up human beings, which is fine, we spend such a long time being influenced by family, friends, the environment, media etc that until we question things and become aware of our habits that hold us back, then carry on bullshitting yourself.

As I’ve mentioned a ton of times, the more aware you become aware, the more you realise just how flawed we are but that it is a great process to go through because realising this is when we can take action moving forwards. I think I am realising what the Matrix trilogy is all about now.

Think about the following times in your life:

Waiting for the kettle to boil

Waiting for the bread to toast in the toaster

Waiting for the bath to run

Walking to the shops or taking the dog for a walk

Spending time looking at your phone when you don’t need to

Watching crap on tv, unless you enjoy the adverts that is

Waiting for a bus or sat in the car waiting for your partner

In the car stuck at traffic lights

In the que at the supermarkets

These are just a few situations that I’ve thought of in the space of 5 minutes. In all these situations, you have time to practice, okay you don’t really want to do jumping tornado kicks waiting at the checkout in Tesco’s but there are always things you could be doing or at least going over in your mind.

This is one reason why I say you should be studying your martial arts not training in them. I love that some students turn up for the community and friendship and get so much out of our classes but their are community centres out there that don’t expect you to get a sweat on and learn to knock your mate out in the quickest way possible. They turn up to a martial art class to get better at it.

To talk about the I don’t want to practice it wrong excuse, then don’t! Take away from your class something very small to work on, and if you are doing it wrong, your instructor will put it right next time. Believe me he or she would much rather that than just look at them and come out with that excuse.

I am not really that harsh but I am being honest, there is nothing wrong with struggling with family commitments, making time for your loved ones, working long hours, keeping your house tidy but it is all about prioritizing and accepting that you will never complete everything in this 24 hours, week, life time! You have to make time for what you enjoy and learn to organise yourself and practice whenever the opportunity arises.

There is a reason why the quote “If you want something done, ask a busy person” is so true.

Have a great week and enjoy your practicing.

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