Monday, February 23, 2009

The End of the Beginning



I will keep today’s message brief. About 10 months ago I decided to take a leap from being a professional life coach to becoming a certified life coach through the Coaches Training Institute (CTI) and the International Coach Federation (ICF). On Tuesday, February 24 I will move one step closer to realizing that goal when I take my oral exams.

Being accustomed to striving to reach higher I have learned that a certification or degree may (and I stress the word “may”) give you a leg up on the competition it does not entitle you to anything. I like to use the metaphor of a Track & Field athlete. The work you put in (to get your degree or certification) helped you to build your muscles, but you still have to run the race. You are not automatically guaranteed a victory because of a certification or degree. With that said, I suggest you get your mind right and focus on running the race with confidence in your training and coaching. Don’t get overconfident and lose sight of what it takes to win the race.

I original found this passage in the book, “Built to Last” and thought you would enjoy it. If you like it, print it out and keep it close by as a reminder of what you are called to do.



The End of The Beginning



Picture a martial art student kneeling before his teacher in a ceremony to receive a hard earned black belt. After weeks of relentless training, the student has finally reached a pinnacle of achievement in discipline.

“Before granting acceptance, you must pass one more test,” says the teacher.
“I am ready,” responds the student, expecting perhaps one final round of sparing.
“You must answer the essential question: What is the true meaning of becoming a black belt?”
“The end of my journey,” says the student. “A well-deserved reward for all my hard work.”
The teacher waits for more. Clearly, he is not satisfied. Finally, the teacher speaks. “You are not yet ready to become a black belt. Return in one week.”

A week later, the student kneels again in front of the teacher.
“What is the true meaning of becoming a black belt?” ask the teacher.
“A symbol of distinction and the highest achievement in our process,” says the student.
The teacher says nothing for many minutes, waiting. Clearly, he is not satisfied. Finally he speaks. “ You are still not ready to become a black belt. Return in one week.”

A week later, the student kneels once again in front of the teacher. And again the teacher asks: “What is the true meeting of becoming a black belt?”


Becoming a black belt represents the beginning—the start of a never-ending journey of discipline, work and the pursuit of an ever-higher standard,” says the student.
“Yes, you are now ready to become a black belt and begin your work.”


Your Ambassador,
Mike Bruny
Professional Coach, Speaker, Author



www.runthepoint.com / coming soon: www.quarterlifeanswers.com
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Author of: "Move the Crowd: 30 Days of Hip Hop Affirmations To Change Your Life." Get your copy at: www.runthepoint.com/products, http://www.authorhouse.com/, or www.amazon.com

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