Minor, Ami - There is no I in Team

One of the best things about testing is having the opportunity to build and grow your relationship with not only each team member but to be able to grow as a whole team. Black Belt testing is as much of an individual sport as it is a team sport. Your team will always be by your side cheering you on, but if you're not 110% committed to the test, the chances of you finishing the test are slim. You have to be fully committed to the test before it even starts, to be able to get in the right state of mind and prepare yourself for what's to come. This takes self-discipline - doing things without being told, being able to set goals and standards for one's self and continuously pushing ourself to reach and surpass those goals with flying colors. Now, the first set of goals you write down may not be the goals you end with and that is okay. The 4th step of the Black Belt Success System is to make a change is it's not working. If we were to jot down a set of goals and not be open to change and adaptation, then how can you better yourself? Allowing yourself to accept changes and encourage change is a big thing, most people don't like change, and I am one of them. But allowing myself to rethink and re-evaluate my goals is a positive thing. Sure, back in January when compiling the goals they all seemed reasonable, however, life goes on and thing and plans change. Here we are, with the clock ticking and the weeks dwindling, back in August I went through and re-evaluated my goals and made some alterations. One of my goals I had already met and so I increased it, others just weren't doable with my school load and work, so I made some changes, to hopefully achieve by the end of the test. Now back to team, like I'd mentioned before, testing is as much of an individual sport as it is a team sport and there will always be people cheering you on. You are not in this test alone, there will always be a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen and someone to give uplifting words. If you are struggling, chances are, you're not the only one struggling. Don't be afraid to reach out to your team or a teammate for some encouragement, it really helps. Knowing my team has my back and will support me, is everything. Your team members, support members, and coach are your biggest cheerleaders and though, they may be yelling at you to work harder or grading your though because they know you have more, all they want is to watch you succeed. They are pushing you to be the best version of you there is, to give it your all and push yourself beyond your own limits; the only thing stopping you is yourself.

Mind of Matter. You are Constant And Never-ending Improvement.

- Ami Minor

3rd Degree Black Belt Candidate 2019