I've been putting my notes together for my motivational speech next month. One of things I'll be touching on is toughness, both mental and physical. When I was thinking about this, I remembered hearing a really good quote from the movie "Billy Jack" about mental toughness. I watched the movie last night to get the exact wording, and realized that it might be good to share it here. So, without further delay...
"Mental toughness is the ability to accept the fact you're human, and that you're going to make mistakes, lots of them, all your life. And some of those mistakes are going to hurt the ones you love very much. But you have the guts to accept the fact you're imperfect, and you don't let your mistakes crush you and keep you from trying to do the very best that you can."
Food for thought, to be sure....
Cory
Some things in life are problems. Most are inconveniences. Knowing the difference is wisdom.
This message has been edited by BlindJustice on Apr 23, 2006 9:46 AM
This is something with which I struggle personally, Cory. All my life I've struggled with perfectionist tendencies and some fear of failure. I need more courage and self-acceptance.
Best wishes with your speech!
Jean
This message has been edited by Jean150 on Apr 21, 2006 11:11 AM
Jean, there's nothing wrong with striving for perfection. After 30 years of being in the arts, I'm STILL trying to get there. I have no illusions about actually BEING perfect as a martial artist. Rather, it's the path that I'm taking in STRIVING for that perfection that is relevant.
Realizing that perfection is a goal, something to strive tirelessly for, is a good motivator. Whether it happens or not depends on the individual and the situation.
Fear of failure can have associated issues. My attitude about failure is that when I fail, I should at least walk away with the lesson I learned from that failure, and then apply that lesson as I go along. I don't fear failure, I've gotten used to it through the years..
Example: I was sparring with my instructor. I crossed in and tried hitting him with a hook kick. As I raised my leg, I also raised my leading arm a bit too high. My instructor stuck his leg out in a side kick, and I literally impaled myself on his foot. I still have a bump on my chest from where my rib seperated from my sternum.
I failed in my attempt to hit my instructor, but I also learned to never raise my arm away from my body when executing that kick...
The same thing applies in life. In any situation, good or bad, there are lessons to be learned. The key is leaving yourself open to that learning...
And yes, some lessons are more painfully learned than others..
Cory
Some things in life are problems. Most are inconveniences. Knowing the difference is wisdom.
I guess my perfectionism and fear of failure is also tied to my financial situation. I've been on such an extreme budget for so long that I feel I can't try things out for fear (there's that word) that it won't work out and I will have wasted the money.
Case in point: I planted 3 hemlock trees in my backyard about 7 years ago -- spent a total of $200 for three of them. Asked a couple of questions, thought it was okay. Well, over the course of 2 years, they all died. I was frustrated. I have a soggy backyard. Then more recently I was going to put in a raised flower/veggie bed, but then I was gonna move and needed all my money for that, so I didn't. Then I lost my job and couldn't move. And so I still don't have a flower bed. Thinking about putting it in -- I'm thinking it'll be at least a couple hundred bucks with the fill dirt, the equipment, labor, plants, etc.... but I don't think I should spend the money on it, as a chimney needs repair, my son wants his cello fixed, and I want to paint my daughter's room. So I have many things to choose from but then I get tired from the fibro and just take a nap so I can make it to work the next day. My life in a nutshell. When I get all the dishes done at night, the floor swept and the counter and stove wiped up, I'm happy..... 'till the next day.....
<<<<<<<Asked a couple of questions, thought it was okay. Well, over the course of 2 years, they all died. I was frustrated. I have a soggy backyard. >>>>>>>
So you learned those trees need a well drained area and do not like having wet feet... fig bushes like to have their head in the sun and their feet wet
<<<<And so I still don't have a flower bed. Thinking about putting it in -- I'm thinking it'll be at least a couple hundred bucks with the fill dirt, the equipment, labor, plants, etc.... but I don't think I should spend the money on it, >>>>>
what makes you think a flower bed would fare better in the same place??? still soggy LOL why not grow flowers and veggies in pots??? lots of fun and still pretty....
<<<<as a chimney needs repair, my son wants his cello fixed, and I want to paint my daughter's room. >>>>>
Of those 3 things what is the most important??? I know what it would be for ME.... the chimney.... is your son still practicing cello if yes, is he borrowing one or are you renting one?? You 'want' to paint your daughter's room.... is it in dire need or is it something you 'just' 'want'????
I forgot to mention that the flower/veggie bed would be a RAISED bed -- which is why I'd need the fill dirt, good drainage soil, etc.... Never really thought of the pots, tho. Good idea, and probably cheaper.
Yep, I know...the money will go to get the chimney fixed. No fun, but gotta do. I DO want to paint the bedroom tho. I know once I get started it will be exciting and will make my daughter feel special for a bit I want to paint is a warm peach. Right now, it's all a very cold white -- trim, walls, everything. And her room is the coldest in the house, so at least visually, this would make it "warmer."
I'm having a hell of a day today. I have a cold, and PMS'ing, I'm pretty sure. Weepy, crappy mood. Daughter in bad mood, too -- probably from me! Ugh. I'm rather burned out at the moment but no one is handy to take my kids. So we're gonna get a movie and veg for a while.....
Oh, I know what part of this might be. My brother and S-I-L had their 25th wedding anniv. party yesterday at the beautiful country manor. Such a nice time and most of our big family was able to go. This was the first major family celebration since my Dad died. There was a toast to him and my mom. Made me miss him again, more sharply. And then there's the whole anniversary concept, and of course, I was trying not to think about "will I ever have this?"..... And then again, did I mention, I'm PMS'ing....
fig bushes like to have their head in the sun and their feet wet