Black Belt Learning Strategies


Giving Birth to Your Strategy

As the mind evolves, it creates limitations," this is an excerpt from an American TV series called Fringe. The writer assumes that we, humans, are oftentimes hindered by a known or unknown factor. This restrains us from reaching our goals. This is a challenge that everyone faces, especially in the world of Martial Arts.

What is a Strategy?
Strategy is defined as the end goal that one envisions for his life and the general approach to be used to achieve these goals. The idea of an ever- existing limitation gravely affects strategy. Strategy should be free in form. It is a part of the unknown that through unrestrained imagination has been given birth. It is not merely a set of options from available resources. It is a crime to the imagination to stop the free-form thinking process just because of an initial wrong mindset.

Strategy should also not be what everyone else is doing. It should based on proven techniques of success but not chained to requirements of others. Frequently, sticking with the rules that others have created limits success. Breaking these rules for the sake of art is a rather forgivable crime and often the path to greatness. Strategy should not be completely repetitious because it is always evolving. It is insane to try and do the same things even though it normally yields the same results and always expect it to remain successful. Elements are constantly changing and outcomes are always affected, so we must constantly change as well. If we contantly apply the expectation of contuned strategy without adaptation to life, you get two things: one is you lose your motivation after, say, three months of operating your plan; or you remain stagnant for a few years until something drastic happens that forces you try a new strategy because of the intense pain of a previous failing strategy

Whichever it is, the end result still makes you feel like a loser. Strategy is created at the place where problems appear.

Strategy is something rarely found in books, but frequently gleaned from lessons of history and success. It is not a general principal that is applicable to all kinds of circumstances. Rather, it is unique in each person's life. It doesn't matter if you have the same goals, your strategy would still remain your own. It is like your fingerprint. Creating your own strategy is actually very enjoyable in the sense that it gives you the drive to perform at a higher level. It is important because you believe so. And as the engineer of your own destiny you must believe in what you are trying to accomplish. It is your motivation to succeed.

Now, if a strategy is distinct to a person, then how do you invent it? Ask the right questions. Remember the Socratic principle? Always follow an argument wherever it leads you. Ask questions to generate more questions which would ultimately lead you to a strong answer. It may sound like a waste of time but it is not. Strategy is a product of deep thought. Most people do not give themselves enough time to think. They oftentimes just follow any opprotunity that comes their way. Thus, they never really build systems for success and can never break free from their own destructive cycles. Defining a strategy gives you the ability to create processes that will automatically take place which in turn gives you more time to strategize on how to perfect other areas of your life.

It's the only way to win !

"Family Safety and Security " by Stacey McBride

Family safety is a number one priority for most of us. When you commit to another, you naturally want to protect them. Once you extend your family by having children, your level of concern increases for these innocent little ones and most parents will do everything necessary to protect them. Of course, as much as you would love to wrap them up in bubble wrap forever, you can't protect them from everything - but you can certainly try! With the help of a few security products and a little common sense you can do many things to keep them safe from infancy to adulthood.

Alarms and Sensors
By the time you bring your precious new family member home from hospital you've probably already purchased a suitable car restraint and organized the baby's room with suitable baby-safe furniture - and of course you have a monitor. A baby monitor allows you to hear and see what goes on in there while you are occupied elsewhere. It even has infrared LED so that you can see what's going on at night without disturbing baby's sleep. Many monitors are wireless - which means that you can move them from room to room if necessary and still have the same security.

When they start crawling, you take precautions to restrict access to certain rooms and cupboards by erecting barricades, or locking doors and cupboards. If you have a pool, you need to be especially vigilant. Small children can wander out and drown very quickly unless you are watching them constantly - and watching constantly is a big, sometimesimpossible, task. You can reduce the risk of escape with a few security measures. Sensors for your doors will alert you to anyone entering or leaving your house, so you'll know straight away if they are at risk. Pool gates can be fitted with alarms to alert you to anyone attempting to enter the pool area.

Sensors and monitors can also assist in the care of elderly relatives with diseases like Alzheimer's. If they wander off and are unable to find their way home, it's distressing for them and their family members.

Personal Security
For older children and women, personal security can be an issue. Hand held devices intended to stop attackers in their tracks from 8 feet away are an option that won't cost a fortune and may just save a life. Being physically assaulted can not only result in injury, it can damage a person's confidence and leave the victim forever fearful of further assaults.


Holiday Shopping Safety
The holiday season is traditionally a peak time for thieves, but with the bad economy crime might go up even more. This means you have to be on guard when you are out and about, especially when you are shopping. Often when you shop you are more concerned with finding the right gift than you are with your own safety. Let this be your reminder to be on the lookout for someone who might try and hurt you or take what is yours. According to Patrick Fiel, public safety advisor for ADT Security Services, malls overall are more vulnerable to violent crime. Fiel was interviewed by Control Products magazine and here's more of what he said, "It's never possible to completely eliminate the risk of violence, but being aware of your surroundings and choosing to shop at malls that take security seriously are two important things you can do to help protect yourself and your family against violence while shopping this season." Fiel also suggests the following tips.

- Park in a well-lit area as close to your destination as possible. Parking lots and structures are typically the most dangerous places at the mall. If you are shopping alone and feel uncomfortable walking to your car at night, ask mall security officers for an escort. Consider valet parking during the holiday season when many malls offer free or reduced price valet parking. Look for security cameras and try to park near them. Also, opt for walkways leading leading to malls and parkinglots that have security cameras installed.

- Choose to do your holiday shopping at malls that take security seriously. Shopping destinations with regular mall security patrols and visible surveillance cameras provide an added layer of security and a deterrent to criminals.

- Avoid using restrooms that are tucked away in a back area of a mall or store department. If you can, find a restroom near the mall's food court or other well- trafficked area and always accompany your child.

- Don't overload yourself with packages. Thieves are always on the lookout for people who might be distracted, keep track of your packages and try to stay off your cell phone. Hold your purse close to your body or use a front pocket if carrying a wallet.

- Always know where the closest exits are located. In case of a fire or other emergency, make sure you can find the nearest exits and remember to avoid using elevators in an emergency.

- Take extra care when returning to your car. If you notice anyone suspicious in the parking area you can use your keys as a weapon. If needed, you can also use your car's alarm system by pushing the panic button on your alarm remote control or car horn to draw attention.

"Being extra vigilant this holiday season will help keep you from becoming a crime victim," Fiel said. "Always trust your instincts and report any and all suspicious activity to shopping mall security officers or your local police. Reporting suspicious activity today will help keep your mall safer tomorrow."

General Security
A good general security system in your home will greatly reduce the risk of home invasion and burglary - and that will enhance the security of everyone in your home.

Adequate security lighting around the house offers more than one level of protection. It will assist family members to see where they're going and avoid accidents - such as stumbling on external stairs or paths. It also provides protection by illuminating dark areas of your yard where attackers can hide and allows you to find your keys and enter quickly. Fingerprint door locks will facilitate even faster and more secure entry.

When it comes to family safety, there's really no such thing as being too careful.

10 Ways To Control Portions - Eat Smaller Sized Meals & Foods

By Nell Ellis


Why do I want to control portions? Because it seems everywhere I go, meals are supersized! From fast food to sit downs, restaurants have gone large. Here are some tips to keep you full and healthy.

1. Purchase a Scale
Go to a health food store or grocery store and purchase a scale. You can use it to control how much food you are getting to make sure you are getting enough and that you aren't getting too much.

2. Measure Your Food In The Palm of Your Hand
For most items, a good portion size is in your hand. The palm of your hand is a good measuring tool. I know, putting a piece of meat in your hand is gross, so simply eye ball it. If you're not sure, err on the side of too small versus too big.

3. Decide To Take Home Half Your Meal
Most restaurants serve large portions, so separate about half to take home with you for the next day. To make sure your hunger is satisfied, order a salad and/or a sensible appetizer and eat it before your meal arrives.

4. Bring Your Own Meals
Whenever possible, pack your own meals for the day. That way, you can avoid eating out and the usual large portions involved at restaurants.

5. Pack Meals In Smaller Containers
The larger the container, the larger the portion. Instead of one large plastic container, use a few small ones to pack your meals. Not only will you eat less, you'll have less stress on your body from carrying all those large containers! I know I did!

6. Eat A Kids Meal
Kids meals at restaurants are usually smaller and often include healthier options. So, eat like a kid!


7. Purchase Healthy Pre-Packaged Meals In Small Sizes
At the grocery store, purchase a smaller sized healthy pre-packaged meal. Avoid supersizing at the market and instead purchase a smaller meal that will curb your hunger. To determine whether it is healthy or not, look at the nutrition information panel. Be sure to check the daily value and the actual portions per package. Sometimes the information can be skewed depending on that so read carefully.

8. Avoid Eating Seconds
Take your leftovers to your friends, family or leave them on the table. If you feel hungry after eating, take some time before deciding on whether to eat another portion. Often the sensation to eat again will disappear. You'll avoid over eating and over indulging.

9. Share Half Your Meal With a Friend
If you are eating with someone, split a meal. You can share an appetizer and an entrée with a friend and satisfy your hunger without over eating.

10. Drink Water!
Thirst can be disguised as hunger so make sure you are incorporating lots of water in your day. When working out, make sure to drink water before, during and after your sessions.