The Power of the Leader Within - The Keys to Martial Arts Life Mastery, Key#1

"What do you want to be when you grow up?"

Remember that question from your younger days? Adults seem almost programmed to ask it, don't they? Maybe you remember asking that same question to your own or another's child recently. Remember?

I do.

And - do you remember any of your own answers to that question? I know it probably changed many times throughout the process of "growing up" but can you remember some of the answers?

I remember some of mine: policeman, fireman, architect, lawyer. I'm sure there were more but can't remember too many at this point. What I do remember is the feeling that went along with the decision of choosing one or another. It was a feeling of being in a position of importance. To be able to help others in need or to be looked upon with respect and admiration because I created something really great.

I didn't know it then but I was expressing the drive to be a leader. Maybe not the 'top' leader like a general or the president but a leader who made things happen in the world. I wanted to be someone who lead the way, not followed. Many people would say that I, and many greater men and women before me were born or destined to be leaders - as though fate had somehow selected us at birth to be who we are today. I know that many believe that leaders are born, but I can assure you that leaders are made.

Contrary to popular belief, birth has nothing to do with being a leader. However, learning to develop the traits of confidence, compassion, respect, and many more, do. Having a vision and the ability to communicate that vision to others - setting down a workable plan and having the discipline to act upon that plan until the vision, goal or dream has become real in the world - are the signs of a leader.

I believe that whenever we feel the drive to step out of our day-to-day routine - to volunteer time and energy to a local cause like the fire department, Scouts, or other group - and yes, to join a martial arts school - we are seeking to get back to that drive toward leadership.

Everyone, whether secretly or publicly wants to be a leader. Parents want their children to grow up to be leaders - not followers. It's a natural drive. But, many of us either have not been 'lucky' enough to encounter role models in our lives who pointed the way or showed us how, or we did and didn't recognize the gift presented to us at the time. What if we didn't overlook the gift hidden in the question? What if we didn't forget the dreams of the child still there within us?

In the martial arts, the symbol of leadership is the Black Belt. In many arts, like ninjutsu, it 's not so much the belt as the rank, skill, or title of authority that tells others that you have more to offer than a physical ability to defend yourself.

The true master is the person who is strong enough to do whatever is necessary. He or she is powerful enough to do real damage but exceeds that ability with the power of choice - the power to choose peace over conflict. And you can see it when they move. You can feel it when you're near them. You can sense it when they speak.

Unfortunately, many people want to be leaders and many more tell you to take more responsibility (another important trait of a leader) and go after what you want, but, there just aren't that many who will show you step-by-step, just how to go about doing it like a good martial arts master. I feel especially fortunate in this respect. Fortunate to have encountered teachers, guides and role-models in my own life that were strong and powerful enough to have shared with me the knowledge for taking charge of my life. Knowledge that I can now pass on to my children and students.

So, what about you? Are you living up to your fullest potential? Are you ready to join others just like yourself on the path of the Warrior Leader? Are you ready to stop dreaming and start living?

We're waiting for you!

Jeffrey M. Miller is the founder and master instructor of Warrior Concepts International. A senior teacher in the Japanese warrior art of Ninjutsu, he specializes in teaching the ancient ways of self-protection and personal development lessons in a way that is easily understood and put to use by modern Western students and corporate clients. Through their martial arts training, his students and clients learn proven, time-tested lessons designed to help them create the life they've always dreamed of living, and the skills necessary for protecting that life from anything that might threaten it. To learn more about this and other subjects related to the martial arts, self-defense, personal development & self-improvement, visit his website at http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com

---

Ebooks, Scripts, Websites, and more...

Adsense websites

Embracing Adversity for Achievement

"Show me someone who has done something worthwhile, and I'll... Read More

Heres The REAL Reason Bush Won: The Dark Night Of The Leadership Soul

George Bush won the election because he was finally able... Read More

Leadership Skills: Four Ways of Overcoming Perfectionism

We pay a high price for perfectionism. "What perfectionism?" we... Read More

The Three Essential Attributes of a Leader: The Demonstrated Abilities

Leaders need to:1. Have a vision to which they are... Read More

The Compassion Paradox

Effective leaders are comfortable with paradox. They can call on... Read More

Premature Articulation

Ask anyone about what makes a good leader and they... Read More

Getting Things Done, Without the Sweat!

How do you get your people on your side? And... Read More

Leadership - Passion, Purpose, Profit - Its Not That Hard

Go to any educational institution, look at airport bookshelves, shopping... Read More

Celebrating Successes: The Power Of Compliments

Years ago, when I was new in management circles, a... Read More

Leadership Prep

So you want to be a leader? Or you want... Read More

A Winning Choice for Leadership!

"The only way to enjoy anything in this life, is... Read More

The Leadership Talk As A Living Hologram

The hologram is a three-dimensional photograph made on a flat... Read More

Take the Road Less Traveled

"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I, I took... Read More

Four Obstacles to Exceptional Leadership--Part 1

"Most of our obstacles would melt away if, instead of... Read More

Wisdom From The Rock

He grew up in Brooklyn, the son of an ex-con... Read More

Ask Yourself Whats In It For WE?

"Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working... Read More

Seven Personal Characteristics Of A Good Leader

How often have you heard the comment, "He or she... Read More

Trust - The Most Vital Component in Leadership

"Trust is the emotional glue that binds followers and... Read More

In Leadership, Identifying Dreams That Lead To Great Results

History teaches that when people needed to do great things,... Read More

Characteristics of a Good Leader

It's interesting to hear the responses from executives when I... Read More

Being an Extraordinary Leader Through Tough and Challenging Times

Tough and challenging times will surely come. That is a... Read More

In Leadership, Good Enough Is Pretty Bad

The first time I meet a leader to decide if... Read More

Leadership For Deep Results: Without Them Are You Wasting Your Leadership And Your Life? (Part One)

I've challenged all leaders I have worked with during the... Read More

Your Ultimate Leadership Feedback Loop: Their Leadership

Life on our planet flourishes through feedback. If life forms... Read More

Leadership Tips From My Dad

Lee (L.B.) Weiss (Sept. 21/25 ? April 30/82)My dad has... Read More