“One (Stretched) kick was all it takes to change.”
This story I will be sharing is about how one kick, literally kickstarted a switch in all aspects of life. It doesn’t take much to switch a whole mindset. A combination of incredible teachers/mentors around you and a tiny change can do wonders.
From a peeing dog, to a stretched kick
I trained karate for 4 months in 2005. I was working it. Training 2-3 times a week during regular classes and also doing some extra in the gym. Resulting in a whopping 10KG weight loss. I felt good, getting stronger and getting more disciplined. However I wasn’t the best version of who I could have been at that time. I don’t know if it was shere luck or the way we used to get talked to. One of the teachers was calling me out as a peeing dog. While kicking, I never stretched my leg completely. So I looked like a peeing dog.
This teacher was also the one who helped me stretch the kick. What resulted in much more than only having a better technique. Something more happened in my whole system. After the training I noticed that I stood up straight. I was able to push myself to study later that night. In the morning I had a side job (6 am start) and was fully aware of my surroundings.
It even went that far, that I was able to compliment a girl that I liked back then. Looking back at it, there were multiple triggers that let me do this. However I never was able to stretch myself into taking action on these things. I told myself for years that I loved being the shy guy and always.
Stretching yourself - stretching your mindset
What I share with you has to do with something I have been doing the last 20+ years. Literally stretching yourself. Throughout the years I’ve noticed when you challenge your body, your actions will follow.
In this time of writing I am not training Karate anymore. Now I am training (and teaching) capoeira. This sport has stretched me in several ways. Until my 22nd year I have never had the chance to learn a good handstand or even going upside down. I don’t have the so-called athletic build, but I noticed that I can do more if I stretch myself in taking action.
This resulted in kicking above my head, moving faster than I ever had been and funnily enough not afraid to embarrass myself anymore.
It helped me stretch my mindset.
With that said I want to give you a challenge:
Start moving a bit more than you have done in the last year/years. It can be as simple as walking if you normally never walk. IF you are already doing a lot of sports, see if you can change your order of training or get one extra repetition out.
Notice what will happen if you consistently do something to stretch yourself during movement. I am curious, so you can let me know by sharing it privately.
Conclusion
By simply stretching yourself and give more you will never know what will happen directly.
Things I want to share in this blog:
How one teacher amongst many, can point out something significant (be open for it)
The kick, helped me to overcome fear of showing myself, making mistakes and so on.
It resulted in me being approachable for women
Better results on my exams during my first year of studying
Coping better with the divorce of my parents
Who are your possible teachers, who are sharing freely their advices
What can you do better right now, to change the rest
Refer to the book - The One Thing
Me sharing multiple stories and writings is my one thing to get more on stages and be out there