What Will It Take to Level Up?

There’s always another level.

Another skill to develop.
Another challenge to take on.
Another opportunity to grow.

Last week, we asked:

     What’s Next?

This week, we’re taking the next step and asking a different question:

     What will it take to get there?

This week, Sensei James Gates brings us our Lesson of the Week: LEVEL UP.

Click the image below to watch Sensei James’ lesson—and see where you can challenge yourself to grow a little more this week.

In martial arts, leveling up isn’t just about earning a new belt.

A new belt is a recognition of what you’ve accomplished — but it also represents a new level of responsibility, expectation, and opportunity.

The real level-up happens in the work that prepares you for what’s next.

Maybe it means developing more discipline.

Maybe it means improving your focus.

Maybe it means becoming more consistent, pushing outside your comfort zone, or taking on greater responsibility.

And that’s true far beyond the dojo.

We can level up at school.
At work.
At home.
In our relationships.
As teammates and as leaders.

     The goal isn’t simply to become a better martial artist.

It’s to become a more capable, confident, disciplined person — someone who is prepared to handle whatever the next level brings.

And as we grow, something else happens:

     Our growth gives us the ability to help others grow, too.

That’s part of what leadership is all about.

So as you think about what’s next, don’t just think about what you want to accomplish.

Think about what you need to develop to be ready for it.

Don’t just chase the next level. Become ready for it.