What’s Next?

First, congratulations!

Most of you are wearing a new rank this week.

You worked hard for it. You showed up, you put in the work, you were tested, and you earned that next step.

For some of you, the journey wasn’t easy.

Maybe you struggled with something during testing. Maybe you had to make corrections. Maybe there was a moment when you were tired, frustrated, nervous, or even thought about quitting.

           But you didn’t. And that’s something to be proud of.

So take a moment and celebrate what you accomplished!

And then, I want you to think about one question:

            What’s next?

Because earning a new rank isn’t the end of the journey.

It’s the beginning of the next part.

Your next belt might be your short-term goal. But what about your bigger goals?

What do you want to accomplish in the next few months, or years?

What kind of martial artist do you want to become?

What kind of leader do you want to become?

A mentor once taught me that you should never accomplish a worthy goal without already having the next one set.

Think about that.

You set the goal. You do the work.

You get feedback and make adjustments.

You accomplish the goal. You celebrate the success.

And then…

       You set the next goal.

That’s how we continue to improve.

🎥 Click on the photo below to watch Grandmaster Stephen Del Castillo’s Lesson of the Week: “WHAT’S NEXT?”

And this isn’t just a martial arts lesson.

The same process works in school. It works at work. It works in sports.
It works in relationships.

    It works in life.

Every time you accomplish something you’re proud of, then ask yourself:

     What’s important next?

This week, don’t just celebrate your new rank.

Use it as a starting point.

 Choose one goal for where you want to go next, and then decide what you’re going to do this week to move one step closer to it.

Because the journey doesn’t end when you reach the next level.

     The next level is where the next journey begins.