Whats in a Number

So every 3 months I review my goals and logs to see how I made out.
This one covers Oct to Dec. I didn't do too bad with the numbers, however, as I sat and thought about what I had accomplished and just before I was about to pat my self on the back I realized for all the numbers I wrote down...I did not improve!
Particularly with the spinning back kick, side heel thrust and Kempo.
I have become focused on numbers but I have forgotten the purpose. Complacency has set in and I need to change that.
If, I take the push ups for example. I can knock off 50 in a row but I guarantee the last 20 are in poor form and done as quickly as possible. This could lead to a chronic injury and gives you a false sense of accomplishment. I now analyze the whole motion in the pushup. Abs tight, plank position all the way up and down, don't let the shoulder blades peak, look slightly ahead, breathe at the end of exertion, change hand positions so all muscle groups benefit, try executing some pushups at different speeds, try targeting an inch away from the ground therefore utilizing the full length of the muscle..so on and so on.

I need to apply the same mental focus with everything I practice.
The 100 times rule is very effective in mastering whatever you choose but I need to remind myself; something practiced 100 times with sloppy technique is worst.
All this being said, I am pretty much going to redo last terms goals but this time lower the numbers and concentrate on the outcome.
Good luck to me!

Human Resources

Lately I have been exploring the idea of changing careers. Apparently I have been in the "old school" way of things for too long. I am actually finding this experience humorous.
Whatever happened to sitting down with the Boss, handing him a resume and you both talked about life and expectations.
I have now entered the world of abbreviations, online applications, practice exams and job coaches.
Abbreviations: WCPT, ACPAC, OST and my favorite GIT (general intelligence test).
Online applications: start an account, download the application, time limited and it always seems this is when your computer decides to freeze up!
Practice Exams: You can spend a small fortune at Chapters purchasing all the "How to" books and guides required to pass the endless amount of front line entrance exams.
Finally, there are people out there ,for a small fee, who can coach you at any particular aspect of the application process...personal trainers, consultants, websites etc.

Is it the sheer volume of applicants that force this type of system or is it the liability factor that drives everything and everyone to be documented in case the individual goes (sorry to use the term) "Postal" later on and the Employer cannot be held accountable because every measure was taken to ensure the employee was of sound mind.
I don't know...but so far have yet to meet the Human in Human Resources!

Regrets

You hear the common saying "I have no regrets"
I have to be honest... I do.
I look around at the young people in the studio and I am so impressed by their goals, their focus and drive to be productive, giving individuals.
Why wasn't I this smart at their age!!
If memory serves me right, I spent too much time socializing and making bad decisions in the name of "socializing".
In my 20s I managed to accomplish a post secondary education and acquire the different levels of tickets in my trade but ...I coasted through. As an example, the first year I picked a semester to really apply myself, I did and I won a grant, WOW! I thought to myself, that wasn't so hard but then I once again found myself back in party mode! No thought of the future.
I have many more examples but I won't bore you with the details, lets just say my teenage years lasted about 7 years longer then they should have.
I feel I short changed myself in alot of areas. If I would have stayed focused on some major dreams and goals when I was younger I wouldn't be sitting here thinking about how to make up for lost time.
I read others' blogs, they focus on their goals, plans for the future and how to surround themselves with the right people and friends that will support, encourage and participate in the path they take.
That is "Brilliant" I think to myself.
If there is anything I can offer, as words of experience is ..do not be fooled into thinking time is on your side, it flys by, do not be side tracked by the wrong people( I don't mean bad people, I mean others who would rather see you spend time hangin' back like they do, you know what I mean) Watch out for the opposite sex! ...seriously, if their goals are very different then yours be careful ..love is blind, etc,, etc and other descriptions I can't print here.(that was about 4 years lost!)
Don't get me wrong, I am definitely wiser because of past experiences and this has shaped me into the person I am today, I still have time... I'm not dead yet!
finally, you should PLAY HARD but you should WORK just as HARD.
Again, why wasn't I that smart...