Do you know what it means to be a black belt? Interestingly, the title of this blog is “Black Belt in Business” with the purpose of applying Black Belt values to your business. Well, what exactly are Black Belt values?
To become a black belt takes years of hard work and dedication, for many it will take literal blood, sweat and definitely tears. Most people think of a Black Belt as a lethal weapon or one who is trained to fight. While you learn a great skill set that will give you the ability to defend yourself, to say that a black belt is only about fighting is a severe understatement.
One of my favorite definitions of a black belt is a quote written by Richard English, “A black belt is nothing more then a belt that goes around your waist. Being a black belt is a state of mind and attitude.” It is about developing the confidence and belief that you could accomplish anything you set your mind to. I have witnessed many times shy, timid people who can’t even look you in the eye, develop the confidence to break concrete with their hand, as well as both children and adults who were unable to focus, develop the discipline to become organized, structured and successful. All you have to do is take on the black belt mindset and you will take your business and personal life to a whole new level. I truly believe that everyone has the ability to apply black belt excellence in whatever they do.
The greatest values for a black belt is not what they could do physically, but who they become as a person. In Taekwondo, which is the art that I have been practicing for over three decades, we live by what we call the “Five Tenets of Taekwondo”.
Perseverance, Self Control, Indomitable Spirit, Integrity and Respect.
Now to business…this blog is dedicated to helping all of our readers and followers to take the values listed above and apply them to your profession. It is actually very simple. When I have a challenge or task to complete, I run through my “Black Belt Checklist”. I run through the five tenets to find the solution so I could always maintain the high values and standards I want for my business. If one of the tenets are compromised, I will work to find a different solution. Does that make sense?
In Rick’s e-book, “A tale of two Ricks” you could see the transformation first hand on how he applied the values mentioned above.
Perseverance: Rick made a decision to be healthier and overcame and persevered all obstacles because his desired result kept him moving towards his goal.
Self-Control: Probably the biggest one when it comes to eating habits. Truth is if you could control your eating, you could control your life.
Indomitable Spirit: This is about attitude and staying positive in the face of adversity. Rick kept a positive mindset through his health transformation. Actually, his mindset improved over time.
Integrity: Wow, this was a major one for Rick. It is not what you do when people are watching, but keeping true to your values when you are alone. There was no closet eating for Rick.
Respect: Healthy eating is about self-respect. Rick made a decision to respect his body more. We believe that in order to be able to be more effective helping others, we first have to help ourselves.
OK, so you just witnessed how Rick applied Black Belt values throughout his health transformation. I highly recommend you read more about it. I am sure it will inspire you to make 2016 the healthiest year ever.
Now, I leave you with this. Do you want to earn your Black Belt in Business? All you have to do is use the five tenets as a filter you run through whenever making a decision in your business or personal lives. When doing so, you will have obtained a Black Belt mindset. I mean, think about it. Don’t you think that we all could use a little more, “Perseverance, Self Control, Indomitable Spirit, Integrity and Respect” in our lives.
Happy training!