singularities
I actually started writing this post some weeks ago, and it’s changed a bit since then, as I’ve had other thoughts that have made me reconsider what I was originally going to say.
Lately in jujitsu class we’ve been hearing a lot about finding the similarities in things, about finding the fundamental techniques in the more advanced techniques. Not long ago, we had a guest teacher while our regular sensei was teaching at a judo camp. While the guest instructor said much the same thing as my regular teacher, I’m sure if it was the way he said it, or the way he showed it, but this time the words and concept of finding the similarities really struck a chord with me, and not just for my martial art.
The last few days I have been thinking about how this applies to life in general, regardless of subject. If you look at the people who are the acknowledged experts in a particular area, they tend to share many of the same traits. They have their own styles and personalities, but they have many qualities in common. When I look at the list of people I admire, living and dead, they tend to share the same traits, though they excelled in in different areas, and not coincidentally, they excelled in some of the areas I would like to excel in also.
Which got me to thinking. I think many people would like to be successful in the same subject as their heroes. Part of the reason, if not the entire reason, is they want to develop the same traits within themselves that their heroes possess. What most people forget is the path of progress to developing those traits. There is a path to follow in developing the skills that our heroes possess, that will in turn result in our developing the traits we desire. We may desire the traits, but the question is, are we willing to walk the path in order to develop them?
Since I’m familiar with martial arts, it’s easy for me to see this development, to see where others are on their journey. I think as you gain experience along whatever path you choose that it becomes easier for you to see where others are on their path as well, at least in that area.
Our style’s founder, Professor Okazaki, believed that our martial art causes the completion of a person’s character, whereas my sensei believes that our martial art reveals a person’s character flaws that must be dealt with in order to progress. Having several years of training in the art now, I am inclined to believe my sensei - I have had to deal with my personal issues in order to stay on the mat. Those who won’t resolve their issues reach a certain point then inevitably stop coming - I have seen it many times. I’m inclined to think it’s that way for any pursuit.
Originally I thought that everyone, regardless of pursuit, ended up with some of the same basic qualities, and while that may be true, it’s only partially true. Each pursuit takes its own path, and the qualities developed on one path may vary from another - the question is, what is your goal, do you want to make the necessary changes to reach that goal, and are you willing to go through the stages to get there?
Action is the difference between those who achieve and those who don’t. The people who achieve act, aren’t afraid of change, learn from their mistakes, and most importantly, persevere. Anything worthwhile requires consistent, persistent work.
So how does this tie in with the title? Simple. Those who achieve in a particular area have qualities, things in common. They represent a singularity for that area, a center of excellence. But it’s not an exclusive singularity - anyone may join it if they are willing to put in the time and do the work they need to do.