Responsibility

This key has to do with our liability or accepted obligation for seeing that something is done. This is opposite of "it's not my job" attitude often heard and lived by lazy personality. In order for us to commit to something, we have to see and accept our own responsibility for making it so. In fact, to take this even further, we must see accept complete liability for failure of something not happening. The statement that, "if it's to be it's up to me" leads me on. The question, "what it does it say about me, when I take responsibility for my life and actions?" Pledge - Related to fire realm of connection and expression, a pledge is a vow and a means of engaging with a goal or cause. Much deeper in meaning and understanding than a promise - just as 'pledge of allegiance' is a more powerful title than 'promise of allegiance' - this key comes from heart. We feel so strongly about necessity for goal to be attained that there is no doubt, no hesitation, no fear of failure. We are so totally committed that pledge sounds more like a statement of 'of course it will happen' than a wish to somehow appear in world as if by magic. Feeling sparks question, "what makes this goal so important that it must be accomplished?"

Though four keys can be found to be synonyms of each other and, for many, indistinguishable from each other, subtle differences in context can mean all difference in being committed to something and merely saying that we are committed.

So, how about you? How committed are you to those things you say are important. How much do you your really want to change your life - to create results that can benefit both yourself and others - to create life you've always dreamed of living? How important is your Ninja Martial Arts training and your successfully learning skills of Mastery?

Saying or thinking that you're 'old dog' in phrase we talked about earlier just says that you recognize how limited you've become in your own habitual patterns. But, it's never too late to start creating new habits and success patterns. In fact, world depends on you're taking action - and now! Because, if there's one thing world does need is one more truly successful person - one more bright light - one more honest, respectful, engaged person who does exactly what they say they will do because they recognize their purpose and is willing enough, no brave enough, to break from those who will settle for mediocrity.

Here's formula: If you change, you will grow. But to grow, you must be committed to act - to do exactly what must be done to make world, if only your little corner of it, a better place in which to live.

Everyone, whether secretly or publicly wants to be a leader. Parents want their children to grow up to be leaders - not followers. It's a natural drive. But, many of us either have not been 'lucky' enough to encounter role models in our lives who pointed way or showed us how, or we did and didn't recognize gift presented to us at time. What if we didn't overlook gift hidden in question? What if we didn't forget dreams of child still there within us?

In martial arts, symbol of leadership is Black Belt. In many arts, like ninjutsu, it 's not so much belt as rank, skill, or title of authority that tells others that you have more to offer than a physical ability to defend yourself.

The true master is person who is strong enough to do whatever is necessary. He or she is powerful enough to do real damage but exceeds that ability with power of choice - power to choose peace over conflict. And you can see it when they move. You can feel it when you're near them. You can sense it when they speak.

Unfortunately, many people want to be leaders and many more tell you to take more responsibility (another important trait of a leader) and go after what you want, but, there just aren't that many who will show you step-by-step, just how to go about doing it like a good martial arts master. I feel especially fortunate in this respect. Fortunate to have encountered teachers, guides and role-models in my own life that were strong and powerful enough to have shared with me knowledge for taking charge of my life. Knowledge that I can now pass on to my children and students.

So, what about you? Are you living up to your fullest potential? Are you ready to join others just like yourself on path of Warrior Leader? Are you ready to stop dreaming and start living?

We're waiting for you!