Motivational Tips for Practice

As much as I love TCC, I have to admit that at times I don’t “feel like” practicing. Since I don’t want to allow my feelings to get in the way of my discipline, I’ve come up with some tips that have helped me push through my inertia. I hope some of these may be of help to you. When I don’t feel like practicing, I will:

1. Read an article from the Vital Force (This usually inspires me)

2. Tell myself I’ll just do Rocking Motion, and then I can stop (I always continue)

3. Remind myself I don’t want to be a hypocrite (The best way to lead is by example)

4. Tell myself how doing the moves each day helps me with discipline and patience (two virtues that are missing from my DNA!)

5. Call or get together with other teachers (Sharing ideas always gets my wheels turning)

6. Put on Justin or Carmen’s videotape (I can usually pick up something new)

7. Buy new music (Even my favorite CD’s get boring after repeated use)

8. Break down a move to get rid of my “gliches” (This helps me go deeper into my practice)

9. Not let anything or anyone distract me (I used to stop and answer the phone right in the middle of my practice!)

10. Ask for help from my teacher (When I felt I’d hit a plateau, Ed suggested I switch to practicing Seijaku for 5 or 6 days in a row)

11. Re-read my notes from previous teacher’s trainings (There are always new insights to be gained)

12. “JUST DO IT!”