I'm going to shy away from business talk today and blog about my beautiful daughter and my even more beautiful wife! My 11:30 Personal Training client did not show which freed up some time for me to write about how wonderful my 2 ladies are. From May 5th 2008 until now has been SUPER CRAZY!!! Those of you who are REALLY involved in my life right now can vouch for me. So many transitions, ups and downs......but I'm not complaining =). As crazy and busy as my life is, I love knowing the fact that after my long day...I get to go home and relax with Jane and Jordy. Jordy is now ready to turn one and it LITERALLY seems like yesterday when we were bringing her home from the hospital. I was soooooo excited, nervous, and scared all at the same time! And in a few days she will be 1. Its amazing to experience and see the development of a child from being immobile to having to stop her from digging into everything. I've also seen amazing development of Jane as she started as a new mommy, paranoid about everything to being able to change diapers half asleep! I thank God for having such a STRONG WIFE and a HEALTHY BABY! Some people may say that all I think about is work...they're right! From the minute I wake (which I admit is not early enough), I start to think about what areas need improvement to expand my business, what other business ventures would be beneficial to me, and the list goes on and on. ITS EASY TO DO THAT WHEN YOU HAVE A GREAT FAMILY TO REST WITH WHEN YOU'RE READY TO SHUT YOUR MIND OFF. Thank you Jane, and Jordy for being the best people in the world. Because of your strength, patience, and willingness to sacrifice the parties, Hawaii Trips, and shopping every week now.....very soon you will enjoy all of that on a whole new level. Thats a promise!
...DANG IT! I WASNT SUPPOSED TO BRING UP BUSINESS BUT I DID! DANG IT...
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
What is the difference between Dreamers and Doers?
So here we go! Its back to Cycle 1 testing and the essay question is the question on the title....What is the difference between a Dreamer and a Doer! Here is my essay:
The difference between a Dreamer and a Doer is simply this...The Doer will take their dream and make it a reality by taking steps towards achieving their dream! For instance...there is someone who I know who always says stuff like this....."I have so many ideas...Ive thought of this, that, putting my kids in an agency, blah blah blah!" Ok so you have these ideas....what have you done to make these ideas a reality? Nothing...absolutely nothing! A Dreamer goes on about their day telling everyone how great they are, the perfect child, never did anything wrong in their life, the epitome of perfect child! Dream on....No one is perfect...everyone makes mistakes. Doers, Doers admit that they are not perfect but try their very best to fix their mistakes. Doers will take an Idea and the moment their eyes open they will go out and take action. For instance...a year ago I shared with my staff that I wanted to open a second location. The very next day I submitted emails to 3 surrounding cities. Its called taking action! You can say all you want but if you do not do....your saying is worthless. Example 2: I know people who say I want to get my kids into modeling/acting....again they say they want to get certain things done...Ive even offered to pay for headshots if the lists were brought to me. All I hear is this "Oh no...I had the paperwork in my car!" What good is that? Am I going to go out of my way to get the papers in my hands? Especially after I offer to help? Yea right! Rather than saying "I have the papers in my car!" Why not put them in my hands? So...after listening to dreamers...Jane and I took action! We submitted Jordyns headshots to a talent agency and since then shes been booked 3 times. 2 of the were paid work so Jordy will be receiving her checks! Not even a year old and already getting paid. Every day I hear people say Im going to do this or that. Stop making empty promises to others and especially yourself! Start putting your words into action....only then will you become a winner in life! If not...you can live the rest of your life saying stuff like this:
"If only I was married to the right person, I would be more successful!"
"If only I had more time, I could accomplish more!"
"Its because I have 3 kids I can't....."
"If it werent for this circumstance"
Any time you use the word IF....JUST KNOW YOU ARE A LOSER!
DREAMERS ARE LOSERS, DOERS ARE WINNERS!
My apologies if I offend anyone...but if you are offended...My job is done! BE MAD AT ME AND CHANGE YOUR ATTITUDE!
The difference between a Dreamer and a Doer is simply this...The Doer will take their dream and make it a reality by taking steps towards achieving their dream! For instance...there is someone who I know who always says stuff like this....."I have so many ideas...Ive thought of this, that, putting my kids in an agency, blah blah blah!" Ok so you have these ideas....what have you done to make these ideas a reality? Nothing...absolutely nothing! A Dreamer goes on about their day telling everyone how great they are, the perfect child, never did anything wrong in their life, the epitome of perfect child! Dream on....No one is perfect...everyone makes mistakes. Doers, Doers admit that they are not perfect but try their very best to fix their mistakes. Doers will take an Idea and the moment their eyes open they will go out and take action. For instance...a year ago I shared with my staff that I wanted to open a second location. The very next day I submitted emails to 3 surrounding cities. Its called taking action! You can say all you want but if you do not do....your saying is worthless. Example 2: I know people who say I want to get my kids into modeling/acting....again they say they want to get certain things done...Ive even offered to pay for headshots if the lists were brought to me. All I hear is this "Oh no...I had the paperwork in my car!" What good is that? Am I going to go out of my way to get the papers in my hands? Especially after I offer to help? Yea right! Rather than saying "I have the papers in my car!" Why not put them in my hands? So...after listening to dreamers...Jane and I took action! We submitted Jordyns headshots to a talent agency and since then shes been booked 3 times. 2 of the were paid work so Jordy will be receiving her checks! Not even a year old and already getting paid. Every day I hear people say Im going to do this or that. Stop making empty promises to others and especially yourself! Start putting your words into action....only then will you become a winner in life! If not...you can live the rest of your life saying stuff like this:
"If only I was married to the right person, I would be more successful!"
"If only I had more time, I could accomplish more!"
"Its because I have 3 kids I can't....."
"If it werent for this circumstance"
Any time you use the word IF....JUST KNOW YOU ARE A LOSER!
DREAMERS ARE LOSERS, DOERS ARE WINNERS!
My apologies if I offend anyone...but if you are offended...My job is done! BE MAD AT ME AND CHANGE YOUR ATTITUDE!
Friday, April 3, 2009
You only get 1 Shot!
On the way to work today a song came on the radio about you only getting 1 shot at this game we call life. After listening to the song I started to consider the way my life is going at this point in time. Working 6 days a week, battling different problems on a daily basis, taking care of my beautiful daughter, not being able to enjoy weekend getaways, no spring break, but rather a life of work, work, and more work. Am I complaining? ABSOLUTELY NOT! The song hits the nail on the head about us only getting 1 shot at life and I am SO BLESSED that my work involves something I am passionate about. My work causes me to meet WONDERFUL people on a daily basis. My work exposes me to some of the most SUCCESSFUL people in state. Quite frankly, I love what I do.
Was it easy to risk everything we had (which wasnt much) to launch our business? No way. Did I have doubts? You bet! Did I have sleepless nights, go through depression, and have people burn me? Sure! Here's the cool thing about this life. Whenever you are going through a time of darkness....theres always light at the end of the tunnel. Not only is there light at the end of the tunnel, if you surround yourself with the RIGHT people they can be your guiding light through the darkness. Lucky for me I had THE LIGHT guiding me and giving me confidence not only in myself but in the One who was truly leading me.
A couple weeks ago, I had a conversation with a very good friend of mine regarding the passing of "MASK." He was the creator of the multi-million dollar clothing company TAPOUT. As my friend and I were talking we were saying that it was such a shame that he died so early. As we continued the conversation we both concluded that although he passed at such an early age, at least he was able to see his DREAM come to FRUITION. Most people can live their whole lives and not accomplish a fraction of what their dreams may of been. This man started his company selling T-shirts out of his trunk, sleeping in his car, and being chased by police. The new slogan the company is now pushing is simply this.........BELIEVE.
So now I ask myself if I were to go tomorrow, would I have any regrets? Regrets no, probably sad that I didn't get to watch my beautiful daughter grow up, get married and have kids. Regrets....NOPE! BELIEVE......BELIEVE IN YOURSELF....BELIEVE IN YOUR ABILTIES.....CHASE YOUR DREAMS.....EXPERIENCE LIFE TO ITS FULLEST!
Was it easy to risk everything we had (which wasnt much) to launch our business? No way. Did I have doubts? You bet! Did I have sleepless nights, go through depression, and have people burn me? Sure! Here's the cool thing about this life. Whenever you are going through a time of darkness....theres always light at the end of the tunnel. Not only is there light at the end of the tunnel, if you surround yourself with the RIGHT people they can be your guiding light through the darkness. Lucky for me I had THE LIGHT guiding me and giving me confidence not only in myself but in the One who was truly leading me.
A couple weeks ago, I had a conversation with a very good friend of mine regarding the passing of "MASK." He was the creator of the multi-million dollar clothing company TAPOUT. As my friend and I were talking we were saying that it was such a shame that he died so early. As we continued the conversation we both concluded that although he passed at such an early age, at least he was able to see his DREAM come to FRUITION. Most people can live their whole lives and not accomplish a fraction of what their dreams may of been. This man started his company selling T-shirts out of his trunk, sleeping in his car, and being chased by police. The new slogan the company is now pushing is simply this.........BELIEVE.
So now I ask myself if I were to go tomorrow, would I have any regrets? Regrets no, probably sad that I didn't get to watch my beautiful daughter grow up, get married and have kids. Regrets....NOPE! BELIEVE......BELIEVE IN YOURSELF....BELIEVE IN YOUR ABILTIES.....CHASE YOUR DREAMS.....EXPERIENCE LIFE TO ITS FULLEST!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Keep MOVING...and let God do the rest!
2009 is QUICKLY becoming the BEST YEAR OF MY WHOLE LIFE! So many great things are happening in my business and personal life and I am so very thankful for the God of Abraham, the God of Israel, the Living and Eternal God who laid out the plan for my life before I was even born. From about 2001-2005, I taught Taekwondo for the city of Lakewood and successfully produced champions. I initially started teaching that program as an assistant instructor and I only worked with the competition team. At one point the main instructor, Eddie Cha and I decided we should open a studio together. So we finally secured a location...a great one I might add, and the negotiations started to roll! Things were going so well, we were excited and we were ready to blow up. We started the process of a Conditional Use Permit, hired an architect to draw out the plans, and patiently waited for our May 16th, 2004 City Hall hearing. The location was in our hands! All of our students in Lakewood were eagerly waiting for us to confirm the approval from city hall. As the days drew closer to our hearing date, we started to notice that the agent was dodging our calls. So Eddie and I called from a private # and we got through. The agent let us know that they decided to lease the suite to Verizon Wireless instead of us. It was a very dissappointing and humiliating.
A short time after that, I was given the opportunity to take over the whole program and I graciously accepted. So now I was the Chief Instructor of the program which was very new to me, but I adapted well and the program started to really blossom. The classes were overflowing with students so Jane and I decided to try looking for a new location again. This time it was much worse. People were basically slamming their doors in our face. But we kept on moving and looking for other locations and we were SUCCESSFULLY, UNSUCCESSFUL! At this point I was very dissappointed in God, and I remember having some choice words to say to him. After my argument with him I remember turning on the radio and it happened to be on K-Wave 107.9 fm and the Pastor was speaking on how "God's Timing is way better than our timing." As I listened to the sermon, I knew He was speaking directly to me. To sum it up, the message was about the love God has for us. He loves us SO MUCH, that he is willing to block things from our lives because he knows that what we want is NOTHING compared to what He wants to give us! He knows we are probably going to be upset with him, but rather than giving in to our wants....He will make us wait for the perfect time, so He can give us the BEST!
**are you struggling right now? substitute the word us..for me and have faith**
Fast forward to today! 2009, we have been living in Rancho Cucamonga for a little over 4 years now and it hasn't been the greatest 4 years. But that is changing RAPIDLY for us! I look back now and I see why God allowed me to struggle so much...for so long. That struggle of having to dodge collection calls, having our lights shut off, and even having our Gas shutoff (WHICH WAS NOT FUN! Jane, Jordy, and I had to take cold showers for 3 days straight)! If I had the choice of getting to where we are now, but in an easier way.....I WOULD NEVER TAKE IT! Going through the hardships has given me the ability to stand up to adversity and laugh at it in the face! Now don't get me wrong, I'm not saying I love trouble...but I am saying that when it comes, I quietly say to myself "hah, I've been through worse!"
Even when we were struggling, Jane and I said we want to be successful and help our church, Calvary Chapel Chino Hills build churches all around the world. TODAY, he has opened up another opportunity to grow Performance Martial Arts by allowing us to tap into the City of Claremont. I always had the goal of either opening 2 or more locations or 1 mega location. And beginning this summer Jane and I will start building our 2nd location. I know it's going to be tough. I know it will probably overwhelm me. I will be crazy stressed out. I won't be able to really rest and take days off. It might be a strain on my main location. "Hah...I've been through worse!" JUST KEEP MOVING AND LET HIM DO THE REST!
A short time after that, I was given the opportunity to take over the whole program and I graciously accepted. So now I was the Chief Instructor of the program which was very new to me, but I adapted well and the program started to really blossom. The classes were overflowing with students so Jane and I decided to try looking for a new location again. This time it was much worse. People were basically slamming their doors in our face. But we kept on moving and looking for other locations and we were SUCCESSFULLY, UNSUCCESSFUL! At this point I was very dissappointed in God, and I remember having some choice words to say to him. After my argument with him I remember turning on the radio and it happened to be on K-Wave 107.9 fm and the Pastor was speaking on how "God's Timing is way better than our timing." As I listened to the sermon, I knew He was speaking directly to me. To sum it up, the message was about the love God has for us. He loves us SO MUCH, that he is willing to block things from our lives because he knows that what we want is NOTHING compared to what He wants to give us! He knows we are probably going to be upset with him, but rather than giving in to our wants....He will make us wait for the perfect time, so He can give us the BEST!
**are you struggling right now? substitute the word us..for me and have faith**
Fast forward to today! 2009, we have been living in Rancho Cucamonga for a little over 4 years now and it hasn't been the greatest 4 years. But that is changing RAPIDLY for us! I look back now and I see why God allowed me to struggle so much...for so long. That struggle of having to dodge collection calls, having our lights shut off, and even having our Gas shutoff (WHICH WAS NOT FUN! Jane, Jordy, and I had to take cold showers for 3 days straight)! If I had the choice of getting to where we are now, but in an easier way.....I WOULD NEVER TAKE IT! Going through the hardships has given me the ability to stand up to adversity and laugh at it in the face! Now don't get me wrong, I'm not saying I love trouble...but I am saying that when it comes, I quietly say to myself "hah, I've been through worse!"
Even when we were struggling, Jane and I said we want to be successful and help our church, Calvary Chapel Chino Hills build churches all around the world. TODAY, he has opened up another opportunity to grow Performance Martial Arts by allowing us to tap into the City of Claremont. I always had the goal of either opening 2 or more locations or 1 mega location. And beginning this summer Jane and I will start building our 2nd location. I know it's going to be tough. I know it will probably overwhelm me. I will be crazy stressed out. I won't be able to really rest and take days off. It might be a strain on my main location. "Hah...I've been through worse!" JUST KEEP MOVING AND LET HIM DO THE REST!
Saturday, March 14, 2009
What does it take to roll with Team Performance!?
Today was one of the BEST days of my life! The stress of relocating from our dungeon dojang to our beautiful dojang is now over, the stress of putting together our Grand Opening is over, the stress of making changes to the staff is over, I received half of February's tuition, and thank God he brought us a TON of new students to try out the program this last month to keep us afloat, and I eagerly await receiving the unpaid tuition from Feb. to give our account a nice little boost!
All in all, I was so happy as I watched our little warriors train for the upcoming tournament at Cal State LA.
I was amazed to see the dedication of my team as they continued to cycle through the different cardio stations without hesitation nor complaints. From running laps, to running cone drills, to sprinting with a parachute tied around their waists....the team really rocked it! The team was broken up into 3 groups and they switched from station to station for the duration of an hour with 2 minutes of rest time between cycle switches. It was also great to see that the coaches were running laps as well as performing the sprints with the team. Upon observing the activities, an overwhelming sense of confidence filled my spirit.
I have successfully put together a team that is willing to bleed together, sweat together, and even cry together. BLOOD, SWEAT, AND TEARS! I learned early on that you must lead by example...if you want to be successful. I still remember as if it were yesterday watching Coach, Han Won Lee perform the drills that he commanded us to perfect. Quite frankly, I used to say "Man how does that old man move like that?" That was when I was 17, and today I am probably getting close to the age he was at when I had the privilege of training with him.
I realize that age is REALLY nothing but a number! Your true age is whatever your set your mind for it to be. When we first started, it was me running with the kids and leading by example....4 years later its everyone involved helping the kids become stronger! There are so many Masters, and Instructors who bark out commands when they themselves are unable to perform. Although I joke about being old and falling apart, I know that I will continue to strive to be in the best shape of my life....to set the example....TO MOTIVATE MY TEAM....until the day it is physically impossible for me to continue to train.
I still use the AMAZING drills that I learned from Coach Lee in Colorado and honestly...his drills are still relevant to this day. Those drills have helped Team Performance bring back National Champs for 2 consecutive years and many years to come! TODAY WAS SUCH A GREAT DAY!
My shoutouts:
#1 Coach Rosales: Actually running the sprints with the kids!
#2 Coach Parra: Working with the team on the shuffles!
#3 Deputy Robles: Running for an hour straight with the 3 different groups!
#4 Coach Lopez: Teaching the kids how to sprint with the parachute!
#5 Coach Kratzer: For the continued support of the athletes to be able to transition from station to station without crying.
#6 Myself..for setting standards of what a TRUE COACH is.
My philosophy...."How in the world would you know what to say to someone if you have no idea of what they are feeling? You must know what it feels like to train, to feel pain, or even feel like you are ready to pass out...if you truly want to be a great coach!"
All in all, I was so happy as I watched our little warriors train for the upcoming tournament at Cal State LA.
I was amazed to see the dedication of my team as they continued to cycle through the different cardio stations without hesitation nor complaints. From running laps, to running cone drills, to sprinting with a parachute tied around their waists....the team really rocked it! The team was broken up into 3 groups and they switched from station to station for the duration of an hour with 2 minutes of rest time between cycle switches. It was also great to see that the coaches were running laps as well as performing the sprints with the team. Upon observing the activities, an overwhelming sense of confidence filled my spirit.
I have successfully put together a team that is willing to bleed together, sweat together, and even cry together. BLOOD, SWEAT, AND TEARS! I learned early on that you must lead by example...if you want to be successful. I still remember as if it were yesterday watching Coach, Han Won Lee perform the drills that he commanded us to perfect. Quite frankly, I used to say "Man how does that old man move like that?" That was when I was 17, and today I am probably getting close to the age he was at when I had the privilege of training with him.
I realize that age is REALLY nothing but a number! Your true age is whatever your set your mind for it to be. When we first started, it was me running with the kids and leading by example....4 years later its everyone involved helping the kids become stronger! There are so many Masters, and Instructors who bark out commands when they themselves are unable to perform. Although I joke about being old and falling apart, I know that I will continue to strive to be in the best shape of my life....to set the example....TO MOTIVATE MY TEAM....until the day it is physically impossible for me to continue to train.
I still use the AMAZING drills that I learned from Coach Lee in Colorado and honestly...his drills are still relevant to this day. Those drills have helped Team Performance bring back National Champs for 2 consecutive years and many years to come! TODAY WAS SUCH A GREAT DAY!
My shoutouts:
#1 Coach Rosales: Actually running the sprints with the kids!
#2 Coach Parra: Working with the team on the shuffles!
#3 Deputy Robles: Running for an hour straight with the 3 different groups!
#4 Coach Lopez: Teaching the kids how to sprint with the parachute!
#5 Coach Kratzer: For the continued support of the athletes to be able to transition from station to station without crying.
#6 Myself..for setting standards of what a TRUE COACH is.
My philosophy...."How in the world would you know what to say to someone if you have no idea of what they are feeling? You must know what it feels like to train, to feel pain, or even feel like you are ready to pass out...if you truly want to be a great coach!"
Monday, March 9, 2009
Another one bites the dust...I just wish it wasn't on my birthday.
So here we are. March 9th, 2009 and I turn 28 years old today and I woke up with a smile on my face. I looked to my left and I saw my 2 favorite girls sleeping next to me and I looked to my right and I saw my trusty BlackBerry with the numbers 9:47am and said...life's good! I got ready to start another GREAT week at the studio, breakfast in hand, and most importantly the excitement of knowing that I am going to do what I love to do for the whole week.
Upon arriving, I noticed that the clothing store next to me had taken down their sign, and the store was completely empty. My euphoric moment quickly faded and sorrow filled my heart for the owner whom I spoke with on several occasions. We even split the bill for our balloons we put up every day. This is the second business to close down within 300 ft of the studio and just knowing the sacrifice, the hardships, and financial strain of opening a business is like...I can't even imagine what closing must feel like. I just wish I had a chance to talk to the owner one last time to maybe give him some advice.
Business is business and I think some people get it twisted with Heaven. I've heard this on several occasions...."Oh, I hate my job right now...I just want to open a business of my own so I could be free." or even "Your so lucky to own a business because you get to do what you want to do and spend so much time with family." Here's a good one...."I'm going to open up a business so I could make bank and be a baller for the rest of my life!" I always chuckle when I hear these comments.
I can't blame people for thinking this way because most books are written by people who have made it through the tough part, or they see the lifestyle of those who have done well for themselves. There aren't many TV shows, or books that focus on the hardships and struggles of starting out because quite frankly those wouldn't sell. But heres the truth its not easy. There are ways to do business BETTER than your competitors and those who recognize how to do business better....stay open.
If you are Human and alive, you know that Spring and Summer are wonderful seasons of shorts, t-shirts, sandals, and lemonade! Also, you know whether you like it or not Winter is approaching! So you must always prepare for the winter...Enjoy the sunshine while it lasts but be ready for the storms until they pass. It's the same in Business! Many people rode the wave of the housing market by making some poor choices thinking that the money would keep coming. If you know anything about history....it always repeats itself! What goes up....always comes down. But people who truly know history will rephrase it like this...."What goes up....must come down...for just a little while...and then back up we go!"
Faith in God. Preparation. Reality. Sacrifice. Persistence. Humility.
For 8 years Jane and I were pretty much broke. Not poor! Just broke. Broke is a situation....Poor is a way of living. Every dime we made went back into the account to eat, live, and sleep. Every dime went back into the business so that we could eat, live, and sleep...better. There were times where Jane wanted the designer bags and it made me feel so small to not be able to buy them for her. Although I felt small..I knew this was just for a time. Maybe 3 years, or maybe even 20 years..But I knew one day it would come.
We have prepared very well for the balancing act going on in the economy. We take pride in the fact that knowing #1 God is on our side and #2 No one...and I mean No one will work harder than we do. When most take days off, we find ways to grow even more. When we are struggling, we quickly seek out advice from those who have been there and implement their advice quickly, and most of all we don't sit around until something happens...we go out and MAKE things happen!
This is the final entry for Surrounding yourself with Champions and Champions don't cry about things....THEY JUST FIND A WAY! Here are the Champs I roll with:
#1 Jesus Christ
#2 My WIFE
#3 Master Jae Kwon Kim
#4 Master Pely Ferrer
#5 Chris Patterson
#6 Caryn Kratzer
#7 Barnes and Noble =) ........They have a WEALTH of information in their isles.
Special Note to Jordy: Champs don't allow you to cry about your life nor will they allow you to give up on your dreams. Listen carefully to the people around you and you will know what I am talking about. I trust you will make great decisions throught your life. Be confident!
P.S. Those designer bags, cars, homes.....are now on SALE =)
Upon arriving, I noticed that the clothing store next to me had taken down their sign, and the store was completely empty. My euphoric moment quickly faded and sorrow filled my heart for the owner whom I spoke with on several occasions. We even split the bill for our balloons we put up every day. This is the second business to close down within 300 ft of the studio and just knowing the sacrifice, the hardships, and financial strain of opening a business is like...I can't even imagine what closing must feel like. I just wish I had a chance to talk to the owner one last time to maybe give him some advice.
Business is business and I think some people get it twisted with Heaven. I've heard this on several occasions...."Oh, I hate my job right now...I just want to open a business of my own so I could be free." or even "Your so lucky to own a business because you get to do what you want to do and spend so much time with family." Here's a good one...."I'm going to open up a business so I could make bank and be a baller for the rest of my life!" I always chuckle when I hear these comments.
I can't blame people for thinking this way because most books are written by people who have made it through the tough part, or they see the lifestyle of those who have done well for themselves. There aren't many TV shows, or books that focus on the hardships and struggles of starting out because quite frankly those wouldn't sell. But heres the truth its not easy. There are ways to do business BETTER than your competitors and those who recognize how to do business better....stay open.
If you are Human and alive, you know that Spring and Summer are wonderful seasons of shorts, t-shirts, sandals, and lemonade! Also, you know whether you like it or not Winter is approaching! So you must always prepare for the winter...Enjoy the sunshine while it lasts but be ready for the storms until they pass. It's the same in Business! Many people rode the wave of the housing market by making some poor choices thinking that the money would keep coming. If you know anything about history....it always repeats itself! What goes up....always comes down. But people who truly know history will rephrase it like this...."What goes up....must come down...for just a little while...and then back up we go!"
Faith in God. Preparation. Reality. Sacrifice. Persistence. Humility.
For 8 years Jane and I were pretty much broke. Not poor! Just broke. Broke is a situation....Poor is a way of living. Every dime we made went back into the account to eat, live, and sleep. Every dime went back into the business so that we could eat, live, and sleep...better. There were times where Jane wanted the designer bags and it made me feel so small to not be able to buy them for her. Although I felt small..I knew this was just for a time. Maybe 3 years, or maybe even 20 years..But I knew one day it would come.
We have prepared very well for the balancing act going on in the economy. We take pride in the fact that knowing #1 God is on our side and #2 No one...and I mean No one will work harder than we do. When most take days off, we find ways to grow even more. When we are struggling, we quickly seek out advice from those who have been there and implement their advice quickly, and most of all we don't sit around until something happens...we go out and MAKE things happen!
This is the final entry for Surrounding yourself with Champions and Champions don't cry about things....THEY JUST FIND A WAY! Here are the Champs I roll with:
#1 Jesus Christ
#2 My WIFE
#3 Master Jae Kwon Kim
#4 Master Pely Ferrer
#5 Chris Patterson
#6 Caryn Kratzer
#7 Barnes and Noble =) ........They have a WEALTH of information in their isles.
Special Note to Jordy: Champs don't allow you to cry about your life nor will they allow you to give up on your dreams. Listen carefully to the people around you and you will know what I am talking about. I trust you will make great decisions throught your life. Be confident!
P.S. Those designer bags, cars, homes.....are now on SALE =)
Friday, March 6, 2009
Talent get you through the door, BUT CHARACTER KEEPS YOU IN!
Today, Performance Martial Arts Center Inc. held its very first Friday class! Today was the first time we held an OFFICIAL class on Friday because our Mon-Thurs. classes are becoming TOO PACKED! The reason why we never held a Friday class at our old location is simply due to the fact that it was unnecessary. Every class held had a good amount of students where my staff and I felt that the Friday class would do more harm than good. As you know, rest is super important and so we decided not to burn ourselves out by working an extra day. Especially knowing the fact that Saturdays are usually filled with Testings, Demo Team, or Competition Training.
That all changed after moving to our NEW, retail location which brings us an average of 15-20 walk-ins per month. This is something we have been waiting for and now.......after 4 years, we have secured the location that will benefit us greatly! In the past four years I can honestly say that I have cycled through so many different and talented employees. I've employed the super talented, most organized, most energetic people. But this blog is dedicated to the employee who was not the most talented, confident, or even energetic! This blog is dedicated to the my employee who has shown TRUE CHARACTER!
Caryn Kratzer first came in to my place of business and used to sit in the back where she would sit with her baby while her 2 daughters trained. She decided one day that she would start training with her kids and today she is a great instructor as well as a person I can trust. Our journey to this point has been not the prettiest one! On several occasions she was almost relieved her of her position as a staff member because I had set certain rules to ensure that PMAC had the perfect environment for peoples lives to change for the better. I wanted an environment different from most families where the words "I cant!" "Its impossible" or even "I'm too tired" were used on a daily basis. The world I want and continue to create is similar to the world made famous by Peter Pan, Never Never Land!
Not to rub it in her face but she REALLY caused some problems with the environment that I was trying to create...but honestly...there was never a time that she did not apologize...and there was never a time that she did not do her best to remedy the situation. Today, 2 years later...she taught another WONDERFUL class and she continues to be on top of her game! I've had employees from the past...and present who were very talented...but they lacked the character I was looking for. Kratzer now has both Talent and Character! And this amazing ability to trust me even when I sound crazy!
I have never come across someone who I can trust as much as her. What makes her SO SPECIAL TO ME?
#1 She prays for my family and studio on a daily basis.
#2 I have a STRICT rule on where complaints need to go. She brings her comments straight to me and does not share them with my students.
#3 We have had one of the rockiest beginnings yet we are still here today...able to understand one another.
Jane, Jordyn, and I love you and your FAMZ KRATZNER!....HEHE KRATZNER!
That all changed after moving to our NEW, retail location which brings us an average of 15-20 walk-ins per month. This is something we have been waiting for and now.......after 4 years, we have secured the location that will benefit us greatly! In the past four years I can honestly say that I have cycled through so many different and talented employees. I've employed the super talented, most organized, most energetic people. But this blog is dedicated to the employee who was not the most talented, confident, or even energetic! This blog is dedicated to the my employee who has shown TRUE CHARACTER!
Caryn Kratzer first came in to my place of business and used to sit in the back where she would sit with her baby while her 2 daughters trained. She decided one day that she would start training with her kids and today she is a great instructor as well as a person I can trust. Our journey to this point has been not the prettiest one! On several occasions she was almost relieved her of her position as a staff member because I had set certain rules to ensure that PMAC had the perfect environment for peoples lives to change for the better. I wanted an environment different from most families where the words "I cant!" "Its impossible" or even "I'm too tired" were used on a daily basis. The world I want and continue to create is similar to the world made famous by Peter Pan, Never Never Land!
Not to rub it in her face but she REALLY caused some problems with the environment that I was trying to create...but honestly...there was never a time that she did not apologize...and there was never a time that she did not do her best to remedy the situation. Today, 2 years later...she taught another WONDERFUL class and she continues to be on top of her game! I've had employees from the past...and present who were very talented...but they lacked the character I was looking for. Kratzer now has both Talent and Character! And this amazing ability to trust me even when I sound crazy!
I have never come across someone who I can trust as much as her. What makes her SO SPECIAL TO ME?
#1 She prays for my family and studio on a daily basis.
#2 I have a STRICT rule on where complaints need to go. She brings her comments straight to me and does not share them with my students.
#3 We have had one of the rockiest beginnings yet we are still here today...able to understand one another.
Jane, Jordyn, and I love you and your FAMZ KRATZNER!....HEHE KRATZNER!
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