A good martial artist knows the value of momentum. Momentum is the force that is generated when an object is in motion. If we have momentum, there is a higher likelihood that we will succeed. Generating momentum is easier said than done. When we think too far into it, momentum seems like something that is a mile away or something that is seemingly unachievable. This is especially true as we see other people’s “best lives” on social media. Getting to a place of momentum seems like we are looking up at the top of a mountain where we can’t even see its peak. However, the secret to momentum is that it is just one step away. Lao Tzu said, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” Thus, we build momentum step by step where one thing leads to another. One way to say “momentum” in Japanese is daryoku (惰力). Daryoku literally translates as “lazy power” because once momentum begins, it takes very little to keep it going and we keep it going by the process of doing. Success is typically a function of creating momentum in a certain direction. Once momentum is achieved then we can capitalize upon opportunities when they arise. That is why Roman philosopher Seneca said, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” Sun Tzu possibly also understood this when he wrote, “The surge of rolling flood water washes away boulders: this is called momentum. The swoop of a falcon strikes and kills its prey: this is called timing. Thus, for a skilled warrior, his momentum must be irresistible and his timing precise. Momentum is the tension in a crossbow arm; timing is the pulling of the trigger.” In the martial arts, we develop momentum through training and so the easiest way to develop momentum is to just come to class. Every time we do things like think about a technique or come to class, we are developing momentum. Momentum is made up of individual acts of doing. Momentum compounds which means that every act of trying and doing creates more and more momentum. I know Yoda said there is “no trying” but in every act of trying there is a little bit of doing and in each act of doing, no matter how small, helps to create momentum. Every day we are buffeted by forces which are trying to steal our momentum. Some days we can resist these forces. Other days we get knocked down by them. However, it is like what Albert Einstein said, “You never fail until you stop trying.” Regardless of what happens, just keep going and sooner or later you will have achieved momentum. Once we have achieved momentum, there is nothing that we can’t achieve and that’s why a good martial artist knows the value of momentum.
Today’s goal: No matter what happens, just keep going.
Watch this to better understand momentum