The Only Thing That Matters Is the Next Step

When I announced I wanted to become a drummer, a bunch of naysayers told me I was too old for that.

It was 2006 and I was 19.

By 21, I was already playing in front of an audience with my rock band.

I wonder what idea of a drummer those naysayers had in mind. I also wonder what idea of learning they had in mind.

Now, at almost 38, I want to take up Karate.

I’ve always been fascinated by martial arts. I grew up playing Street Fighter and watching Dragon Ball. I saw 3 Ninjas four thousand times when I was 6, and after seeing Morpheus fight Neo in The Matrix, I couldn’t stop going around pretending I was a kung fu warrior. 

So, why now?

Because of a book I’ve been reading: Dojo Wisdom for Writers by Jennifer Lawler.

The back cover says:

When black belt Jennifer Lawler first started training in the martial arts, she never imagined that learning how to kick people would teach her how to become a more accomplished and successful writer. But she soon discovered that the skills she learned in the dojo (training hall)—how to focus, stay disciplined, and persevere—would help her realize her dreams off the mat.

Reading Jennifer’s book made me realize it’s time to give martial arts a go.

I think I’ll like training as a martial artist. It’ll give me the chance to develop focus, discipline, strength, and muscular flexibility — all things I need. I might also lose belly fat, and if someone ever breaks into my house at night, I might be able to make good use of that baseball bat sitting next to my bed.

Plus, Karate isn’t just punching and kicking. There’s an Eastern philosophy behind it. I guess that learning and practicing it will help me see the world differently and think like I’ve never thought before. It’d be like learning to speak and think in a new language. 

Surely, naysayers will show up, saying I’m too old to become a black belt. But who’s thinking about black belts today? Everything happens in steps, so always focus on one step.

Today, the step happens to be Step 1: phone the local Karate schools and inquire about prices, courses, and timetables.

All the subsequent steps don’t matter.

All of what comes out of a naysayer’s mouth doesn’t matter either.

Actually, it never does.

Wah‑ta!

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