Synergize
7 Practices of Highly Effective Martial Artists
Have you read or reread The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, by Dr. Stephen R. Covey?
When you integrate the first 5 “Habits” into your daily rituals, the power of Habit 6 is a natural consequence.
Brown Belt…
The 6th Habit is called Synergize.
We have many examples of this concept in the Martial Arts.
Physical coordination is one of them.
Cooperation and collaboration demonstrate the power of synergy.
Ironically, competition is a tremendous driver of synergy, as it creates a legitimate demand for the cross over of many attributes and resources.
Synergy is a necessary characteristic of correct technique.
No matter how much we attempt to isolate a specific skill, there are always a multitude of components involved.
Dr. Covey describes the principle of Synergy as 1 plus 1 equaling 3 or more.
The equation may defy basic arithmetic, but you can find evidence of it everywhere.
You are an example of the consequence of synergy.
Your parents can certainly confirm that fact.
As a Martial Arts professional, you are aware of, and apply, synergy in your practice.
Your contribution to the global Martial Arts marketing matrix creates a synergistic phenomenon that brings awareness of our value to every corner of the world.
There is not a single one of us who did this all by ourselves.
The networking relationships that you cultivate with your peers creates synergy.
It is safe to assume that you and your staff work together to amplify your impact and improve the student experience for every member of your school.
Your technology; your Website and Aquila CRM from EFC, work together seamlessly and synergistically, to maximize your productivity and results.
Every aspect of your unique curriculum surely integrates, culminating in a cohesive system of study, self-defense, and self-improvement.
We can find obvious examples of Habit 6 everywhere.
Plywood is a simple illustration of synergy.
Each individual thin sheet of wood is only capable of holding a little bit of weight.
Its isolated strength is minimal.
But when 5 layers are put together, with the grains alternately stacked, it is incredibly strong.
More than 5 times stronger than the sum of the individual sheets.
Take a chopstick and break it in half.
Try it with 2 or 3 put together.
No problem, right?
Then bundle 15 or 20 together.
Good luck.
The strength is amplified beyond the total number of chopsticks.
Your muscle groups work in the same way.
In the Dojo, we experience synergy constantly.
At the Brown Belt level, we all gain a deeper understanding of synergy, as we give broader attention to its value.
We develop a higher level of appreciation for training with our classmates.
We recognize that our classmates are far more important to our progress than whoever happens to “count from the corner.”
While it is difficult to describe the overall energy in a well run class, it is very easy to feel.
When you are in class with 11 or 12 other students, the “fire” is simply harder to build, and the value of the session is diminished.
When you train with 20 or more of your classmates, the mat is electrifying.
You may have been asked, “Are you sure that you can handle another student on the mat when the class is already so crowded?”
Your class is never “crowded.”
You are a professional.
In the Dojo, we learn from each other, and none of us will live long enough to make all of the mistakes by ourselves.
In a highly interdependent classroom, everyone is a valued resource, but nobody is “the” source.
When an instructor believes an additional student can be “the straw that broke the camel’s back”, it is because they simply lack the influence that comes with experience.
Every student on the mat is like another log on the fire, leading to an inferno of intensity.
Fire is powerful.
It is dangerous.
That is the point.
The challenge is to learn how to build it and keep it under control.
The challenge we face as students of the Martial Arts is building ourselves into a potentially deadly force, and keeping it under control.
If you train, you have experienced the power of maximum participation.
In the Dojo, we work to create that experience in every training session.
Synergy enhances our effort, and brings about a better outcome.
It is a profoundly powerful force.
When your body is functioning at an optimal level, it is working synergistically.
Homeostasis cannot occur without synergy.
Your eyes work together to achieve a result that is greater than double of what either eye can accomplish.
Your ears function synergistically.
Both your reach and grasp require synergy.
Look for examples in your personal and professional life.
If you look carefully, you will find synergy wherever and whenever there is effectiveness.
You will notice the absence of synergy where there is ineffectiveness.
The measure of a healthy relationship is the synergy that it generates.
Synergy maximizes energy.
Give serious thought to the effects of synergy in your life.
Your awareness of it will increase your appreciation for it.