12 ways to be "excellent!" *Plays Air Guitar*

In a few days, I will be testing for my 3rd Dan Black Belt.

I am terrified.

This is the culmination of over twenty years of training. Importantly, this is also the last belt in karate that I will actually test for. (4th Dan and beyond are all honorific ranks, based on accomplishments as an instructor rather than completing any test.) As my last test, I've found myself experiencing great anxiety. I've been a 2nd Dan for nearly seven years. The time requirement is only three years. Years ago, I told myself I wouldn't test until I was absolutely perfect for my next rank. So I put it off. And put it off. And put it off. Because I wasn't perfect. Finally, last year I set a firm date for March of 2026. No matter what. And even though I'm not perfect, and even though I might not pass, I'm sticking with it. Why?

Because Perfection is overrated. We must instead pursue Excellence.
If you wait for perfect circumstances to test for every belt, you're doing it wrong. You'll be waiting forever. We call it a test (or evaluation) for a REASON. It isn't MEANT to be a guarantee. Instead, we strive for excellence. Excellence is attainable, both in the short term and the long term. I expect Excellence from my students.
But what exactly does Excellence look like?

Rule #1: Excellence is humble. Don't confuse humble with ashamed. Humility is about refusing to ignore your shortcomings. Shame is about believing those shortcomings define your worth.
 "I realize that my push-ups are not where I want them to be." That is Humility. 
"My push-ups suck. And I suck. And I'm always going to suck." THAT is shame. Know the difference.

Rule #2: Excellence is accountable. That means owning up to your actions (or inactions). Accountability is a special kind of bravery, and is tied deeply to humility. "I did not meet the goal for my run, and this is because I didn't prepare as much as I should have. If that costs me the promotion today, I accept that result and will try harder next time." THAT is accountability.

Rule #3: Excellence is effortful. Attempting hard things--especially things you might fail at--is good for you (so long as it isn't also a stupid thing). "I'm going to try this with all my might, BECAUSE it is hard. Even if I fail, I will learn, and I will grow stronger."

Rule #4: Excellence is earnest. Excellent people are sincere in their desire to improve AND to help others improve. Excellent people are genuine in their heart and in their demeanor. "I will try my best to help you."

Rule #5: Excellence is ambitious. Excellent people set goals. They choose goals that are difficult, realistic, and time-specific. They don't laze about and wait for great things to come their way. They find a goal worth striving for and go for it. "I'm testing for my next belt in two months, whether I feel ready or not. This will act as a good incentive to train harder." Because, again, even if they fail, they will learn. (Are you sensing a theme here yet?)

Rule #6: Excellence is patient. PATIENCE IS NOT THE ANTITHESIS OF AMBITION. THEY ARE COMPLIMENTARY ATTRIBUTES. Patience is not about laziness: it is about accepting what is not in your control. It is about emotional and mental discipline. "I will slow down so I don't burn out."

Rule #7: Excellence is persevering. It is enduring through struggles with tenacity and grit. It is seeing things through and keeping commitments. "I joined the Black Belt Club and I won't give up until I've earned that Black Belt."

Rule #8: Excellence is optimistic. Not arrogance. Optimism. It is believing in oneself and in others. "This kata is hard, but I know we are capable!"

Rule #9: Excellence is Honorable. Excellent people behave with honesty and integrity. "I will not lie to Sensei in order to get the result I want."

Rule #10: Excellence is Respectful. Excellent people treat others with respect by default. (Though let me be clear: respect can be lost. You never need to respect somebody truly abusive or cruel.) "I'm not happy that I wasn't promoted. But I respect the decision and trust they had a reason. I'll ask Sensei what I can improve."

Rule #11: Excellence is Grateful. Excellent people express gratitude openly, generously, sincerely, and often. "Thank you for helping me with my kata today. I appreciate you."

Rule #12: Excellence is Proud. Don't confuse this for the biblical "pride". That kind of pride is when you think yourself above others. The pride I'm referring to is pride in your fellow students, and pride in your progress. It is not comparing yourself to others. It is seeing and acknowledging the growth from your past self to your present self. It is seeing and acknowledging the growth of your comrades. "You worked so hard for that belt, and I've noticed your improvement. I'm proud to train with you."

I may not pass my test on Saturday. And I  certainly won't be perfect. But for too long, I delayed my test because I was chasing perfection. I will not do it anymore. It was a poor example for my students. Now is my chance to fix it. On Saturday, I will strive for excellence. I will put myself on the line and risk failure so I can set a better example for my tremendous students. Let the chips fall where they may. No matter what belt I'm wearing next week, it will have been good to have tried.

To quote the great philosophers William Preston and Theodore Logan: "Be excellent to each other... and party on, dudes."