Trajectory

“Trajectory” was a word used frequently during the last 2nd degree class. It is very easy for me to become disillusioned with the day-to-day results (or lack of results) when trying to measure my progress. As mentioned in previous posts, progress is something that terrifies me. Progress is bigger than me. Progress is merciless in showing you the fruit of your effort. For some, it can be the greatest motivator. For others, it can cripple. Regardless of what observing progress does for you as an individual, it does not change the fact that it is inevitable. To put it remarkably bluntly, nothing ever remains constant. As such, if you do not progress forwards, you may end up progressing backwards. 

I do not like seeing my progress. Do not get me wrong; I still value it. I value what I learn from observing my progress. But I do not like simply observing it. I fail to see the progress itself, and get stuck on the “it could have been better”. However, using the concept of trajectory forces me to see the bigger picture. It connects each of my dots, you could say. When I observe my numbers and videos of my forms, I observe them as simple “data points”. Snapshots in time, if you will. I was there, and now I am here. But why am I not over here? What did I do wrong? 

By connecting those dots and following my trajectory, it not only allows me to see where I came from but it also allows me to see where I am going (should I continue to train and study the way I currently am). By visualizing the actual movement of my progress, by seeing the direction I am moving in, I can overcome the “why am I not at this point” feelings. Why? Because my trajectory shows me that those points are still on the path ahead. 

Numbers are in yesterday's post; as everything I just said is a work in progress, I am still aiming to look at my total numbers roughly only once a week, for personal reasons.