Building self-esteem and self-confidence
Building self-esteem and confidence is based on a student setting a goal, putting his or her mind to it, and doing whatever it takes, to achieve the goal. This is the formula for success in all walks of life.
The student sets a goal to become a black belt. A journey of thousand miles can be walked through step by step. The instructor splits the long-term goal into a number of short-term goals. Once the goal is set, the mind calls for a behavioural change, it shifts the attention, initiates action, and applies persistently effort in an organised and disciplined manner.
Progress in karate is measured with a coloured belt ranking system. After each belt test the student receives feedback from the examiners he or she learns about their strong and weak points, and receives carefully selected directions for further growth as a martial artist.
Each belt is an award for a completed short-term goal that frees the mind and opens the horizon for the completion of the next goal.
That is the moment when the student realises that they managed to succeed despite the difficult odds and almost overwhelming circumstances, which in turn is the psychological food for growing confidence and self-esteem.