For today's Daily Reflection, we're diving deep into a topic that's been a guiding light for me.

Life is a tapestry of emotions, and among the most potent are our fears, worries, and concerns. They're real, they're palpable, and they often knock on our doors uninvited.

But here's a question I've been pondering: While these emotions are part of our story, should they be the ones holding the pen?

The transformative power of acknowledgment is something I've been exploring. Imagine holding onto a tight rope, feeling the strain and tension. The moment we decide to release our grip, we free ourselves.

But this isn't just about letting go. It's about empowerment. It's about channeling our mental, emotional and physical energies towards proactive solutions. Recognizing the root of our fears and then crafting strategies to rise above them.

On this podcast, we've journeyed through many lessons and discoveries that shape our perspective on living a strong life. Today's episode is an invitation for introspection. Are we allowing our fears to navigate our path? Or are we harnessing our inherent strength to carve our destiny?

Strength isn't just about muscle; it's about mindset... about that indomitable spirit... it's about getting up, getting out and doing your best to be useful and live a strong life.

Every sunrise offers a fresh slate, a new opportunity to choose empowerment over fear.

Thank you for joining me today on the 'Living Strong Podcast.' Remember, stay strong, stay inspired, and keep moving forward. Until next time.

Unlock the Power of the 'Infinite Mindset' in Parenting on this episode of the Living Strong Podcast with Peter Liciaga. Dive deep into Simon Sinek's transformative concept and discover how long-term thinking can reshape your parenting journey. From fostering trust at home to leading with integrity, explore actionable insights to empower your family's mind, body, and spirit. Perfect for parents seeking personal growth, resilience, and well-being. Tune in now and elevate your parenting game! #LivingStrongPodcast #InfiniteMindset #ParentingTips

Discover how mindfulness, a growth mindset, and a supportive community can help you build resilience and face life's challenges with unwavering strength. Get inspired to unleash your inner resilience and live each day with purpose and determination. Don't miss this empowering journey towards personal growth and fulfillment. Stay strong, stay resilient, and keep living strong!

It's easy to get caught up in the daily responsibilities of being a teacher, a parent, a business owner, or any other role we take on. We focus so much on training our students, helping them grow and succeed, that we sometimes forget to invest time in our own growth. We neglect our "spirit" and let our techniques suffer.

But you know what? The truth is, no matter what role we have, whether we're a karate teacher or pursuing any other passion, we must continue to seek knowledge, understanding, and "training" to improve ourselves. We must always remember why we started on this journey in the first place.

For me, martial arts was all about empowerment. It was about equipping myself to face life head-on, like a warrior, ready to tackle any challenges that came my way. But that empowerment doesn't come from just teaching others. It comes from continuously staying on the mats and pushing ourselves to be better, to learn, and to grow.

It's like a ripple effect. When we invest in our own training and growth, we become better teachers, better parents, better business owners, and better individuals overall. We inspire those around us not only through our words but also through our actions.

So, to all of you listening out there, whether you're a martial artist or not, remember this lesson. Embrace the journey of continuous training and self-improvement. Don't be disheartened by plateaus or obstacles; use them as stepping stones to rediscover your passion and reignite that warrior spirit within you.

Life can be fast, furious, and ferocious, but with the right training, we can face it all with strength and confidence. Never forget why you started on this path – that driving force that fuels your passion. Keep it alive, and let it guide you through the challenges and victories that life presents.

As I close this episode, I encourage you all to get back on the mats, whatever those "mats" represent in your life. Invest time in yourself, and never stop seeking knowledge and understanding. Remember, we are all warriors in our own way, equipped to fight the good fight and live strong.

Thank you for joining me today, and until next time, keep training and keep living strong.

Often, we use the terms 'teaching' and 'training' interchangeably. But did you know that they have distinct meanings and roles in development? Let's break it down.

Teaching is more theoretical and abstract. It's about imparting knowledge and providing information. For example, a parent might teach their child about the importance of honesty and integrity, or a teacher might teach students about the laws of physics.

On the other hand, training is more hands-on and practical. It's about developing abilities through practice with instruction or supervision. A parent might train their child to ride a bike or tie their shoes, while a teacher might train students to solve complex equations or write essays.

For small business owners, teaching could involve explaining the company's mission and values to new employees, while training might involve teaching them how to use specific software or follow certain procedures.

For instance, you can teach someone about the principles of discipline, respect, and the philosophy behind martial arts, but that won't necessarily make them a good karate practitioner. To become proficient in karate, they need specific, practical, and applied training. So, in many cases, teaching and training are complementary.

Now, a common complaint about university graduates is that they lack the practical skills necessary to thrive in the workplace. This is where training comes in. A strong training program helps employees understand not just what to do, but also how and why to do it. It imparts values, reinforces organizational culture, and builds relationships among employees.

So, how do you identify good training programs? Look past the shiny sales pitches and slick suits. Experienced trainers know how to identify meaningful and measurable outcomes. If the training is intended to improve productivity, there should be follow-up and measurement to see if productivity actually increases.

There is value in both teaching and training, and there is a clear difference between the two. While some would argue about the value of theoretical knowledge compared with applied practice, both are complementary and necessary parts of development programs.

That's it for today's episode. I hope you found this discussion enlightening and that it helps you in your journey, whether you're a parent, a teacher, or a small business owner. Remember, teaching imparts knowledge, but training develops abilities. Both are crucial for growth and development.

A big thank you to Sensei Michael St John for inspiring this episode. Stay tuned for our next episode. Until then, keep living strong!

I want to have a heart-to-heart chat with you about the incredible impact of martial arts training on building self-discipline, self-respect, self-confidence, and self-awareness in our little ones.

Imagine this: you see your child, as young as four, stepping onto the training mat, eyes gleaming with excitement and curiosity. Martial arts becomes their transformative journey, reaching far beyond just physical exercise. It becomes a path to building essential life skills and nurturing values that shape their character for years to come.

So, let's dive into what I call the power of "self-": self-discipline, self-respect, self-confidence, and self-awareness. These qualities go way beyond their ordinary definitions because they tap into the extraordinary strength that lies within our kids.

When we talk about...

Harnessing the Power Within: Unlocking Growth Through Useful Thoughts and Questions

In this episode we're diving deep into the transformative power of self-awareness, assessment, and taking right action. Throughout this episode, we'll explore two fundamental questions that can guide us towards personal growth and fulfillment. So let's get started!

Our first question for today is, "Are my thoughts useful?" It's an essential inquiry because our thoughts shape our reality and influence our actions. Take a moment to reflect on your thought patterns. Are they predominantly positive, empowering, and supportive? Or do they tend to be negative, self-critical, and limiting?

Self-awareness is the key here. By becoming conscious of our thoughts, we gain the power to evaluate their usefulness. Notice the impact your thoughts have on your emotions, behavior, and overall well-being. Are your thoughts uplifting, motivating, and aligned with your goals? Or are they holding you back, creating self-doubt, and reinforcing negative beliefs?

Now, let's move on to our second question: "How do our thoughts behave?" This question invites us to examine the behavior of our thoughts. Do they wander aimlessly, jumping from one topic to another, leaving us feeling scattered and overwhelmed? Or do they stay focused, disciplined, and purposeful?

Through honest assessment, we can gain insights into our thinking patterns. Are our thoughts dwelling in the past, replaying regrets or missed opportunities? Are they anxiously fixated on the future, causing unnecessary worry and stress? Or are they anchored in the present moment, allowing us to fully engage with our experiences and make conscious choices?

So, what can we do with this self-awareness and assessment? It's time for right action. By recognizing the power of our thoughts and understanding their behavior, we can take deliberate steps towards cultivating a positive and constructive mindset.

Begin by consciously choosing to replace negative or unhelpful thoughts with positive and empowering ones. Challenge any limiting beliefs that hold you back from reaching your full potential. Practice gratitude, mindfulness, and self-compassion to nurture a healthier thought process.

Remember, the journey towards self-awareness, assessment, and right action is a lifelong one. It requires patience, consistency, and a commitment to personal growth. By continuously asking yourself these two powerful questions – "Are my thoughts useful?" and "How do they behave?" – you can unlock the transformative power within you.

That's all for today's episode of Living Strong. I hope you found inspiration and valuable insights to help you on your journey.

Remember, you have the power to shape your thoughts and create the life you desire.

Until next time, livestrong.

Let's dive into a thought-provoking concept: "People are not what they say they are; they are what they do consistently!" So, get ready to challenge your beliefs and consider the impact of your actions.

Have you ever noticed how easy it is for people to make promises or talk about their intentions? We've all come across individuals who claim to have big dreams, talk about their goals, and express their desire for success. But how often do their words align with their actions? That's the real question.

Think about it. Talk is cheap, but actions speak volumes. I have a saying that I say to my students and coaching clients all the time: "Don't tell me anything; show me!"

It's not enough to simply talk about what we want to achieve or who we aspire to be. It's our consistent actions that truly define us. It's through our daily habits, choices, and behaviors that we reveal our true character and shape our destiny.

Consider the people you admire or respect the most. What is it about them that makes them so inspiring? Chances are, it's not just their words; it's what they consistently do. They lead by example and show up day after day, putting in the work to turn their dreams into reality.

Now, let's turn the mirror on ourselves. What will people learn about YOU when they watch what you do consistently? Are your actions in alignment with your words? Are you living up to your own expectations? These questions can be both confronting and empowering because they challenge us to evaluate our own consistency.

Consistency is a powerful force. It's the secret ingredient that separates those who merely talk about their dreams from those who actually achieve them. When we consistently take small steps towards our goals, we build momentum, and over time, those actions compound to create remarkable results.

So, let's reflect on your life right now. Are your daily actions in line with your long-term aspirations? Are you consistently taking steps towards your dreams, or are you stuck in a cycle of inaction and empty promises? It's essential to be honest with yourself and identify areas where you can improve.

Remember, it's not about being perfect or never faltering. We all have setbacks and moments of weakness. What matters is that we have the courage to get back up, learn from our mistakes, and continue moving forward with consistent action.

So, I want to leave you with this question: What will people learn about YOU when they watch what you do consistently? Take a moment to reflect on your actions, habits, and choices. Are they aligned with the person you want to become? If not, what changes can you make starting today to ensure that your actions speak louder than your words?

Thank you for joining me on this episode of the Living Strong Podcast. Remember, it's never too late to redefine yourself through consistent action. Together, let's strive to be the best version of ourselves every single day.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to my podcast and leave a review. Your feedback means the world to me, so please share. And as always, stay focused, keep pushing forward, and keep living strong!