I was browsing the Internet after work today, and came across this very interesting story. It struck me as interesting not only because I’m a student of Karate, but also because this lesson can be applied to anything in life – whether it be Karate, Ballet or Ice Hockey.

A young man is very eager to learn the martial arts. He seeks out the best teacher in all the land, and travels very far to meet with him. When he does meet the sage, the man asks him, “Master, how long will it take me to become the greatest martial artist?”

“5 years,” replies the teacher.

“5 years? That’s far too long,” replies the man. “What if I were to practice twice as hard as all the others?”

“Then, 10 years.”

“10 years??? I will practice more diligently than any other, longer and harder. How long then master?”

“Then, 20 years.”

“Master, why is it that whenever I say I will practice even harder, you say it will take twice as long?”

“Because my son, when you have one eye on your goal, you only have one eye on your training.”