I have to take my car in for some minor repairs again. It seems like I’ve gotten to know the staff at the shop quite well—David, John, Chris, and Nikki. I guess I’ve been here a bit too often! But such is life when you own a car.
The same goes for owning a home. Whenever unexpected expenses pop up, my mom reminds me with a phrase: “homeowners’ cost.” It’s her way of saying we should appreciate the fact that we have a place to live, even when it comes with bills.
The important thing in both cases is maintenance.
There’s an old saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” But I believe that’s not really true. I’ve learned that in some parts of Africa, certain communities didn’t have a concept of maintenance, which makes it hard for them to adapt to modern life. They tend to run their cars until they completely break down, which can be very costly in the long run.
If we ignore maintaining our cars, motorcycles, or any vehicle, we can end up with bigger issues down the road. A small problem can turn into a much larger one, leading to more expenses. More importantly, neglecting maintenance can put our lives and the safety of our loved ones at risk.
This brings me to Krav Maga, which is all about self-defense. It’s not just about physical techniques; it covers all aspects of keeping yourself safe. For example, if you have a coworker who smokes excessively around you, that’s harmful to your health. Similarly, a car that isn’t properly cared for can be dangerous. By regularly taking your car to a mechanic, you’re protecting yourself.
Preventive care for your vehicle can truly save lives.
Some people earn their black belts in martial arts and then think they’ve reached the finish line. They can get a bit overconfident and stop training. But just like a tree needs its roots to stay alive, we need to stay connected to our training and teachers. When someone separates themselves from their foundation, they risk losing what they’ve learned.
Remember, your instructor or mentor is your support system.
Life is always changing, and new challenges can arise. Just holding onto a black belt you earned years ago doesn’t mean much if you don’t keep practicing and expanding your skills. It becomes just a memory rather than a valuable asset.
It’s like writing. Things written in stone are permanent and unchangeable. Things in ink can be tough to alter. But with a pencil, you can easily erase and update what you’ve written.
As Robert M. Pirsig said, “The pencil is mightier than the pen.” Embrace the idea of maintenance in all areas of your life, and you’ll be better prepared for whatever comes your way.