You think you know stuff but do you?

In today's world, everyone is an expert and has an opinion. If you don't agree with them, you are wrong, at fault, ignorant and just plain stupid. Plus you offended them as well. Well we all know how crazy that is. 

Someone is offended. Someone knows everything and you can't question what they say. Truth is most people think they know stuff but they really don't. 

The quiet professionals in every field and industry don't run around telling you what stuff they know. They show you through results and success. 

Here is my retelling of a story about Musashi. It is a modified version from the book of 5 rings. That is a book I recommend to everyone. 

He was one of the baddest dudes to ever walk into a cutlery store. That dude killed people with a big ass sword like it was cool. He knew stuff, no doubt.

One day, Musashi saw a badass dude who he figured was worthy of his blade. 

This other guy was a renowned master of the sword. - like a no shit he will kill you because he's that damn good kinda guy. 

Musashi, a badass in his own right, was like screw him, I can take him. So he challenged 'ol boy to a fight. 

'Ol boy was like nah dude not today. 

Musashi was pissed. How dare he refuse to fight. So Musashi pestered 'ol boy a zillion times, always with the answer of no. 

Not taking a hint, Musashi confronted 'ol boy one more time and wasn't very nice about it. 

In a blinding flash, 'ol boy drew his katana and sliced off a rose flower. He handed the flower to Musashi and said I most humbly decline your challenge. And he walked off.

OMG, Musashi was freakin livid. The bitch hands him a flower and walks off. 

Then Musashi calmed down and was staring at the flower. 

Moments passed and then he saw it. The cut made by 'ol boy's sword on the rose stem was perfect.  Precise, lightening fast, and flawless. No way!

Musashi ran to the nearest rose bush and tried to duplicate 'ol boy's cut a thousand times. He couldn't do it. He came close but couldn't match it. 

Musashi realized that 'ol boy beat him without ever fighting. He accepted that 'ol boy was better than him. 'ol boy was one of the only dudes to ever beat Musashi and they never even fought.

'Ol boy knew shit. Musashi thought he knew shit. Musashi learned from his mistake and became one of the greatest warriors of all times.

Do you know stuff? Or do you think you know stuff? Don't be that guy. Always be open to learning, growing and evolving. 

I thought I knew stuff. Now I know I still have a lot to learn. That's why my white belt hangs in my gym after 30 years of martial arts experience. I'm just a student, trying to learn and be better, as I walk down the path of life. 

Be the student. When the student is ready, the master appears. Learn from the master. Be the student. 

Don't be the guy who thinks he knows stuff. Look at your rose stem. Learn from it.

Eric Dempsey 
Master Sergeant, U.S. Army Retired 
NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Weight Loss Specialist 
Masters Degree in Exercise Science
Dempseys Resolution Fitness 
www.dempseysresolution.com