My guess is that you haven’t, but Magno is one of the hardest workers I know, and there’s a lot that can be learned just from his story. As such, I wanted to share it. Magno is an 84 year old Peruvian man. He came to this country with the money he had in his pocket when he was 17 years old. (I forget how much money it was, but it was something like $7.) He got a job in a machine shop, and he has continued to work at this craft for almost 70 years now! He now runs his own machine shop (and has for many years). The shop is in the same building as the dojo, and I enjoy speaking with Magno when we see each other.
What martial arts qualities has Magno helped affirm to me? First, “A white belt is a black belt that never quit.” Magno is a black belt in machining. He became one because he started, and he just never stopped. Second, “There’s no substitute for mat time.” His experience and continued effort to learn his trade has helped him to be incredibly successful.
On that note, “Successful people are rarely stuck in rush hour traffic.” What do I mean by that? I mean that, as I once heard Rory Aplnalp say, “In order to be successful, you will most likely need to work half days. I’m not talking about the half days you see on an infomercial, I’m talking about half days- you’ll need to work at least 12 hours a day.”
Magno is here to an inspirational level. When I’m tired, and I want to go home, I look out in the parking lot. If I see Magno’s car, which I usually do, then I tell myself, “This 84 year old guy is still here; and so will I be.” …I then get back to work!
Prayer and hard work are two ingredients that I have found to be entirely important in my life.
It’s a real honor to see Magno and to have the opportunity to talk with him. He comes from a generation that understands that you are not entitled to anything. If you want something, go out and earn it. Prove yourself to others, set a goal; go after it. Don’t stop.
At this “New Year’s” time, people have a tendency to look at their lives with a renewed fervor. The desire to accomplish something of significance- like perhaps… better health, well-being, and learning a life skill (like the martial arts) are often started during this time. Take advantage of the energy and desire you have right now. Do the work necessary. And, if you get tired, look out in the parking lot, you may just see Magno’s car there. And, then get back to work!