saying/motto?

opr1945

2nd Black Belt
When I started my Karate journey I came across this:

It is not about being better than someone else, it is about being better than you were yesterday.

For some reason it range a bell with me. Never heard it before. So my question is what is its origin? Is it American, Japanese, Karate or from some other place. Ancient or recent?

Thanks.
 
AI

The quote "It is not about being better than someone else, it is about being better than you were yesterday" is often attributed to Jigorō Kanō, the founder of Judo. While the exact phrasing might be paraphrased, this sentiment is strongly associated with his philosophy and the concept of "kaizen," which emphasizes continuous improvement.

Here's why the quote is associated with Jigorō Kanō:
  • Judo Philosophy:
    Jigorō Kanō's Judo was not just about physical strength, but also about self-improvement, self-discipline, and the pursuit of excellence within oneself.

  • Kaizen:
    The quote aligns with the concept of "kaizen," which is a Japanese business philosophy that emphasizes continuous improvement in all aspects of life.

  • Multiple Attributions:
    While Kanō's name is most frequently associated with this quote, it's also been linked to other figures like Benny Lewis and James Gordon.

  • Focus on Self-Improvement:
    The quote emphasizes focusing on one's own progress rather than constantly comparing oneself to others.

    Motivational Tool:
    It's a powerful motivational tool for encouraging personal growth and development.
  • AI responses may include mistakes.
 

The only person you should try to be better than is the person you were yesterday: When we strive to be better than our past selves, we also acknowledge our progress and celebrate our accomplishments​

by Pisoot Sanjai (Author)


The quote "The only person you should try to be better than is the person you were yesterday" is a powerful reminder that our journey of self-improvement should be focused on personal growth, rather than comparison to others. It highlights the importance of setting realistic goals and consistently working towards them, acknowledging our progress and celebrating our accomplishments.

This philosophy encourages us to develop a growth mindset, in which we view challenges and setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth. By focusing on self-improvement, we can cultivate a sense of purpose and meaning in our lives that is not dependent on external validation.

This perspective also helps us avoid the trap of constant comparison to others, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy and frustration. Instead, we can appreciate our own unique journey and progress, and strive to be the best version of ourselves. Overall, the quote serves as a powerful reminder to prioritize our own growth and development, and to focus on being better than the person we were yesterday.
 
It is not about being better than someone else, it is about being better than you were yesterday.
This doesn't make any sense. In MA, you are fighting against your opponent. You are not fighting against yourself. In battlefield, you have to kill all your enemy in order to stay alive.

You may treat MA as self-improving art. I prefer to treat MA as fighting art instead.
 
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I prefer to treat MA as fighting art instead.
Even if you do. But the process and journey of learning MA, is not a weekly mortal combat. So even if we may train with that in mind, we train for things that hopefully does not happen. And during that journey your skills are incrementally improved.
 
Even if you do. But the process and journey of learning MA, is not a weekly mortal combat. So even if we may train with that in mind, we train for things that hopefully does not happen. And during that journey your skills are incrementally improved.
We are talking about the same thing in different ways. If A and B spar yesterday and the score is A wins 2 rounds and loses 3 rounds. Today A and B spar again and the score is A wins 3 rounds and loses 2 rounds. I will say that today's A is better than yesterday's A.
 
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