Motivation
19 articles by Sensei Willy Strohmeier, from his monthly Brighton Buzz column.
2026
More Than a Belt
After failing evaluation after evaluation, a younger brother found his work ethic, fought through doubt, and earned his brown belt.
Finding Your Inner Drive
True motivation is the inner fire that keeps kids showing up on tough days. How to help children shift from "I have to" to "I want to."
2025
2024
Potential Is Nothing… Until You Do Something!
Potential is like $10,000 in your pocket: you can build something with it or lose it through a hole. Believe in yourself, then put in the work.
You Are Free to Be Mediocre!
"Do I have to make a vision board?" No. You can always choose to be mediocre, or you can choose to be extraordinary. What will it be?
2023
God Does Not Help the Lazy Man!
Handed a shovel at age seven, entrepreneur Eddie Wilson learned his dad's lesson: a little bit at a time, so get going. God won't help a lazy man.
Shifting Your Life Focus
Born without legs and with one arm, Nick Santonastasso asks: do you focus on what you have or what you don't? What we focus on, we get more of.
That’s Just the Way I Am
People can become completely different, in a better way. Swap "that's just the way I am" for "I choose to" and take control of who you become.
The Best Is Yet to Come!
Little karate students greet every day with joyful expectation. What if adults approached the new year the same way, even on a Monday?
2021
2020
Recharge - Reassess - Redouble
After months in the pandemic washing machine, don't just survive. Rest to recharge, reassess where you're headed, then redouble your effort.
What Does It Take to Be Happy?
"Mom, all my hard work has paid off!" A young student's green belt test shows that happiness is not pleasure, happiness is victory.
2019
Motivation Gets You Going, Discipline Keeps You Growing
Motivation lights the spark, but it dies out quickly. Discipline is what carries every successful person to their goals. Anyone can be motivated.
Chasing Trophies or Chasing Excellence?
Cleaning out the garage, Sensei Willy found a box of old karate medals and tossed them. The real prize was never first place, but excellence.
2018
2017
Take the Time, Live It, Love It, Share It
A former ballerina rediscovers her passion through karate, and asks: have you found what lights a fire in you? Live it, love it, and share it.
Motivation Is Not Enough
Motivation is the spark that starts the engine, but it fizzles fast. Discipline is what keeps you going long after the excitement wears off.