Knowledge instead of Grade - Intrinsic Reward instead of Extrinsic Reward

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In a recent article in the news regarding University Education the following quote stuck me as something a person can and should live by in all their endeavors. Knowledge toward Understanding while achieving extrinsic rewards over the more intrinsic that is often an obstacle rather than a pathway. 

“I studied for knowledge instead of a grade. I relied on intrinsic motivation, instead of going for the extrinsic reward.” - Afi-Odelia Scruggs

When a person relies on external approvals they will find it an easy excuse toward any failures they encounter while relying on their own internal approvals from their own internal goals is far more rewarding. This is one of those lessons one learns from the more intrinsic study of martial arts. 

Grading in martial arts tends to lend attitudes toward the extrinsic rewards dependent on the beliefs, intents, perceptions and attitudes of others rather than on ourselves. It is great to receive input from others but it is important to make judgements about that inputs worth as it would benefit you, the individual, and your goals both in life and in martial arts. 

Martial Arts principles address this aspect of training, practice and applications, they call those principles, “Theories and Philosophies.” 

PRINCIPLE ONE: PRINCIPLES OF THEORY (Universality, Control, Efficiency, Lengthen Our Line, Percentage Principle, Std of Infinite Measure, Power Paradox, Ratio, Simplicity, Natural Action, Michelangelo Principle, Reciprocity, Opponents as Illusions, Reflexive Action, Training Truth, Imperception and Deception.)

PRINCIPLE FOUR: PRINCIPLES OF PHILOSOPHY (Mind [mind-set, mind-state, etc.], mushin, kime, non-intention, yin-yang, oneness, zanshin and being, non-action, character, the empty cup.)

Often MA’s give lip service to things like suppressing the ego and pride, ego and pride when left to their own devices tends to lead toward conflict and violence but to suppress it or rather to control it means depending not on others but on ourselves to regulate, control and become more a person of integrity and humility through knowledge that leads to understanding, understanding being that enlightenment that allows us to take responsibility upon ourselves do do right, correct the wrong and achieve our goals in a more positive and beneficial way. 

Grades in martial arts tends to steer students toward the criteria of others often with requirements that are minimal, minimal being the least amount of knowledge necessary to make that grade. The grade becomes the extrinsic reward often controlled and dependent on others as to their mood, intent and esteem levels, etc. Spending out time focused on building knowledge and understanding actually creates in internal knowledge base where one can determine at what level of success they achieve per their own goals, intent and understanding. It actually allows the individual to perceive a true level of martial enlightenment without regard to what others may or may not believe. It creates within ourselves a mind-set and mind-state that often far exceeds those others who rely heavily on validation and approval of others. It also creates self-reliance, self-discipline and self-esteem far above others and their expectations, etc.

Knowledge instead of grades, trophies and the validation from others to achieve a greater understanding that is the cornerstone of enlightenment while validating the self through our own intrinsic reward systems. How does that feel to you? 

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