What’s the difference between knowledge and wisdom? Learning theory gains knowledge, whereas applying this knowledge through practical experience gains wisdom. It takes time to gain wisdom. I’m always learning more, from everyone that I come into contact with — because of their experience, regardless of their academic knowledge!
Learning is important, but you must also apply and test your knowledge, experience first hand for yourself. And don’t be afraid to change your mind based on new learning and experience. I change my mind all the time – I don’t see this as ‘flakey’, I’m just willing to accept that my understanding or experience is evolving.
I accept that I can always improve, and recognise my ego’s protective self-importance and happily let it go. In this way, I welcome critique from others, it helps me grow. I can benefit from the experience of others to further build my own.
That doesn’t mean to say that I can only benefit from people with more experience than me. It’s often a different experience, or an alternative view point that contributes the most. This is true in all aspects of training — in the Muay Thai ring and the weights room — and life in general.
Sports science is constantly evolving and you need to keep up. That being said, science can’t explain everything, especially when it comes to the combination of mind and body. Consciousness has a profound effect on physical reality, and quantum theory is just beginning to scratch the surface of this.
“Be both open-minded and sceptical.” ~ Tom Campbell
Don’t believe anyone, including me, find out for yourself. Any belief or dogma is a limitation. There’s no such thing as one-size fits all, we’re all unique with our own interpretation of ‘reality’ and should build our own practical experience of what we’ve learned.
The contents of this website is the result of my own personal learning and applied experience. It’s unique to me. I’m sharing my journey with you so that you can shape your own one. If what I’m sharing feels right for you, then accept it as a ‘leg up’, a pointer for your own path. If it doesn’t fit for you, no problem, but please test it first before you discard it – you may find that an untested limiting belief is preventing you accepting some genuine help.
Never believe that you can’t achieve. Push yourself, find out what you’re really capable of with purposeful intent. Nothing is instant, it all takes time and quality practice. Don’t hold on to limiting beliefs.
Don’t be persuaded by public opinion. Those that grab hold of a belief just because it’s held by the majority, further add to that majority – it doesn’t make it true. When you experience dogma, neither jump on the bandwagon nor discard it on principle. Investigate, find out for yourself. Smart, knowledgeable people don’t all have wisdom – they assume they have.
Like I said, don’t believe anyone – including me – but remain open-minded and have fun finding out for yourself.
Further Resources
Don Heatrick
Founder of Heatrick Strength and Conditioning
Don Heatrick is a family man from the UK, former mechanical design engineer, European Muay Thai silver medallist, former pro Thai boxer (ranked 4th in UK while aged 40-years), a Muay Thai coach, podcast host, and the go-to expert on Muay Thai performance training with over 25 years of coaching experience.
Don helps ambitious fighters and coaches take their game to the next level by bridging the gap between Strength & Conditioning, Performance Science, and Muay Thai.
Follow Don Heatrick on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donheatrick/
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