First of all, I’m sorry for not posting as often as I should but I have lots of work and little time to write.

The post that I present was taken from Prof. Paulo Sousa blog that make me think a lot.

This week I came across a fabulous little parable about the black belt in martial arts. As with any parable, it’s not the story that matters but the lessons you take from it. The story goes like this:

A young martial artist kneeling before the Master Sensei in a ceremony to receive a hard-earned black belt. After years of relentless training, the student has finally reached a pinnacle of achievement in the discipline.

“Before granting the belt, you must pass one more test,” says the Sensei.

“I am ready,” responds the student, expecting perhaps one final round of sparring.
“You must answer the essential question: What is the true meaning of the black belt?”
“The end of my journey,” says the student. “A well-deserved reward for all my hard work.”
The Sensei waits for more. Clearly, he is not satisfied. Finally, the Sensei speaks.
“You are not yet ready for the black belt. Return in one year.”

A year later, the student kneels again in front of the Sensei.
“What is the true meaning of the black belt?” asks the Sensei.
“A symbol of distinction and the highest achievement in our art,” says the student.
The Sensei says nothing for many minutes, waiting. Clearly, he is not satisfied. Finally, he speaks.
“You are still not ready for the black belt. Return in one year.”

A year later, the student kneels once again in front of the Sensei. And again the Sensei asks: “What is the true meaning of the black belt?”
“The black belt represents the beginning - the start of a never-ending journey of discipline, work, and the pursuit of an ever-higher standard,” says the student.
“Yes. You are now ready to receive the black belt and begin your work.”

It is actually a story about continous improvement and continous learning and you can apply it to several dimensions of your personal and professional life. Today, I’ll just reflect on it from a “software architect” perspective.

Most of the developers out there nowadays wish to become Architects and see that as their ultimate goal, maybe becoming Chief Software Architect for a major corporation. As with any goal in life or business we must adopt a somewhat humble posture, and recognize that the journey is just beginning and we’ll still make errors, make wrong decisions and specially learn a lot more when we achieve it.

I, as a student, and far away of a black belt can only say that’s hard to control our thoughts and our ambition. Being humbled is hard for those who are always passing challenges and trying to be better over and over again. Hence, I’m the kind of person who likes to experience all type of knowledge and continuous learning. That’s why I’m always saying that I need to find a job that continues to motivate me and giving me different kind of challenges. I try every day to put my personal objectives a little higher. Some people thinks that I like to feel frustrated… I’m starting to see their point of view.