The Test

The Testing               (Back to Little Dragons home page)

On Monday, as she got into the car after her martial arts class, Janice reminded her mom that she was testing Thursday. "I promised myself I would pass this test before summer ends. Mr. Adams said I should do really well. This will be my first big step on my way to the Black Belt."

Tuesday, a little voice inside reminded her that she would be testing in front of all her friends, and Janice began to have second thoughts. She was committed to testing before summer ended but that little voice kept on going. What if she made a mistake? What if she tripped or fell? Wouldn't everybody laugh?

By Wednesday she had worried herself into thinking she wasn't ready for the test. She decided she would make up some excuse to miss the class. She picked up the phone and called the studio. Mr. Adams answered. Janice paused for a second, then hung up the phone. How could she lie to her instructor? She called her best friend Katrina.

"Kat," said Janice, "I really wanted to get my new belt, but I'm nervous. You know how embarrassed I get when I mess up in front of other people. What should I do? I could just call the studio and tell them I'm dropping out."

"Calm down, Jan," said Katrina. "You told me your goal was to test for rank and get your new belt before summer ended. I thought that was great. You're about to accomplish your goal, and now you're talking about quitting. Are you serious? You're not a quitter. You can do it. I know no-one will laugh, even if you do mess up a little bit."

"I don't know, Kat. I really am nervous," said Janice. In spite of what Kat said, Janice was still worried. Maybe it would be better to drop martial arts than to be laughed at by the other kids. Janice decided to phone Mr. Adams and tell him.

"I'm sorry Mr. Adams, but I'm quitting martial arts." Janice told him. "I'm sorry to hear that, Janice. You are doing so well. Is their anything I can do to help?" asked Mr. Adams.

Janice paused, not sure whether to tell the truth or not. Finally she said, "Mr. Adams, I just can't go through with it. I've been thinking about it, and I don't think I can take my test in front of all those people. I'm too scared."

"Janice, I can understand your fear of making a mistake in front of your friends. I felt the same way when I tested for my first belt. When I was nervous, I talked about it with my friends. Have you told Katrina you are nervous," "Yes." "What did she say?" "She said I should go ahead with the test. She said the kids wouldn't laugh at me even if I messed up."

"That sounds like good advice. Katrina reminds me of a friend I had when I took my Black Belt test. I was nervous, and my friend encouraged me to go for it. When I finished my test, I felt really good about myself. I had set out to accomplish something, and I did it. I made a commitment, and stuck to it. Learning to keep commitments is an important part of earning your belt. I'm sure you can do it. Will we see you here for testing tomorrow?"

Janice thought hard. Then she said, "I will be ready tomorrow."

Janice practiced in her back yard for two hours that evening before starting her homework. Thank goodness she had a friend like Katrina to encourage her. The next day Janice was still a bit nervous, but she went to class and warmed up with the other students. When it was time for testing, Janice stood on the mat and began her routine.

Throughout the test, she ignored the small voice inside telling her she was making mistakes. At the end, everyone clapped. Mr. Adams handed Janice her new belt and smiled. Janice said, "You were right, Mr. Adams. I feel really good that I went through with it. I said I'd do it, and I kept my promise to myself."

All the students came around and patted Janice on the back. Katrina said, "I'm proud of you, Janice. You overcame your nervousness and stuck with it. Now you can focus on getting ready for your next belt test!" "My next test!" laughed Janice. "Give me a break. I only just finished this one!"

Questions for younger children:
1. How was Janice feeling on Monday, when she first told her mother about the test?
2. What was Janice feeling about the test on Wednesday?
3. Why do you think Janice's feelings changed?
4. How did Katrina help Janice?
5. How did Janice feel when she had passed the test?
6. Have you ever been nervous about doing something you had promised to do?
7. What did you do about it?
8. Would it have been helpful to talk it over with a friend or a teacher?

Questions for older children and adults:
1. What are the biggest obstacles to keeping commitments?
2. Can the risk of failure keep us from even trying something new or taking tests?
3. Have you ever considered not following through on a commitment? Why?
4. What can help us through times when we are considering avoiding our commitments?
5. Have friends ever helped you stay on track and accomplish your goals?
6. What would you say to a friend who was nervous about criticism and considering giving up an important goal?                                   pick another storie