Taking private lessons

Chessman wrote a very interesting article on personal transmission in Tai Ji. I've always suspected that some things are better, or sometimes only, taught personally rather than in a group setting. I've heard stories of how other teachers learn and the better ones are those who just practise with their teachers on a daily basis. However, there's a constant internal struggle on whether I should go down this route. The hotly debated points boil down to the following:

1. Am I the worthy student?

I guess this is on top of the list - always doubting myself whether I can actually go to a higher level. I enjoy learning all aspects of Tai Ji. But could I actually be that worthy student? Am I talented enough to go to the higher level? I can't kid myself on this as some talent is required. Could I actually be that person?

2. Is he/she a worthy teacher?

A more difficult question to answer, as you'll never find out until some time down the line when you begin find more questions than can be answered by the teacher.

3. Can I afford the fees?

This could be at the top as well because, if it's free, I would have tried it out for a few sessions to see if I'm getting the real deal! Never mind if I'm the worthy student or if the teacher is good. Plus, like wujimon, I've got a sore spot for martial arts. If it's quality training, I am quite willing to pay. However, I am accountable to more than myself now.

4. Can I afford the time?

I have all the time in the world now and yet I can't justify to myself to spend on a private tutor. When I rejoin the rat race, I have a feeling that time will be a luxury. However, I can afford it then though. ;)

So....

It's difficult to find a balance between these factors. Or maybe I'm just missing something really obvious here, like what do I really want... or how badly do I want it?

Have you debated these in your head before? I think these criteria equally applies to anything that you have thought of learning, be it yoga, salsa, a new language, piano, how to draw, how to write etc. What thought process did you go through? Did it boil down to these 2 questions - what do you really really want & how badly do you want it?