Photo by Daria Kochetkova Photography. IG: Tebezvonu.
Every once in a while, during your Jiu Jitsu journey, you’ll encounter negative thoughts… Thoughts, that will make it difficult for you to preserve your level of motivation for training. However, you can overcome these negative moments – and keep your love for BJJ intact.
Here are 7 negative thoughts that every Jiujiteiro has from time to time, and how to overcome them.
NEGATIVE THOUGHT #1: I SHOULD WAIT A BIT BEFORE STARTING BJJ
The first negative thought that a Jiujiteiro encounters happens before he actually starts training BJJ. He thinks to himself: „Hmmm… I would like to begin training, but perhaps I should wait a bit.“ Thinking that he needs to get fit first, lose weight, or just get a bit more self confidence… He delays the beginning of his Jiu Jitsu journey.
The solution? Simple. Stop overthinking and just go for it.
There will never be an optimal moment to start. So you might as well go for it now.
NEGATIVE THOUGHT #2: I WILL NEVER LEARN THIS TECHNIQUE/SETUP
As the months and years pass by, you’ll often find yourself frustrated at your inability to learn/acquire a specific technique or setup. No matter how hard you try, it’ll just seem that you can’t quite get it – which leads to a feeling of inadequacy… Of being too „stupid“ for the given move.
But hold up. Even Hip Escapes seemed complicated once, and you’ve learned them through sheer perseverance. And so will it be with whatever you’re having trouble with right now; if you just keep at it, you’ll figure it out.
NEGATIVE THOUGHT #3: I WILL NEVER BE AS GOOD AS X
It’s good to have role models in life, BJJ included. Sometimes, however, the talent and perfection of their Jiu Jitsu can seem unattainable; which can make you believe that you’ll never be as good as that „person X“.
Well, sure. You truly may never be as good as they are… But you’re not them!
You have your own capabilities, and so your goal in BJJ should be to fulfill your own potential. To become the best that you can be – that’s it!
NEGATIVE THOUGHT #4: THAT BELT WILL NEVER BE MINE
There’s also a pretty high chance that you’ll have second thoughts about your belt promotion; that is, whether or not you’ll ever get it.
But here’s the thing. Think about it or not, if you keep training, you’ll get your next belt. That’s just a fact of life – if you keep training, you’ll improve. And if you improve, you’ll get promoted.
Therefore, no use in thinking about it. Just keep going.
NEGATIVE THOUGHT #5: I WILL NEVER RECOVER FROM THIS INJURY
Some injuries in BJJ are more serious and/or more persistent than others. So, it can be quite easy to fall into despair as you think about your recovery from a really nagging injury… Will you ever be back at 100%??
Yes, you will – if you approach it properly. There’s a ton of advice online about rehab and prehab exercises; do them regularly, and you’ll get back to your usual self (and stronger).
NEGATIVE THOUGHT #6: PERHAPS BJJ ISN’T REALLY FOR ME
As the frustrations from the other negative thoughts pile up, sometimes you may be tempted to think that BJJ isn’t really for you. That you should transition to some other sport or hobby.
Whenever you find yourself engulfed in this thought, just remember this: everyone has felt like this at one point or another. And yet they persevered, finding out not only that BJJ is for them; but also that they’re best for Jiu Jitsu, too.
NEGATIVE THOUGHT #7: MAYBE I SHOULD JUST STAY AT HOME TODAY
And finally, when the day around you gets too rough, you may be tempted to just call it quits and skip training for that day. To just stay at home and „relax“.
No. You won’t feel better if you just stay at home. You need to unwind, to be in a place with happy, positive people, that you’re trying to choke you out.
Whenever your day sucks, go train. It will suck less afterwards.
