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- TFS#65: Mindset Is Not A Switch
During these past few weeks, some people have reached out to me about the topic of “mindset.”
They particularly wanted to know how they can implement a mindset to improve their Jiu-Jitsu skills.
But the reality is, your actions change your mindset, not the other way around.
Your actions solidify how you perceive your environment.
There is no switch to flip
You don’t just "start thinking" a certain way and all of a sudden your actions change.
It does start with mentally recognizing that you want change…
But to make the changes you want to see, it takes small deliberate actions to push you one step closer to your goal.
As you continue to take action and see certain results, you can determine whether or not these are the results you want.
Casting tiny votes
You can think of each action you take like casting a vote.
One action will help you get closer to your goal while another might lead you to taking a step backwards.
And some times you might (accidentally) casting votes that go towards the direction you don't want.
For example, cheat meals turning into cheat days. Or staying out too late with friends and having too many drinks.
But that’s okay, it happens. As long as the majority of your votes continue to push you in the direction you want.
As long as the rest of the days you're sticking to your weight-cutting diet. Or you ensure one of night heavy drinking isn't followed up by a long cardio day.
Just make sure the majority of your votes get casted into the right box.
Time will build your mindset
Only over time will you be able to determine if your actions led you down the right path.
And it’s up to you to decide if what you’ve been doing needs to be replicated, improved, or stopped.
So that’s why you hear it all the time: You can’t substitute experience.
Taking action gives you experience. It gives you the insight for your own body and your own training.
It takes time
Once you start taking the right actions, you have to give yourself time to check in on your progress to make sure you’re headed in the right direction.
For example, if you’re looking to improve your X-Guard, you’re going to have to see how many times you get to the X-Guard position.
If you’re not getting to the position enough, then you can’t even evaluate what you’re doing right or wrong.
And if you’re trying to mentally prepare for your competition, you’re going to have to get used to putting yourself in match ups that make you nervous.
Give yourself time to build.
Build habits that build systems.
For The Dedicated
→ For competitors: I highly recommend this quick read to help you get the most out of your preparation for your upcoming competition.
→ For blue belts: Next time you dream about your purple belt promotion, ask yourself how many of these techniques do you know?
→ For your training: Your best growth comes from your growth state. Learn how to find it here.
→ For blackbelt mindset: If you're stuck in the white belt mindset, you might want to watch this video.