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BJJ Athletes: Feel Fear... And Do It Anyway

advice motivation success tips Jul 28, 2023

Your very first tournament is rolling up fast... And you're kind of nervous and afraid because of it.
Or, maybe you're going to your very first training session. And you're not sure how it will go.

Then again, perhaps you're supposed to teach your very first class...
And your palms are sweaty because you want to make sure that you demonstrate and explain the techniques just right.

You're nervous and afraid. And that's alright, because you should feel fear – and do it anyway.

 

FEEL FEAR & DO IT ANYWAY

Fear is a normal emotion and you should listen to what it's got to say.
However, often times it's not supposed to stop you in your tracks, but you should rather leave it aside and do the thing you're afraid to do.

Rickson Gracie summarized it well in his "Breathe: A Life in Flow" book:

Curiosity coupled with courage allows you to go beyond your limits, venture into the unknown, and establish new limits that you never thought were possible.

My curiosity always overpowered my fear, but fear was also a good friend to me.
People who say they are not afraid of anything are either crazy or stupid.

Fear is a normal emotion that protects you, but sometimes you don’t need protection.
There are times when you have to place fear on the shelf and take action without a moment’s hesitation.

 
 
 
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A post shared by Rickson Gracie (@ricksongraciejj)

And it's not just about "doing it". Nor is it about what happens after you do it, either.
But rather, it's much more important about who you'll become.

By venturing into the unknown, by taking that leap of faith – despite being afraid of what might happen at your first tournament, your first class, or your first day as a coach...
You'll strengthen your character. And ultimately, by doing the thing, you'll become more skilled at it and even more successful the very next time.

So, go for it. Feel fear and do it anyway.
Not because of what you might or might not get. But because of who you'll become in the process.

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