I recently expanded the jiu jitsu mats at my private gym because more dudes have been coming to train with us.
But with that growth came a problem.
After two years of BJJ training I’ve realized that the more I know, the more I have to learn.
Jiu Jitsu is like a four dimensional chess game and it takes a lot of humbling on the mats to learn and execute the positions and submissions.
In the beginning I thought I could figure it out quickly since I’m athletics, a fast learner and I’m highly motivated when I commit to something.
But BJJ is different. It’s humbling and rewarding at the same time.
And no matter how good I am at lifting weights and building businesses, this is a whole other animal.
Look, I’m a simple dude who’s worked his ass off to achieve amazing things in life and business.
I’ve built multiple businesses and generated hundreds of millions of dollars.
I’ve spoken on stages around the world with someone of the biggest names.
I’ve coached some highly influential and well-known people.
I’d like to think I can handle myself in most situations pretty well.
But put me on a jiu jitsu mat with a 150-pound black belt? I get folded like a pretzel every single time. And I love every humbling second of it.
I share this with you because nothing kills a beginner’s motivation faster than getting demolished by someone who’s been doing this for years.
Most people avoid situations where they’ll feel like a fraud.
They stick to what they know, what they’re already good at, or what makes them look competent.
But every breakthrough I’ve had in business, fitness, and life has come from deliberately putting myself in situations where I felt completely incompetent… and sometimes even scared.
HERE’S WHAT I’VE LEARNED ABOUT GETTING COMFORTABLE WITH BEING UNCOMFORTABLE:
START UGLY: Your first few attempts at anything will be embarrassing. Do it anyway. I looked like a fish out of water my first few times on the mats.
EMBRACE THE BEGINNER’S MIND: The moment you think you’ve figured it out, you stop learning. I’m 50 years old and getting schooled by 30-somethings. It’s the best education I’ve ever paid for.
SEPARATE EGO FROM GROWTH: Your ego wants you to look good. Your growth requires you to look stupid. Choose growth every time.
FIND YOUR RECOVERY SYSTEM: When you’re constantly pushing your limits, your body needs support. I’ve been using TruLean’s wellness shots to help manage the inflammation and to speed up recovery in between BJJ rolling sessions.
SURROUND YOURSELF WITH KILLERS: Iron sharpens iron. Train with people better than you, even if it means getting humbled regularly.
MEASURE PROGRESS DIFFERENTLY: Instead of comparing yourself to others, compare yourself to who you were yesterday. Last month I couldn’t escape a basic arm bar. Yesterday I lasted 30 seconds longer.
MAKE SPACE FOR OTHERS: Create environments where other people can be beginners too. That’s why I expanded the mats – everyone deserves a place to suck at something new.
Look, I could stay in my lane. Stick to what I’m good at. Keep deadlifting heavy and building businesses.
But the magic happens outside your comfort zone.
Every time I step on that mat, I’m reminded that expertise in one area doesn’t always transfer to another. That being successful doesn’t mean you stop being a student.
That feeling of “being out of place” is usually a sign you’re exactly where you need to be.
The entrepreneurs who dominate the next decade won’t be the ones who played it safe. They’ll be the ones who kept trying new shit, even when they sucked at it.
Especially when they sucked at it.
Because that’s where you discover capabilities you never knew you had.
So find your jiu jitsu. Find that thing that makes you feel like a complete beginner again.
And then show up anyway.
Talk soon,
Bedros Keuilian
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