17 Nov Infinite Mindset

In my opinion, there are two separate mindsets to approach any given training session.  One mindset, is: “am I improving?”, and another is: “I am improving, no matter what”.

In version 1, we tend to need to measure ourselves against an easily measurable unit, generally our training partners.  Questions that come out of this mindset are: “am I tapping, or am I being tapped?”, or statements like, “this person or that person shouldn’t be able to beat me.”  This is a mindset wrapped in ego.  We identify with the warrior within by the count of victories and losses.

In version 2, everything is to a degree, a victory. In this mindset, we create a deeper set of parameters to measure ourselves by. We attempt to embody the art by thoughtfully choosing what we measure.  We ask ourselves: “am I using technique?”, “am I calm?”, “am I able to relax?”, “am I improving on my defensive and offensive systems?”, “am I having fun?”, “Is losing a position or to a submission definitively bad?”.

By looking at these two mindsets, we can see that one mindset will allow us to train for a lifetime, by approaching the art more holistically, and probably bringing about much better results.  In the other, we tend to have damaged egos and damaged bodies (ourselves and others) far more often.  The reason for this, is that when we tell ourselves that winning is good and losing is bad, our means of achieving each objective tends to be whatever means available to us in the moment.  Using strength, speed, or physical attributes rather than the smoothest technique that requires minimal effort.

What has been your mindset? Do you agree?  Let me know in class, or through a DM.

Much appreciated.