Chapter 10: Success

Understanding success in Jiu Jitsu and life involves defining what success means personally. Without a concrete definition, it's challenging to feel successful or know the path to take. Success in competition is often equated with winning, but focusing solely on winning can trap competitors in a cycle of not knowing how to change or evolve to achieve success.

Overcoming the fear of failure and self-doubt is crucial. Competitors can usually be divided into two groups: those who fight not to lose, driven by what they don't want to happen, and those who fight to win, confident in their game, strategy, and mindset. The latter group harnesses nervous energy to fuel their performance, while the former may be hindered by their fears.

Belief is essential for competitors. Without it, persistent self-doubt can negatively impact performance. A personal anecdote illustrates the importance of maintaining positive affirmations during competition to prevent self-doubt from influencing the outcome. Competitors must find ways to cultivate self-belief and manage the mental battle that accompanies tournaments.

One approach to fostering self-belief is to adopt a competitive persona, a role played with confidence and assurance. This persona knows victory is certain, creating a narrative where the outcome is predetermined and unaffected by the opponent's actions. This mindset can empower competitors to find solutions and persevere, regardless of the situation during a match.