How grappling taught me to thrive in chaos and stay grounded under stress.
I found myself in the bottom-side control position, also called “100 kgs.” The pressure was massive, but I stayed calm. I embraced Elizabeth George’s words.
“Gentleness is strength under control. It is the ability to stay calm, no matter what happens.”
Calm Under Pressure—A Jiu-Jitsu Lesson That Changed My Life!
It was 8:59 pm, and the last sparring round in that night session came after a long working day. Even though I was truly tired after finishing my shift at work, I didn’t skip the jiu-jitsu training session.
I began this final sparring session by working from the bottom up with my preferred half-guard system. In the beginning, I could use my frames effectively and manage distance properly.
All of a sudden, I made a mistake, allowing my opponent to pass my guard and reach the side control position. I attempted a quick explosive move to regain my guard, but my opponent had already established strong grips.
The weight on my chest felt crushing, and each breath required a deliberate effort. I remained calm, knowing that panic was going to drain my energy.
In jiu-jitsu, as in life, rash decisions under pressure frequently result in larger losses.
Instead, I waited my time, conserving energy for the ideal moment to escape.
At the right moment, I made a quick bridge-shrimp escape to regain my guard. This broke my opponent mentally and helped me regain control toward emerging victorious.
Pressure is more than just something you feel in jiu-jitsu; it is also a test of your character. In this 5-minute fight, I found myself under the crushing weight of 100 kg—and learned a life-changing lesson.
Guess! What can you learn if you train jiu-jitsu several times per week? What could you accomplish by applying the power of staying calm under pressure in your life?
You can improve your work, business, and relationships… The possibilities are endless.
Calm Under Pressure: A Life-Changing Skill!
Applying the power of staying calm under pressure helped me improve the quality of my life. Here’s how this trait changed my life:
1. Better Decision-Making
Staying calm helps me think more clearly in stressful classroom situations, judge events more accurately, and make well-thought-out choices instead of acting on impulse.
A calm mind did not allow circumstances to influence its decision-making.
2. Better Problem-Solving and Focus
When I’m calm, my mind looks fresh and ready to help solve a problem. Whereas, if things are messy, I cannot solve or manage easy tasks.
Indeed, being calm helps me focus on the task at hand by blocking out distractions. This helps me get more done to reach my goals.
Calmness allowed me to have a creative mind which helps me focus and solve problems to reach my goals.
3. Build More Resilience
Being able to keep my cool under pressure makes me emotionally stronger, which helps me get over losses faster and better.
A few days ago, my Amazon KDP self-publishing account was shut down. However, I remained calm to properly process this harsh information and avoid reacting negatively. But this wasn’t the case years ago!
Calmness helps you build resilience to negative events in your life and process them appropriately.
4. Stronger Relationships
Being calm allows me to build relationships and connections all the time. People feel safer and more at ease around me, and they can express themselves and communicate with me without hesitation.
In class, my students freely express themselves to me, sharing their thoughts and experiences. Sometimes, they even tell me their weird life stories outside school, thanks to my calm attitude.
Calmness helps me build trust, respect, and positive relationships in both my personal and professional lives.
5. Less Stress and Anxiety
Learning to be calm helps me handle stress better, which has a positive effect on my health and well-being.
I won’t lie to you; I’ve had stress and anxiety for years. But, thank God, developing good habits like calmness enabled me to become stress-free.
Being calm under pressure helps me improve my mental health.
Building Bridges on the Mats: How Jiu-Jitsu Transformed My Connections!
Jiu-jitsu training helped me unleash the power of remaining calm under pressure.
This not only helps me deal with problems and challenges, but it also allows me to improve my focus and make better decisions to accelerate my progress toward my objectives and personal development!
Your turn: Does calmness make your life any better?
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