Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is often a roller-coaster of progress, plateaus, and breakthroughs. It’s a lengthy commitment, and staying motivated is key. But how?
We have some practical tips down below, but first, a little encouragement and perspective. You need to remember that BJJ mastery isn’t a destination – it’s a journey. You will never arrive, be done, or have learned everything you can. And isn’t that awesome? You can endlessly learn and improve, and the benefits spill over into every other aspect of your life along the way.
The best way to stay motivated then is to keep that perspective. As long as you’re better than you were yesterday, and continue trying, that’s all that matters.
Understanding the Root of Motivation Loss
To better deal with motivation loss, you need to know where it comes from. If you aren’t dealing with one of these yet, don’t worry: you will.
- Burnout: Training too intensely without breaks.
- Plateaus: Feeling stuck at a particular level without noticeable improvement.
- Life Distractions: Personal or professional challenges distracting from training.
Strategies to Stay Motivated
Okay, so now you know where that lack of motivation is coming from, or could come from. What can you do about it?
1. Set Clear Goals
Outline what you want to achieve. Whether it’s mastering a complex submission or just attending three classes a week, having clear objectives gives direction.
2. Celebrate Small Wins
Did you manage to escape a difficult position? Celebrate it! Go to class when you didn’t feel like it? Way to go! Small victories accumulate into significant progress.
3. Cross-Train
Incorporate related martial arts like Judo or wrestling. This not only enhances your skills but also offers a fresh perspective and breaks the monotony.
4. Join Seminars or Take Private Lessons
Seminars, or private lessons can help rekindle the passion, introducing you to new techniques and approaches.
5. Keep a BJJ Journal
Document your training. This helps in tracking progress, reflecting on mistakes, and setting future strategies. Plus, you won’t see how far you’ve come unless you have a way to look back.
6. Find Inspiration
Watch matches, read BJJ biographies, or listen to podcasts. There’s plenty out there to reignite your passion. So if your own inspiration is dwindling, fan the flames!
7. Take Breaks
Sometimes a short hiatus is all you need to come back with renewed energy and focus. The key is to not wait so long that you fall out of the routine and habit, or lose momentum
Tap Into the Power of the BJJ Community
BJJ is renowned for the strength of its community, and that’s a power you can’t afford to miss out on. So engage with your peers. Share your challenges, seek advice, and remember that every practitioner, even black belts, faced motivation dips. They can offer invaluable insights and help keep you on track until you find your groove again.
Need a Supportive BJJ Studio in New Jersey?
Contact us at Hassett’s Jiu-Jitsu. We’re here to help, encourage, train, and guide as you walk this path with us. We’ll be better with you here, too! That’s how a community should work, isn’t it?