BJJ Norcal

Photo Credit: Edd.ie

I was reading a cool little book called theWARofART.  It has a single theme built on the concept of countering resistance.  The idea is that doing creative things is a constant battle against resistance.  If you have ever found an excuse to avoid what you know you have to do, you have lost the battle to resistance.

What I found very interesting in the book, was this notion that people who are great at their art have found a separation between who they are and the work they do.  The author highlights the importance of objective detachment in your art.  In truth, if you are attached too closely to any performance then it hampers your progress and ability to excel.

Of course, I see everything through the eyes of jiu-jitsu and this idea resonated for me.  I have had days where I get beat soundly on the mat - days when nothing seems to work.  I have also had days where I could do no wrong. The only truth is that this will continue and we need to steel ourselves in anticipation of highs and lows now.  The journey is long for anything of value.  Patience is a requirement. 

The work you do is not you.  All you can do is show up again and again, improving as you go.  Testing yourself against everyone - not hiding in the shadows of people you can "beat".  You are not your game today or tomorrow.  You are you.  Your game is your game.  Your job is to give into the process of lifelong study and committment to excellence.  To devote yourself fully to always learning, adding, refining, playing and growing.  Nothing more, nothing less.

"Madonna does not identify with Madonna.  Madonna employs Madonna." - Steven Pressfield