Overcome Business Challenges with Lessons from Competition
"Had I not learned the lesson from Pans, I’d have likely wilted under the pressure..." Prof. Matt Blasdel has been with Gracie Barra for over 13 years, competing across various levels. He is a firm believer that the lessons we learn from challenging ourselves at a Jiu-Jitsu competition can be applied to other parts of our lives. In this blog he shares with us another story about how he was able to use a lesson learned from competing to deal with another stressful and challenging business situation.
“Having competed at Pans as a white and blue belt with mixed success, I wanted to try my hand as a purple belt … I had a ton of weaknesses, and I knew it, but if I could manage to get my opponent in guard I knew I could create some trouble. Between the weight cut, and having engaged both Flavio and Ricardo Almeida for private lessons, I was as prepared as I could be. What I did not expect was that all the extra preparation actually added to my anxiety before my first fight. It had robbed me of any and all excuses to do anything but win … I was by far the most nervous I’d ever been.
As I stepped on the mat for my first match, I felt a surge of panic unlike anything I’d ever felt despite competing in soccer and track at the highest levels in college. I had never felt my heart beat so hard. I could feel it everywhere in my body, and I was certain my opponent could see it.
After all was said and done, I won the match. After getting guard my nerves settled down and I was able to put my game to work to find a triangle. I didn’t finish, but the advantage was enough to secure the victory.
About a year later, lesson in hand, I found myself in a legal dispute. With so much riding on the outcome, I once again felt the surge of adrenaline through my body. Had I not learned the lesson from Pans, I’d have likely wilted under the pressure. Instead, I stared at my opponent dead in the eyes. They did not return a glance, and I read what I perceived to be shame on their face.
The trial didn’t end favorably… but because I’d been strong enough to perceive weakness in my opponent, I was able to survive this injustice. Had I not, I’d have likely been awash in feelings of helplessness, and at the mercy of chaotic forces. But because I’d used my lesson from Pans to quiet my mind enough to perceive, I was able to feel genuine pity for my competitor.
Despite their victory, I wouldn’t have traded places with them. Shame is an inescapable human emotion. It didn’t happen overnight, but I was able to forgive them, and focus my energy not on justice, but on once again aiming my creativity at abundance. Nine years later, we have new technology with far greater protection and it’s the most exciting part of our business.
It exists as a direct result of applying my lesson from competition.”
Stay tuned for upcoming CompNet Tournaments in your region.
Blog Written by Mark Mullen - Gracie Barra Black Belt