Achieve a State of Flow
Last week we introduced the concept of Flow, discovered by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. He suggested people are happiest and most motivated when the challenge they face is roughly equal to the skill level to overcome that challenge.
For reference, here is the diagram is known for this concept:
Like anything, achieving a state of Flow might not be easy once you’ve gone past the first step of Csikszentmihalyi’s diagram. As an athlete, training plays a significant role when balancing between your skills and the challenges you can take on. As you progress from your first to the 15th tournament, here are some best practices that you should consider doing to achieve a state of Flow and stay within that range:
Don’t Think About Winning.
Remember when you just started taking lessons? At the time, you didn’t think about winning any competitions. You took classes with the sole purpose of learning and having fun. You're more likely to hamper your progress when you start treating even practice sessions like competition because you unwittingly raise your stress levels while in class. But, if you focus on simply learning and enjoying, you won’t get as frustrated. You can achieve more productivity, especially if you’re learning new moves.
Focus on Your Body.
Instead of prioritizing the thought of winning, it’s better to focus on your body. Be mindful of your form and movements. Check whether your weight falls in the right places if your muscles are tensed or relaxed. Additionally, try to be aware of your breathing and how you can control it.
Stay Open-Minded.
BJJ is all about gaining an advantageous position and control over your opponent. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be a “control freak.” Sometimes, the best way to achieve a state of Flow is by being open-minded about how a roll can develop. Whether training or participating in a competition, recognizing when you shouldn’t attempt to control a situation is just as important as doing the opposite. Instead, let the roll develop so you can increase your ability to learn, adapt, and become resourceful with minimal stress.
Don’t Forget To Relax.
This applies to both your mind and body. People tend to focus on worst-case scenarios, keeping you from reacting properly to a situation. Since humans are hotwired for survival, tensing up or panicking can trigger a flight-or-fight response that can hamper your reaction times. Keep your body loose and focus on calming down. While this won’t always result in a win, making a habit of relaxing will eventually help improve your overall game.
Keep Attending Classes.
Again, training has a lot to do with achieving a flow state. This is why you need to keep attending classes. Even the most experienced athletes find themselves going back to basics to stay at peak performance. New students will find this helpful as well. They can better understand how their bodies work with more knowledge and practice. Eventually, the habits they form during practice sessions will make their reactions second nature.
Go With the Flow
Being in a state of Flow won’t just help you enjoy practicing BJJ — it can also help improve your performance during practice sessions and competitions. Balance is vital when staying within the “Flow Channel.” But, most importantly, find joy in learning through your Gracie Barra classes so you can have a great experience during CompNet tournaments.
Find your flow at the next Compnet.
Blog Written by Veronica Street - Gracie Barra Blue Belt