I recently shared my experience of competing in my first jiu-jitsu match just before turning 50, which didn't go as I had hoped. But it was my second match that truly tested my limits. For five intense minutes, I felt like I was in a fight for survival. My opponent consistently countered every move I made, and her coach’s loud instructions seemed to guide her effortlessly against me. No matter how hard I tried to strategize and break free, I couldn’t escape her grip.
By the end of the match, she had outscored me, securing a well-deserved victory. As I walked off the mat, I felt a complicated mix of relief and defeat. My ego took a hit, and my confidence wavered. When I approached my coach to discuss the match, I shared how I struggled to hear his guidance over the booming voice of my opponent’s coach. It was as if that external noise had morphed into my own inner critic, drowning out any supportive advice.
Reflecting on this experience, I realized how often we let our inner critics overshadow the encouraging voices of mentors and coaches when facing new challenges—whether in our careers, new roles, or strategies that don’t go as planned. How many times do we walk away from situations feeling defeated, questioning our abilities and choices?
I encourage you to challenge those negative voices, both external and internal. Trust in the guidance of your mentors and coaches and believe in your own potential. Shift your perspective and recognize what you’re truly capable of achieving. Remember, you have the strength within you to pursue your dreams and turn them into reality.
If you’re feeling stuck or need a fresh perspective on overcoming obstacles, I’m here to help you tap into your untapped potential. Let’s start a conversation about how we can move forward together. Your journey is worth it!