Never Turn Your Back

On your opponent or yourself. Three things happened to today.

One, I had a good, hard workout this morning, and as much as I hated it I wouldn't let myself quit. (Angie from crossfit.com 39:35 as rx'd)

Two, I went back to training BJJ after 5-6 weeks of not training. We worked on a drill that wouldn't let us take our eyes off of our opponent.

Third, I read an article in the Performance Menu titled, Mind Freak, and I couldn't agree with it more.

So what's the big deal? It should sound like a typical day in the neighborhood for me.

All three things happened in the order listed. Prior to my workout I was curious as to how many sets up of pull ups I would break my 100 reps into. I never once had any doubt about doing the 100 pull ups, I just wondered how'd I get there.

During jiu-jitsu I was told to not take my eyes off my opponent, never give up your back, always be able to see your opponent.

So far both have me staring my opponent in the face, whether it's the 100 pull ups or a real live person. I wasn't going anywhere.

I literally just read the article in the Performance Menu. The entire time I thought about my training. I thought about the lifts I struggled with or never got. I thought about the movements I couldn't pick up or the ones that seemed damn near impossible. I thought about some of the distractions I've encountered during tournaments.

I thought about how all those things weren't going to be an issue any more.

Even though I coach it myself every single day, to visualize the movement, to visualize the lift, the jump, everything, I have needed to be reminded of that simple task just recently. If there is any doubt, if you cloud your mind with other thoughts, if you don't keep your eyes on your opponent, you will have trouble succeeding.

Although I know all the things I'm writing, the three events of today have become a circular pattern and constant reminder, that I am only as good as I make myself.