Roman discusses the importance of long-term and short-term goals. I am sure many of you reading this have heard of both these concepts, but I think Roman really touches upon a few subjects involving goal setting that can be easily overlooked or misunderstood.
When I was 18 I hatched a crazy idea. I wanted to fight in the UFC.
While this may be an interesting short (but most likely long term goal), understanding what a desirable goal is and what it actually takes to get there “now” are two different things. The sacrifices of “now” that it will take to get to “then” may not actually be aligned with your true inner goals and path that you may truly want more than what you think you do.
Lots of people, not just Jiu Jitsu or MMA competitors, can find themselves in a loop of constantly aiming to meet others expectations without truly understanding their own wants and needs. This can lead to frustration and unhappiness down the road. This is especially true when it comes to BJJ, where too much pressure and expectation on oneself can often lead to training and the art itself becoming less and less enjoyable. This self-inflicted mental handicap often lends itself to frustration and low self-esteem, which is the opposite of what Jiu Jitsu should be there for in your life.
Motivation and Authenticity in the Selection of Goals
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Motivation, Roman says, is very seldom the reason for failure to reach ones goals. Most people when they make goals are very motivated to meet them. But, without understanding what your true individual values are and how they fit with your personal structure it can be extremely difficult to understanding what goals are tangible in your life and what are not. Many BJJ practitioners have the potential in both physical and mental capacities to become some sort of competitive champion, but only a few have the tangible ability in their lives and values to become one.
Being a champion in life can be very different but equally if not more admirable than being a competitive BJJ champion. You don’t necessarily need to be winning medals every month to garner the respect and admiration of those around you. The want and practice to improve yourself each day on the mat with your peers and teachers is already an amazing positive quality to have. Creating goals in Jiu Jitsu that fits into your immediate lifestyle is more important than creating goals that cannot actually be met financially, physically or emotionally in order to meet expectations for the future.
Actually taking things one day at a time, short-term goal by short-term goal can give you a much better vision for your long-term goal. And who knows, maybe by concentrating on improving yourself today for today may actually be a much more viable way to become a competitive champion in the future due to the positive effects of completing your goals. If that is indeed what truly aligns with your true inner values.
For additional perspective on Goal Setting check out this article!
Food for thought. Thanks Roman!
Brett Robichaud
Science of Skill Writer / Correspondant
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