Learning New Sports Is Always Humbling

No matter what new sport you are going to learn, you will always find it stressful in the beginning. Firstly, I think it is being frustrated with your brain and body for not being amazing at it really fast. You have to remember some of the people you are training with are 12+ years into the sport.

In Brazilian Jujitsu, we get a lot of Judo practitioners to show up as there are many similar skills here. We also get epic people from all over the world showing up and training with us, each brings their view, their techniques and their unique way of making you submit to their advanced skills.

“There is no losing in jiu jitsu. You either win or you learn.”

– Carlos Gracie, Sr.

I am currently almost 6 months into BJJ and despite learning many other styles am still frustrated. It is this type of learning curve that can be very humbling no matter what walk of life you come from. It is useful for you to leave your ego at the door, otherwise, you may not submit when being choked or joint locked and get injured, this is crucial to avoid injuries or waking up on the mats after napping from a strangle.

The Frustration Of Being A Beginner Again

There is nothing worse than being a beginner again. You spend the first few months fumbling around, trying to remember all the different techniques and manoeuvres. And even when you think you’ve finally got it down, you get thrown for a loop by someone who knows what they’re doing. It’s enough to make anyone want to give up.

The question to ask yourself: “Am I just anyone?”

But the thing is, giving up isn’t an option. You signed up for this, so now you have to see it through. Besides, there’s something oddly satisfying about finally getting that one move down after weeks of struggling with it. That feeling of accomplishment is worth all the frustration that came before it.

The Benefits Of Learning A New Skill

Even though learning a new skill can be frustrating, it’s also incredibly rewarding. For starters, it gives you a sense of accomplishment that comes from overcoming challenges and mastering something new. It also helps boost your confidence both in and out of the sport as you become more proficient at it. In addition, it gives you a chance to meet new people and make friends who share your passion for the sport. 

Conclusion: While learning a new skill can be tough in the beginning, it’s always worth it in the end. Not only will you feel a sense of accomplishment from mastering something new, but you’ll also boost your confidence and make some great friends along the way. So whatever new skill you’re looking to learn, don’t give up—it’ll be worth it in the end!


Get More Guidance Like This, 100% Ad-Free.

This is a classic blog from my public archive. If you loved it, MONDAY INFLUENCER insiders get new, curated, ad-free classiccs just like this one delivered to their inbox every single week.

When you join, you unlock:

  • 2x New, Ad-Free Classics from the 500+ episode archive every week.
  • All New Episodes (full, uncut, and ad-free).
  • Exclusive Members-Only Workshops and live Q&A sessions.
  • A library of downloadable audios, templates and cheat sheets.
Join MONDAY INFLUENCER for Full Access

Your Edge. Every Thursday.

One email. No noise. Just the moves that keep you ahead of the machine — from ex-IBM Futurist Nat Schooler.