The Commitments

I’ve gotten a lot of observers this last month, planning on joining in January, once December travel obligations subside and the financial strangle of Christmas releases. Lots of excited folks looking to add something substantial to their lives. It’s so much more than a workout.

A commitment beyond yourself is really what it takes to make it to where you want to go. Hordes of well intentioned gym voyagers descend on fitness centers around the country to make January 2nd the busiest day of the year. I’ve worked in gyms at this time and the motivation is at an all time high. Anything is possible on this day. But the commitment to yourself (or your spouse) is far too easily shelfed when the lifestyle shift starts to become inconvenient. A commitment to yourself, generally, has to have some degree of accountability. A price to pay for slacking off.

Which is one of the best things about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. You are held accountable to yourself, your training partners, and your instructor. Blow off practices, and there’s a price to pay on the mat, and with your ego, as that little guy you used to control through strength alone is now tapping you. One of the best incentives to go to class when you don’t want to is the uncertainty of what will be shown that night, and what your partners are learning while you’re staying home. You don’t want them to get too far ahead now, do you?

That’s what I thought. I’ll see you in class tonight!