In a Slump...

Anyone else feel like they peaked out and now in a slump? How do you over come this?

This will happen a lot in your Jiu Jitsu career. It's time to try something new. Have a break, get the bug back. Work on a position you really suck at, and make it better! Don't give up, no matter what, these are the times you are truly tested, and I've seen a lot of people give the sport up.

"The man who never falls down never stands up" Fedor Emelianenko after his first loss in 30 fights.

For me, what's worse than a slump is usually the serious tone that overtakes every training session from being in a slump. I usually remind myself that I do this because it is literally fun and to loosen up and go for something moronically nutty and low percentage (for me), like a flying scissor sweep or something. Or like a shoulder roll into a single leg. Something goofy and out of my element just to mentally break any expectation of "winning" or "losing". Basically getting back down to the process of it all and why I do it.

well played AJ, i like it

Ryan, I suggest that you work your top game only for the next month. Your mission - should you choose to accept it - is to pass, smash and choke everyone.

I posted this for our students a while ago "Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key
to success. If you love what you are doing then you are successful." -Albert Schweitzer

TEN SECRETS TO SUCCESS

1. Decide that you have the ability to create any results you desire. Without this core belief, you will never achieve the level of success you are truly capable of.

2. The past does not equal the future! If you've tried and not succeeded in the past, great! You now have more experience and are closer to your next victory.

3. Know what you want and why you want it. Get clear and focus on your vision. The what is where your going. The why is the emotional fuel that's going to get you there. Clear eyes and a full heart will never loose. Your vision must be both clear and compelling. What would you do if you knew you could not fail? Write it down! Read it daily!

4. Design a MAP to achieve your goals. MAP = Massive, Action, Plan. Be creative, curious and excited. What if I........? What do I need to do to get the results I want? Little action = little results. Massive action = massive results. Again, write it down.

5. Take action. Action = power. Action turns dreams into reality. Use the carrot and the stick to motivate you. What will I gain if I...? What will I loose if I don't...? Start to build momentum but whatever you do start now.

6. Remain flexible in your approach. Focus on your goal not the plan. Notice if it's working, if not change. Don't get caught in "we're going in the wrong direction but we're making really good time."

7. Persistence is the key. Stay commited and follow through. Focus on your "Why" when things get tough. Keep raising your standards. A little success can sometimes kill your drive as easily as a little failure. Go for the whole pie not just a piece. Be all you can be.

8. Reward yourself frequently. Don't wait until you've earned 10 billion dollars and are king of the Earth to celebrate. Take joy in the little victories along the way. It will keep you fired up.

9. Take responsibility. Your thoughts decisions and actions have created the life you have today. If your not happy with it there's good news, you have the power to change it. ( see #1 ) That's why you don't blame others for where you are. As soon as you do you give away that power.

10. Live with an attitude of gratitude. Life is supposed to be fun so give yourself permission to enjoy the journey. Take care of yourself and others. Live, Love, Learn, and Leave a legacy. But above all else, be greatful for today and the limitless potential it holds for you.

Listen man, there is no set plan to get yourself out of a slump. I've played sports for about 20 years now (started when I was 4), and the only answer there is is tokeep playing, and try not to get discouraged. Of course, filming yourself and studying where you are doing well and where you are doing poorly (using objective analysis) helps A LOT.

learn your favorite moves on your weak side. that's what i am working on right now.

Don't forget the diet. Poor management on food consumption affects all areas of your game. Get organized, eat clean (nothing refined or processed), eat often, and add a couple of TBSP of flax oil to your day.