I started the new year by attempting to compete in my first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournament. Spent the holidays training, keeping a tight schedule, getting proper sleep, and eating clean, and when that day came, I felt ready, not to win or lose but to see if the work since the beginning of this chapter of my life paid off on an opponent who was closer to my size and skill level. Unfortunately, my opponent did not attend. Therefore, another set of matches took place, and while it was not what I expected or prepared for, I was on deck to go out on those mats and see how far I got, which I still did, but with a black belt who stepped in. Given the big gap in skill level, it was more of a friendly roll and making lasting memories for myself, him, my team, and the people attending. Got called a hero that day, which had sat a little funny because from my tired eyes, I’m just a guy living his life in the way I feel is right.
What are the takeaways here?
The reminder that having the ability to “improvise, adapt, and overcome” is a skill that benefits all of us. Nothing in this life will go exactly as you planned it would. Still, prepare and train, but expect surprises.
Expectations more than likely will bring disappointment. It can be challenging to find the right balance of how your expectations should be for this book of life or the individual chapters within. It ultimately comes down to the case because none require the same amount of expectations. Not just that, but also the expectations of the people around you; no one will fully understand who you are and what resides in your head. Nor will you to them. When people give you praise for what they saw, heard, or read. Take it on the chin, and remain humble. Your actions and words leave an impact. To you, it’s the size of a pebble, but to them, it might be the size of a meteorite. Each causes its own ripple effect.
Coming into this year, I wasn’t sure what my goal was for it, but then I realized that it is going to be another year of striving to be the best person I can possibly be because whether we notice or not, we leave lasting impacts on ourselves, our families, our friends, and our communities.
When you are unsure about your life, ask yourself, How do you want your impact on this world to be remembered?
Peyton.
