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Aug
14
Fearless
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Can you imagine what we could do without fear? Of course we need fear otherwise we’d go around petting grizzly bears and jumping off of mountains. What I’m talking about is irrational fear. I’m talking about the imagined fear we’ve created in or own mind.
I get tired of fear, so I’ve spent the last few years looking at things in terms of real fear and irrational fear. It turns out there’s not that much to be afraid of. I know being fearless maybe impossible, but that’s what I’m working towards.
A huge, black, brown BJJ belt man as less to fear than a skinny white geek (imho).
Great thoughts though, as always.
Can’t wait for your next book.
Regards.
Nice post Mark. I’ve spent so much of my life being controlled by irrational fear. Jiu jitsu really was the catalyst that got me off the couch (literally) and on the mats. I was so afraid to even try it, but I knew if I didn’t I would regret it every single day for the rest of my life. I still struggle with irrational fear, but I’m learning to tell that little voice to be quiet.
Debra, i’ve been a couch sitter for years congratulations on your jiu-jitsu journey. Sometimes that little voice is hard to keep quiet. If you’re ever in Utah you should come train at West Side, the invitation is always open, that goes for you too Zvs.
First, I love your book. Just finished it. Second, I started BJJ in 2003 and have quit restarted, quit restarted…..etc. I have an irrational fear of getting injured on the mat and have stopped training. I fear an injury would keep me from my jobs as a PE teacher, high school football coach and Crossfit trainer. Any suggestions? BTW I’m still a lowly no stripe white belt. 9 year white belt
I teach High school as well (English). I coached football for about ten years as well. What do you tell your kids before they make a tackle? you tell them to drive through the man, right. if they slow down, then they’ll get injured. If they’re worried about getting hurt, then they’ll get hurt.
Go to jiu-jitsu to learn, tap early if you need to, but I wouldn’t stop going. You may get injured, it’s very Possible, but you may get hit by a bus to, and I’m sure that doesn’t stop you from crossing the street. Our imagination likes to scare the shit out of ourselves. I don’t know why, but it does. That reminds me of the Rickson quote: “Fear doesn’t stop death; it stops life.” Go train.
*Sorry if I got a little preachy, I get like that sometimes. ha. Good luck.