I am 31M and before I began BJJ (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu) – I was a corporate climber, starting my career at 21 with the hustle mentality (6am to 8pm M-F and never switching off during COVID lockdowns).
I had my sights on partnership status before I turned 30 and was happy to ruthlessly knife lesser colleagues in the back if they meant I got the promotion.
I was about 2 steps from partnership when COVID hit.
After COVID lockdowns finished in 2021 – I began training BJJ to face my fear of close contact (and motivated by watching a podcast of Joe Rogan and Jean Jacques Machado)
And holy shit. It has changed my outlook on life.
I don’t hustle anymore. I’ve abandoned my aspirations climb. I really couldn’t care less about the prestige of partnership. I now work a healthy 8:30am – 4pm as a worker bee, counting down the hours till jitz class.
I make decent money that comfortably supports me.
If I have no tasks at work and I’m WFH, I’m gonna head out for the lunch time class.
And as soon as it hits 3:59:59, I’m gone to get ready for class at 5pm. if my boss hints for higher duties work- I’ll decline.
The air smells fresher, my mind is clearer and my priorities have completely changed. I am a much happier person, and I truly believe BJJ this is what it means when people say BJJ changes lives.
If I paid off my mortgage tomorrow and won the lottery, I would just train all day, 5 days a week. I wouldn’t say the same about Muay Thai or boxing (sorry guys).
I hope follow the golden rule of “tap early, tap often” to ensure I can keep training for as long as I can.
Thanks for reading people.
Peace out 🙂