Do Hard Things: How Jiu Jitsu Teaches Us to Embrace Challenges

In life, the path to growth often requires us to do things that are uncomfortable, challenging, and at times, downright hard. But it’s these very moments that shape our character and help mold us into who we are becoming. Nowhere is this more apparent than on the jiu jitsu mats.

When you step onto the mat, you're entering a world where failure isn’t just possible — it's expected. It's in these moments of struggle, when your body aches and your mind starts to falter, that you’re truly tested. It’s in jiu jitsu where you learn that the process of doing hard things is not just about overcoming physical limits but about mental fortitude and discipline.

The Power of Consistency

One of the key lessons we take from jiu jitsu is that growth doesn’t happen overnight. It takes consistent, incremental effort. Whether you're rolling with a higher belt, getting caught in submissions, or feeling like you're not improving fast enough, it's easy to become frustrated. But those moments are not setbacks — they’re the foundation of your growth.

Jiu jitsu teaches us that resilience is built through repetition. It’s about putting in the hours even when the results don’t show up immediately. Every time you get up after being swept, every time you reset after tapping out, you're training your brain to adapt to discomfort, push past resistance, and remain consistent in your pursuit of progress.

My coach once explained it this way: Gradual growth is much like the way snow falls. At first, a single snowflake doesn’t seem to make much of an impact. It’s so small, it’s easy to overlook. But as time passes and more snowflakes accumulate, something remarkable happens. Before you know it, what once seemed like a few insignificant flakes has built up into a blanket of snow that’s two feet deep. Each tiny flake contributes to the larger picture, showing that even the smallest efforts can compound and lead to substantial change over time. The key is in the persistence, in showing up and adding one snowflake at a time, trusting that the result will eventually speak for itself.

The Mental Game

Jiu jitsu isn't just about physicality — it’s a game of strategy and mindset. You might be exhausted, locked in a submission, or stuck in a bad position, but the key to succeeding is to stay calm, think clearly, and stay in the fight. The mental challenge of jiu jitsu is one that mirrors the challenges we face in life. Life is often unpredictable, chaotic, and difficult, much like a tough roll. But when we train our minds, we learn to manage our emotions and our thoughts when faced with adversity.

This doesn't happen on its own, the the brain’s response to stress can be managed through focused breathing, positive reinforcement, and the ability to be mindful in moments of high pressure. This is exactly what we experience when we're rolling — it's a game of calm under pressure, of having the mental clarity to make good decisions in high-stakes situations.

Discipline Over Desire

Let's face it, you don't always want to train. The discipline of showing up consistently, of pushing through tough training sessions, and of keeping your ego in check, is what ultimately leads to growth.

Every time you confront something difficult in jiu jitsu, you're building mental toughness. You’re creating a habit of facing hardship and overcoming it. Over time, that discipline transcends the mats, applying to every aspect of your life. It's not always about immediate success — it’s about building the mindset that allows you to keep going, even when things seem impossible or you just simply don't want to do them.

The Power of Community

Finally, one of the most powerful aspects of jiu jitsu is the community it fosters. The camaraderie on the mats is unmatched. We struggle together, learn together, and grow together. This support network is a vital part of doing hard things, as it reminds us that we’re not alone in our journey.

Jiu jitsu teaches us the value of helping each other, lifting one another up, and pushing each other to be better. The challenges we face on the mat become easier when we’re surrounded by a community of like-minded individuals who share our commitment to do hard things and get better everyday.

Conclusion

At its core, jiu jitsu is about embracing the struggle and using it as a tool for growth. It teaches us that doing hard things is not just about enduring — it’s about thriving and growing through them. It’s about developing the mindset and the discipline to keep going when things get tough, and trusting that each challenge we face makes us stronger and more resilient.

So the next time you're on the mats, remember that every struggle, every difficult roll, is a stepping stone on the path to becoming better. In jiu jitsu, and in life, it’s not about avoiding hard things — it’s about embracing them, growing through them, and coming out the other side stronger.