When people make a commitment to do something, their behavior changes. When they decide not to do something, their behavior changes. We need to be careful of times when we are neither in or out. Times when we are sitting on the fence.

When I say, “be all in or be all out,” I’m not necessarily talking about testing the waters or trying something new. I’m thinking more about a mental commitment to train and engage with what you are already doing.

If you’re doing jiujitsu, be all in with:

• The lesson of the day
• Instructions from your coach
• Structure or lack of structure of the practice session
• The systems being taught
• The big picture of curriculum and coaching

A good example of this is tournament participation. At EDH Jiu Jitsu, where I teach, competition is an available option. As a tournament approaches, students talk about it and practices take on a structure to help prepare competitors that are registered. Some are “all in,” signed up, travel plans booked and ready to go, weeks and months in advance. Others are “all out,” not gonna compete (but there to train with those that are competing, and maybe even thinking about going to watch and support). Some are “sitting on the fence,” not signed up but thinking about it.

There are plenty of reasons to “be on the fence,” but waiting too long to decide is usually more harmful than good. The longer you delay the decision, the longer you delay the opportunity to prepare. And by prepare, I’m talking more about the mental preparation that takes place, when you finally commit to something. You start to think more, reflect on your practices, make adjustments or ask questions. Maybe your intensity increases some. You’re training is focused on using the tools (technique) in your tool box, as opposed to adding new tools to your belt. This doesn’t really happen unless you allow yourself to be “all in.”

There is always going to be obstacles and difficulties that get in the way. Roadblocks in life, ups and downs of training, injuries, but that doesn’t determine if you are “all in or all out.” What you can do physically doesn’t limit your mental capacity to commit to a task. Avoid indecisiveness from hindering your commitment to jiujitsu. Not only if your going to compete but also from everyday practice. Commit to a schedule. A set of classes you are always going to attend and make a mental commitment to your training routine.