On Mission

The road from white belt to black belt - particularly in the art of BJJ - can be a frustrating and sometimes confusing one. There are just so many variables, that this in itself can lead to confusion. At times like that, when we become confused or frustrated, it is often a good strategy to pick one idea/position.technique - make it your 'mission' and then every time you hit the mat, focus the larger part of your attention on making it happen (or perhaps making a part of it happen). That's another thing that is often misunderstood - we don't need to make the whole 'technique' happen, we might just start with the first part of it - perhaps a 'grip' or something; we just need to have a clear goal in mind and start taking steps toward achieving it. Rock-climbers, attack difficult climbs like this - they abseil down from the top of the climb and work away at te difficult part of the climb - (siege tactics) - until the master it. Only then do they go to the bottom of the climb, and do the whole thing. So - feeling frustrated? - then pick something, a sweep, a position, a submission - or maybe even just a grip - and make it your mission.
BTW: same thing goes for everything else outside of the mat - feeling frustrated with your fitness, health, finances - choose one thing to improve, and make it your mission.
Best wishes
JBW