I was inspired to write a mindset email today after seeing some statistics and reflecting on the time of year and the common trend as we all get busy with travel, family plans, and just overall nice weather (nothing like sitting out on a warm afternoon—trust me, I know!).
Between this reflection and the statistics I looked up as they pertain to my Jiu Jitsu journey and the industry averages across all of fitness, I was inspired to share my thoughts and hopefully help some of you out there right now dealing with the challenges of life—and bring you back to home base.
So anyways, without further ado. The topic we’re diving into today is simple:
“JUST. DON’T. QUIT.”
Now let’s dive in!
In my years doing CrossFit, being a coach, being a business owner, and now starting BJJ and soon to have my first child, the difference-maker that I have found in my own journey—and the same difference-maker I will take with me into every endeavor—is simply the mindset of being willing to stay in it longer than anyone else. That alone, without a doubt, will lead to success.
Everything has a period of challenge, especially when you are new at it, and this period tends to move slowly and feel long and drawn out. This is what I refer to as “the suck.” This is when, no matter what you do, you constantly feel like you are making zero progress and will be stuck there for what seems like forever.
The problem with this phase is that even though it feels like there’s no progress because everything is so new, it’s actually there—you’re just blind to it.
Now let’s hit on a few different examples, because I’m sure most of you can relate to this in some way.
In my opinion, the suck can come at two different times. First is when you start something entirely new. New job. New endeavor. New sport. New responsibility. We are entering new territory and we know absolutely nothing, but we’re taking in information from a fire hose and get the feeling of overwhelm. Think: when you started the gym!
The second time we see this—which happens more regularly—is when we experience change in life. This could be the transition from kids being on school vacation to back to school. Summer to winter. Having your first kid. Or starting a new job! These occurrences happen more regularly in life, but tend to be curveballs that derail our routine and interfere with the journey moving forward.
I’m sure all of you have felt this—where something comes up and next thing you know, it’s been 2–3 weeks since you’ve been to the gym, and you feel like you have to restart all over again.
This affects a very large population, and if you feel like this is you, let me tell you: you are not alone.
How do I know this? Statistically, health and fitness facilities experience an industry average churn rate of members of about 9–11%. What does that mean? It means these facilities are losing 9–11% of their members each month, and over the course of the year, cycle through 108–122% of their members.
Simply put: most people don’t stay in a routine for more than a year.
Similarly, about 90% of people that start Jiu Jitsu quit before they reach their next belt—from beginner white belt to blue belt.
I’d be willing to bet that these statistics probably hold true in most other areas of life as well, especially when it comes to new and challenging endeavors that we have to endure—which, ultimately, is where progress and fulfillment actually live.
We are human—we seek comfort naturally!
So how do we beat the statistics?
Just keep going, no matter how fast or slow.
Most people get caught up in a false belief that their journey has to or should go a certain way. Or they believe that if others can do something, they should instantly be able to do it too—and if they can’t, then why even try?
Incorrect.
When you can get out of the mindset of looking at the false finish line, and instead just look at the day in front of you and do what you can that day to keep progress moving forward, you are going to realize so much success over time—and you won’t be part of the statistics.
So who am I talking to when I write this? I’m talking to everyone I have the pleasure of sharing my days with in this gym.
The hardworking busy adults that always seem to get a wrench thrown in their plans.
The parents giving it hell every day, when most days are so chaotic it doesn’t even seem real.
The older folks who feel like it’s too late and they already screwed up.
I’m talking to every single one of you, and I’m here to tell you: if you’ve been led to believe that there was a standard of what this journey was supposed to look like, you’ve been incredibly misled.
The journey is yours and yours alone, and nobody else knows your unique situation.
Ever heard the saying “Everyone has the same 24 hours”?
That statement is bullshit.
We are human—doing so many incredible things. Raising kids. Navigating careers. Genuinely enjoying this life we have, even though we might not see it all the time.
So how do I sum all of this up and bring my point home?
Just don’t quit.
I made a post the other day on the gym’s Instagram about how to be in the top 5% of health and fitness with a few simple tactics.
It’s not challenging. It just involves being committed to the process of striving for better.
Life throws a curveball and you can’t make it to class? Go for a 30-minute walk, or pick a few of your favorite movements and do them for 10 minutes.
Work got busy and you missed a few days? Just get through the door after—and don’t let a few days turn into a few weeks. (This is where I see so many get derailed.) BREAK THE CYCLE! Even if it means coming in for 20 minutes and riding the bike. Just get here.
Eat good, real food. Even when you’re stressed. Even when you’re tight on time. Do your best to make the best choice you can for you.
Take time to breathe. Life’s stresses will be there. Take a minute and breathe.
Life has no mercy when it comes to trying to derail us. It’s just a matter of whether we’re going to accept that or not.
Forward progress is forward progress. Whether you’re going 5 mph or 80 mph, eventually you will arrive.
It simply comes down to your ability to hang in the driver’s seat when you’re only going 5 mph and feel like you should be going 80.
This is what the raw and real journey looks like. Don’t let anyone—or any social media account—tell you differently.
The thing you are all doing is the thing that healthy people do.
The people that want to be there for the best parts of life—today, tomorrow, and for the rest of our lives.
I know this because this gym operates far below the statistics.
Our average member life cycle is 3+ YEARS!
To be a member of CFA is to live above the fold.
It’s to be the example—and the thing that lives on the opposite end of the statistics.
So next time you feel like life just ain’t quitting, take a deep breath—and do the same.
Don’t quit.
Do whatever you need to do to hit the most basic criteria of keeping some form of momentum going.
It’s summertime. Everyone is busier than normal.
If you are feeling this, know these two things:
You are above the fold. You are doing it. You are the example.
And if you need to let it all vent out and get yourself out of the weeds and back in it, please reach out—and let’s grab coffee.
We are in this together. We are changing the narrative together.
We don’t quit.
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