When I walked into a Jiu-Jitsu academy for the first time, I felt scared. The mats were full of experienced practitioners. Some looked like experienced warriors, while others looked like wiry tacticians. They were all moving in a way that I could not understand.
As a beginner, I did not feel like I belonged. I felt like I should stick with people who were on the same level as me so I would not embarrass myself.
Then I saw the words written on the wall: “If you want to be a lion, you must train with lions.”
It stuck with me. The lion does not hunt by himself and he does not avoid challenges. They get stronger by running with pride and competing with people who push them to their limits. I could not stay away from the stronger, more experienced practitioners if I wanted to get better.
Leaving my comfort zone became a habit for me.