The Universal Strategies for Winning

A few days ago, after an intense Jiu Jitsu class, my professor gathered the entire class around for a quick post-class speech or sermon of sorts. 

We lined up in a descending, belt-ranking, order.

Half of us were bent-over gasping for breath as we tried to stand tall to listen with respect. 

As the adrenaline and sweat started to dissipate and our posture became attentive, our professor started talking.

——

This is a ritual at our academy (and many other academies around the world).

The topics discussed are usually about something that is relevant to what we are focusing on or, even more so, the mistakes that we are making as a collective group. 

It’s quick; 2-3 minutes at most.

It’s really just a nice way to send us off with some food for thought. 

However, it is a great way to reflect on our jiu jitsu and even provide new insights and perspectives on why we are here, what we are doing, and how we can get better. 

This wrap-up is certainly one of my favorite parts of the ‘martial art’ and not something you really see in other non-professional adult-based activities. 

It would be a helpful exercise to do with any other form of deep learning or mastery. 

——

As my professor gathered the attention of the students, he began by explaining that there are three distinct ways to win in jiu jitsu. 

You can either beat your opponent [physically], [technically,] or you can beat your opponent [mentally]. 

He expanded on these three categories and elaborated on the nuances and caveats, providing examples from his own fighting career. 

As he spoke, it became clear that these fundamental principles were not just about winning in BJJ.

His words resonated deeply with me, revealing a simple truth that transcended the mats and applied profoundly to life itself.

To win you need to either outwork, outwit, or outlast your opponent.

1. Outwork (physically)

This method relies on physical dominance.

By applying relentless pressure, moving with speed, utilizing superior strength, or making the match uncomfortable for your opponent, you can force them into submission. This approach is about using your physical attributes to overwhelm and outpace your rival. 

Outworking is about effort. 

You don’t necessarily have control over your body’s natural attributes, but you do have control over the effort you put into developing them. 

If you love playing basketball, you don’t get to choose your height. But you do get to choose how many free throws you take per day. 

If you’re in sales, you don’t get to choose how charismatic you are, but you do get to choose how many cold calls you make a day. 

If you are in college, you don’t get to choose how naturally intelligent or gifted you are, but you get to choose how much time you put into studying.  

Outworking means putting in the effort to develop your skills and attributes. 

Whether it's in your career, education, or personal development, hard work is non-negotiable. 

2. Outwit (technically)

Winning through technique involves precision, finesse, and strategic thinking.

It's about knowing the right moves and counters, setting traps, and capitalizing on your opponent's mistakes. Mastery of technique allows you to efficiently use leverage and positioning to control and submit your opponent.

Technique is developed through experience. 

Outwitting in life involves using your intellect and strategic thinking to navigate challenges. 

This could mean finding innovative solutions to problems, thinking several steps ahead, or learning from past experiences to avoid future mistakes. 

True wit is formed by doing, not by luck. 

You don’t develop a strategy on how to solve problems, without ever encountering those problems yourself. You don’t develop a skill without practicing the said application.

Just as technique and strategy are crucial in Jiu Jitsu, being savvy and resourceful in life can give you an edge over others.

It's about working smarter, not just harder, and making the most of your abilities and opportunities.

3. Outlast (mentally)

The mental game is crucial. Outlasting your opponent means maintaining composure, resilience, and mental toughness.

By not giving up and staying focused, you can wear down your opponent's will and stamina. Mental endurance ensures that you can capitalize on their fatigue or frustration. 

Outlasting is about not quitting. 

Life is full of setbacks, disappointments, and challenges that test our resolve. 

Those who can endure tough times without losing their focus or hope often come out stronger and more successful.

In Jiu Jitsu, the ability to remain calm and composed under pressure translates to greater endurance. 

Nobody gets far with a weak mentality. 

A quitters mindset is for losers, if you want to win, outlast them. 

These principles encourage a balanced approach where effort, intelligence, and resilience work together to create a path to success. You don’t need all three to win, but you do need at least one of them. 

Whether you outwork, outwit, or outlast your opponent, each path to win is a testament to the multifaceted nature of this martial art; and even more so, they are universal strategies for winning. 

Own the Process, 

Tim 

Author of Mastery Monday

Student & Founder