Frustration, resistance, and tears – these are some unfortunately common realities on the startup journey.
Do you have great intentions but sometimes lack the motivation to get started? Do you feel a bit scared at times?
Then you’re likely to relate to my latest startup confession…
For three years I’ve been training with Amanda Kelly at KO Gym in Bethnal Green.
Amanda is a two-time world Muay Thai champion fighter who has recently crossed over into the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), a multidisciplinary fighting form.
MMA is a great physical and mental challenge. Although I love our sessions and know that the payoff is worth the effort, some days I’ll drag my feet the entire way to the gym. Some days I’m tired and a bit demotivated. Some days I won’t meet my own expectations. And some days I’ll feel really frustrated at far I push myself without any noticeable improvements in time, speed, or agility.
Sounds a bit like business, huh?
There’s a lot more in common than you might think. Here are four things that MMA has taught me about business.
1. mindfulness
Does focusing on an end goal start to feel a bit scary sometimes? Do you wonder how you’re ever going to get there? Does the uncertainty of what’s next stop you from taking the first step?
Three times a week, I know that I’m walking into a tough 90 minute workout. That might include jumping on top of a 2 foot box 50 times in a row, doing a grueling 10 minute circuit 3 times, or running back and forth 250 times with strength exercises along the way.
If I start each session fearing all of the things that are about to come, not only would I only be focused on the banana at the end but I’d also be miserable the entire time!
Instead I choose to focus on the moment.
I become grateful for the strength in my legs and arms that hold me up, the breath of air that restores my oxygen levels, or that 1 minute rest between circuits. I acknowledge how my body is feeling at that time. I make adjustments when something hurts.
But I don’t give up.
When we’re too blinkered on how far we have left to go, we can lose site of any accomplishments along the way. Take a moment and appreciate what’s in front of you at this very second. The one client, the one contract, the one ‘thank you’.
2. it’s tough
Running a business is tough and not everyone is cut out for it.
There are going to be really extreme lows. You won’t often hear about them because it’s embarrassing to tell others when it’s not going so well. So you’ll start to think you’re alone. You’ll feel like you’re the only one finding it tough. You’ll feel like a failure.
But here’s the truth…you’re not. It’s really fucking hard sometimes and I won’t pretend that it’s not.
Just like there are days when I don’t want to drag myself to the gym because I know it’s going to be hard, there are going to be days that you want to close up shop and stay in bed because it hurts when people aren’t taking an interest in your business.
On these days, remind yourself of your motivation for being in business and the outcome you’re hoping to achieve. Recognise how far you’ve come already. Know that the feeling will pass and tomorrow is a new day.
3. surround yourself with a strong team
Who can you talk to about the challenges that you’ve had today? Who can you moan to when it’s moving slower than you’d like it to be? Who can you celebrate with when someone says yes?
Amanda would tell you that it’s not just about the work that she puts in but it’s about the team she has around her. She’s had over 30 fights with the KO team – a team who support her through all aspects of her training regime and provide that much-needed encouragement when things are tough. She couldn’t do it on her own, no matter how great of a fighter she is.
It’s the same in business.
You need a support network around you to both challenge and encourage you.
4. sometimes you’ll get punched in the face
You can spend months planning and preparing yourself for what’s ahead, but sometimes things still won’t go as you expect them to. Sometimes people won’t respond to your calls or emails. Sometimes people will say no. Sometimes the turnout to your event will be poor.
On Friday, Amanda was trying to trip me up during a drill and I was so frustrated with her. Why couldn’t she go easy on me? And then I thought of the alternative. If she did go easy on me, how would I learn? How would I improve my block? How could I avoid being punched in the face next time?
Recall a recent setback in your business. How can you grow and become stronger from it?
over to you
What’s one way that you can become more mindful in your business? Share with us in the comments below.
Brilliant analogy! I couldn’t agree with you more. MMA pushes you to become an “all rounder” and you can’t slack off in one area without having consequences. Loved your tips and how you drew key business lessons from getting punched in the face. Thank you for yet another amazing Startup Confession!
Yes!! MMA definitely pushes you to be an “all rounder”, which is so similar to what happens to us in business.
We need to get to grips with so many disciplines, especially when starting up and doing things on our own. We can’t neglect strategy or marketing or finances or tech or project management or admin or….
…the list is ENDLESS!
Let’s hope there are no more punches to the face for awhile 🙂
Love it!
What’s actually (kind of) reassuring is that a business startup is actually far less difficult than the pursuit of martial arts. MA (or MMA) is a great distraction and allows clarity of thought as you need to submerge your whole self in to the moment / situation at hand and there’s no room for distractions of insignificant things like how your business is going!
Well that’s what I tell myself anyway…
What’s true for both is; you get out what you put in, I can’t think of a better way to ‘escape’ mentally than martial arts.
Such a great insight, Rich. In never thought of it as an escape before, but it definitely can be! During a session, the only thing you can focus on is what is immediately in front of you – the bag, the punch, the drill, the clock.
Yet, in business it’s so easy to lose that sharp focus. We have good intentions of getting certain things accomplishment but can get distracted with ideas (or emails or Twitter or….the list continues!).
Sometimes when a task is daunting, I break it down into smaller pieces. For example, if I know I have to follow up with 15 different people I’ll set a small task of speaking to just 3 people per day. Or if I know I have to write an article, I’ll give myself 20 minutes of writing time and then put it to the side for a bit. Tackling it in short bursts helps me to stay focused and keep those distractions at bay.
Thanks for coming over and sharing your thoughts!
Great analogy with the workout and identified with so much of this that I felt comfort in reading it ,.. So thank you for that. Interesting that my business has picked up since I started nourishing and exercising my body more mindfully 😉
Hey Lisa. Isn’t it funny how that happens? It’s so important to look after ourselves properly – through exercise, relaxation, healthy diets and SLEEP! No matter how many other things are going on for me, I try to keep my exercise regime fairly consistent. I feel so much better when I’m able to get those endorphins up.
Great analogy. Especially the part about getting punched in the face.
Whatever doesn’t kill you, only makes you stronger!
Frustration, resistance, and tears ! Thats totally true! but in Startup a company and also in life you have to be strong and continue working hard 😉
I ABSOLUTELY agree!
You say “somestimes you get punched in the face”. Even the greatest fighters got punched often and hard. As Ali said, pain is fleeting but glory lasts forever.
I confirm from my own experience!
Martial art training can help you being realistic and increase concentration.
Stress relief and health benefits are important benefits for business people as well.
If you want to check even more benefits of martial arts have a look here: http://www.fullcontactway.com/benefits-of-martial-arts/
Cheers
Jason
Great article.
I have been practicing MMA for the last 10 years. I love” sometimes you’ll get punched in the face” portion very much. Keep your blog updated.
MMA is so much like business. My biggest takeaway is that in mma you learn that you’re gonna lose. You’re gonna have to work to improve your skills to get better but everything like business has its ups and downs and you just have to keep training.
Love this analogy!