This conversation is a regular in my training and I’ve been trying to shut it down…

Everybody these days, “when are you getting your next stripe? When are you getting your blue? You gotta be close!”

I tell everyone, “this doesn’t matter to me,it’s not up to me. Frankly, probably not for another year. What matters is how I feel about MY training on the mat. How my rolls are going. Did I do better than yesterday or is there a new problem that needs my attention. The mats don’t lie. I’d rather be a killer white belt than a shitty blue belt.“

Kinda refreshing when I think about it. Fairly certain my coach is following “Chewy’s” method and just letting me chill at white. (Marinate so to say)

I’d prefer to be a blue that my coach can say, “now, that’s a blue belt!” vs “she’ll grow into it…” IMO

As far as stripes are concerned I didn’t see one till well after my first year. Then bam “they do exist!”

Doesn’t change a thing. Focus on your own improvement, try to shut off comparisons, pick a goal and focus on that goal vs stripes and belts. Find a focus and run with it. It’s a long ride- Have fun!