Why I don't let students say "I suck" in training

One of my favorite chapters inside a book is chapter 2 of Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari.

In this chapter he outlines the basic idea (that flows throughout the whole book) that one of the most powerful things human beings can do is. . .

Tell fictional stories that create an imagined reality we all agree upon.

In times of old these were things like myths, legends and the birthright of kings. Today, these are things such as corporations, the idea of nation states and citizens and even the worth of paper money (or numbers on a screen these days).

All of which was created and exists in our minds via stories we agree on.

Now these stories are in a constant flux, changing as new events happen and new pressures force them to adjust.

But this idea that stories create an imagined reality, which if we agree on it exists a force on reality is a powerful idea for your life on and off the mats.

I know this from personal experience.

When I was younger I used to tell myself stories of who I was that were far smaller than the truth. (This is why I don’t allow students to say “I suck.” It’s a bad story that isn’t true.)

I carried around a certain level of guilt, shame and feelings of being unworthy that weren’t based on reality, but my perception of reality and the stories I told myself.

These days, it’s a completely different situation.

Through the simple process of taking action in certain areas, exercising a little discipline and using things like affirmations the stories that float around in my noggin are much different.

And these stories contribute to all the success I’ve had on and off the mat.

Here’s a few takeaways from the Chewster about stories. . .

Stories are important. Since the stories you tell yourself become a kind of reality, they’re really really important. You should be aware of them and exercise control over them consciously.
Stories are completely changeable. Just like everything in life, change is the constant. They’re not set in stone and you should work to change the stories that have a negative impact on you.
If you want to change the stories. It’s not just something you do with just thoughts. Action is needed. It’s hard to keep up the story if you keep piling up evidence that proves otherwise.

If you’d like to check out the book, below is a link to it on Amazon.

https://amzn.to/3quwfrC

I could go on for a long time talking about this idea. But I think you catch my drift. Just an idea to chew on and I’ll talk to you tomorrow.

-Chewy