The Journey to Earning a Purple Belt: Lessons in Resilience
I remember walking into my first Jiu-Jitsu class, standing there as a white belt, and looking at one of the purple belts on the mat with a sense of amazement. They seemed so skilled, so far ahead, that their abilities felt almost untouchable. At the time, I couldn't even comprehend reaching that level myself. That is, until nearly six years later when I earned my own purple belt from our very own Gym Force member, Fresh Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and owner Professor Antwan Fresh.
The journey to that moment was anything but easy. It was filled with ups and downs, moments of frustration, and long periods where progress felt nonexistent. The key was simply showing up, time and time again. Over those years, what had once seemed impossible became inevitable.
This experience taught me something important: every meaningful pursuit in life has its own version of a purple belt. In CrossFit, it might be achieving a sub-four-minute Fran. For a startup entrepreneur, it could be hitting a significant revenue milestone or finally finding the ever elusive product-market fit. Whatever the endeavor, the one thing in common is that once these achievements are attained, what comes with it is a certain amount of credibility, or respect amongst their peers.
It is important to understand that reaching a purple belt takes time, effort, and resilience. Though there are some instances where people achieve 'purple belt' level in competence quickly, this is the exception, not the rule. For most of us, it means showing up when we are tired, pushing through self-doubt, and being patient when results don't come as quickly as we hoped. The grind, along with the people who help you along the way, is what makes the achievement meaningful.
Earning a purple belt in one area of life often opens your eyes to the possibility of doing the same in others. Why stop at just one? You can get your purple belt in Jiu-Jitsu, weightlifting, playing harmonica, landscaping, entrepreneurship, or any skill you choose. The process is always the same: start as a beginner, stay consistent, and trust that the work you put in will eventually pay off.
There is no shortcut to meaningful progress. The only way is through purposeful practice over time. Whatever it is you want to pursue, imagine what a purple belt in that area would look like. Then, get to work. Spend the time. Show up when it's hard. And little by little, you'll get there. Work hard and enjoy the ride.
