“If you do something over and over again, you will get better at it. If you repeatedly NOT do something you know you should do, you will get better at NOT doing it.
If you DO the right things, you will get better at doing the right things.”
~ Kamaru Usman (via Joe Rogan podcast)
I love this quote for 2 big reasons
- It’s dead on right
- The source
First and foremost, Usman is dead on right. It’s a sentiment that has been said a million times in a thousand different ways. Though I like the simplicity of this version. I’m not even sure if this is something that he whipped up on spur of the moment – or says often.
I love it though. And it’s something we should all look to put into effect in our lives.
What do you want out of your life? What do you want to accomplish?
What does it take to get there?
Are you doing all of those things?
If not, why not?
What are you getting better at – Doing the things of success? Or getting better at NOT doing thing things?
There is no other option!!!! There isn’t. You are either doing the things you should do, or you are getting better and better at NOT doing them. The more you don’t do it, the more momentum you are building at NOT doing them.
You want to get in better shape?
Are you getting better at going to the gym – or are you getting better at NOT going to the gym? Are you getting better at eating healthy – or are you getting better at eating BAD?
Want to get that promotion?
Are you getting better at doing what you are asked to do? Or are you getting better at finding new ways to make things better – and show leadership?
Are you getting better at learning new things – or are you getting better at not putting in the effort?
Are you getting better at showing appreciation to the people you want in your life? Or are you getting better at taking them for granted?
The application are endless – and they are all correct.
So go get a win today. Make a new habit. It doesn’t have to be a grand change. Set a small goal – and achieve it. The sent another small goal – and achieve it. Then another. Then another. Build the momentum. Build the habit.
The 2nd thing I love is the source. I love hearing wisdom from places that many people would call “unconventional”. We are all used to seeing “inspirational quotes” from authors and philosophers. When you picture the people originating them you get pictures of Hemingway or some nebbish psychologist. This one comes from Kamaru Usman
Kamaru Usman is a Nigerian-born American mixed martial artist who competes in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, where he is the current UFC Welterweight Champion. Usman is also The Ultimate Fighter 21 tournament winner. His parents came from Nigeria to Texas when he was little, with his father spending considerable parts of his childhood in prison.
Usman dedicated himself to wrestling and earning a college scholarship. While at University of Nebraska – Kearney, Kamaru become a Division II National Champion. After which, he took his skills and drive to mixed martial arts. He went on to handily beat one of the most dominant fighting champions ever, and currently serves as UFC welterweight champion. And his drive keeps him at the top of the sport despite having knees that are basically “shot”.
Basically, he has earned respect and millions of $ by getting good at doing the hardest possible things – in one of the toughest sports possible.
