I recently won third place in the European Jiu-Jitsu Championship, and many people have asked me: “How do you manage to balance sports and work?”.
This is a question that always comes up, especially because the routine of a CEO is intense and demands dedication. However, this medal does not represent just a sporting achievement.
It represents the way I approach Jiu-Jitsu, which for me is more than a sport; it is a philosophy of life that is directly reflected in the way I face professional challenges.
The mat as a mirror of professional life
When I am on the mat, I am in an environment where I am constantly tested. There, there is no room for distractions, only focus on the present moment and the willingness to test myself against stronger opponents.
This process of facing someone who often seems invincible helps me to better understand the challenges I face in the business world.
On the mat, just like at work, there are more experienced opponents, with skills that, at first glance, seem unattainable.
This experience made me realize that victory is not just about defeating the opponent, but about facing the fear of making mistakes. When I’m in a fight, I need to make quick decisions and accept that mistakes are part of the learning process.
In the workplace, the scenario is similar. Many times, we are faced with challenges that seem bigger than us, but we need to go for it, without fear of making mistakes, and learn from each situation.
Constant overcoming and pressure management
Jiu-Jitsu taught me to deal with pressure in a very practical way. During a fight, there is an intense emotional and physical burden. I feel the weight of responsibility, the expectation and, of course, the fear of failure.
However, this pressure is what drives me to move forward and seek solutions, whether it’s a submission or a new approach at work. Constant overcoming on and off the mat strengthens me.
In my professional life, this pressure manifests itself in different ways: deadlines, goals, difficult decisions. However, just like in sports, it is possible to train the mind to face these moments with calm and rationality.
Sport taught me to find emotional balance even in adverse situations, which is essential for making strategic decisions at work.
Lessons in persistence and adaptation
In Jiu-Jitsu, there is no single formula for winning. Every fight is different, and adaptation is the key to success. At work, this same lesson applies. Every project, client or challenge requires a unique approach.
I learned to be flexible, to find creative solutions and to understand that I will not always have total control of the situation. The important thing is to be willing to adapt the strategy according to the scenario.
The third place medal at the European championship was a recognition of hard work and persistence, but also a reminder that the journey is continuous.
Just like on the mat, in the professional environment, success is built on the ability to adapt, learn from mistakes and keep moving forward, even in the face of obstacles.
Balancing work and passion
People often see sports as a distraction or something separate from professional life, but for me, Jiu-Jitsu is a pillar that keeps me balanced. Sports teach me discipline, focus and resilience, skills that I apply daily at work.
In addition, it works as an escape valve, allowing me to release accumulated stress and return to work with more clarity and energy.
That’s why, instead of seeing sports as an additional challenge to balance with work, I see Jiu-Jitsu as a tool that helps me be better in both areas.
Every time I face an opponent on the mat, I am, in a way, training for the challenges I will face at the office the next day.
