# Can’t Keep Up? Do this Instead!

- Link: https://brianejohns.com/2015/11/23/blog-cant-keep-up-do-this-instead/
- Published: 2015-11-23T12:36:00-05:00
- Author: Brian Johns

Just focus on your progress.

## That’s it!

Instead of focusing on the fact that you “_can’t keep up with others_,” [you should only focus on your progress](https://brianejohns.com/2020/12/14/blog-forget-about-winning-or-losing/).
If the others have gotten the 12 angles of attack down immediately and you don’t,
DON’T WORRY!  Practice the angles until you get them in proper order and with good
footwork.

**You need only to focus on yourself and nobody else.**

**Don’t dwell on your mistakes. _Just focus on your progress._**

Don’t look at how well someone else is doing in class. Focus on the process, one
step at a time on the way to your goal. Don’t lose sight of the fact that you are
focusing on YOU instead of someone else. It’s okay to compare but don’t let the 
[comparisons discourage you or kill you](https://brianejohns.com//2020/02/10/blog-the-comparison-game/).

If someone else is racing ahead of you through the ranks, that person is the least
of your concerns. Just focus on one step at a time. A good instructor will recognize
your efforts, push you, and reward you for your efforts.

If someone reaches a goal before you do, DON’T WORRY!

Jealousy, anger, and envy will do you no good as this will distract YOU from YOUR
goals.

If you are not able to view this video, click [here](https://youtu.be/HZXIWCZ76Ks).

A philosopher named Epictetus taught that everything apart from one’s will was beyond
one’s control. Central to this philosophy was the belief that the events and behaviours
of others are beyond one’s control and that the only thing under your control was
your response to those events.

In other words, why waste energy on things beyond your control? Focus on the things
under your control, such as your choices and your responses to events. Your progress
should be your primary aim.

## So if you find yourself saying that you can’t keep up with others, remind yourself to focus on your progress rather than somebody else’s.

## Additional Reading

 * [Sparring or Free Play?](https://brianejohns.com/2024/02/21/sparring-or-free-play/)
 * [Fix It Friday: It’s the Stick Buddy!](https://brianejohns.com/2015/07/14/blog-fix-it-friday-its-the-stick-buddy/)
 * [Forget About Winning or Losing](https://brianejohns.com/2020/12/14/blog-forget-about-winning-or-losing/)
 * [Video of the Week 6: Slap Off Structure](https://brianejohns.com/2024/04/01/video-of-the-week-6-slap-off-structure/)
 * [Sputtering to Life](https://brianejohns.com/2021/06/28/blog-sputtering-to-life/)

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