Difficult times? Remember that old saying, “a smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.”

This is definitely a time to work on improving yourself.

A huge amount of people must be at home thinking they are on vacation from their daily tasks, doing nothing productive. Others will become depressed without social interaction, and some will come out of this crisis better than they were before.

Which group will you be in?

The first important thing to do is establish a routine and make a real commitment to sticking to it.

Wake up early.

Do some exercise! Not sure how? We are posting free training sessions everyday available via Instagram at @alliancesp with my fitness coach Felipe Mariano.

Study. Read for at least an hour a day.

Here are some suggestions if you’re not sure what to read:

The obstacle is the way – Ryan Holiday

Find your why – Simon Sinek

The Black Swan Logic – Nassim Taleb

Take another hour to watch some instructional videos — it could be a series, a documentary, or a Podcast …

Turn off the television and social media or at least set maximum screen time for them.

How about learning something new? I’m going to start cooking! There are a lot of online courses so choose one!

If you are already at home you don’t need to read or watch news about the coronavirus, you are already doing your part. Focus on yourself.

If you’re not staying at home, I suggest you rethink your attitudes and cultivate some empathy. There are many people in risk groups who will suffer severely if we do not contain this pandemic. If empathy is not your strong point, or if you are convinced that this problem is not as serious as it’s portrayed to be, do it for yourself and the economy. The sooner we get out of this the sooner we can get back to our normal activities.

Our businesses are all at risk and we need to pay attention.

There is a very real chance that after this crisis things will be quite different, and the possibility that some small businesses will not survive this moment, so helping each other is critical at this point.

I’m doing everything in my power to help our community.

We are promoting online classes through Instagram with our teachers around the world, twice a day in Brazil, and twice a day in the USA — classes are open to everyone and you can find out the schedule through the Association Instagram @alliancejjassociation.

We will relaunch “LIVE OFF JIU JITSU” starting on Monday at cost price, So that all academies can understand how to manage their business and prevent these unforeseen events. (I recommend reading, “The logic of the Black Swan”).

Our online methodology course will also be available with a large discount.

I believe we can come out of this situation much better if we focus on improving all the aspects we can. Remember that in crises there are always great opportunities, so be prepared.

Don’t be remorseful, don’t be sad, don’t be demotivated, don’t feel like the victim!

The situation is the same for everyone and the strongest will come out better — be one of them!

If I can help you in any way or if you have any ideas that I can help with, please let me know.

I am convinced that our Jiu Jitsu communities will come out of this together, more united, and more willing to show our value to society.

Strong hug

Fabio Gurgel