The danger of getting "good"

Getting “good” is a fairly subjective feeling. After all, “good” itself is subjective and varies greatly depending on the context. However, when you’re committed to staying a Whitebelt for Life™—staying humble and hungry—one must always watch out for the danger of “getting good”.

Now, at the risk of sounding too mystical, let’s be clear—as you practice and commit yourself to your craft you will improve. That’s the beautiful simplicity behind betterment. However, there’s a gradual inflation of the ego that takes place silently and subconsciously alongside this betterment. It is that slow sense of certainty that you must constantly check. The ego is not a one-time reflection that, once gone, will never reappear. It isn’t a sacrifice that must be made solely upon first entering the temple of perseverance. No, it is a constant struggle. A dichotomy. To strive well, yet embrace humility.

Typically, the ego will rise up as this small, yet brazen feeling of “Oh, no I’m certain this is wrong/right.” It is the quiet certainty of not being a total stranger, yet not nearly comprehending mastery.

As well-known software engineer and writer Erik Dietrich put it: it is the Expert Beginner Dilemma. This is also why blue belt is by far the belt-level with the highest attrition rates. You’ve reached a dangerous position where you know a lot of the magical unknowns. The positions and techniques that were all but mysteries to you mere months earlier. You’ve learned much, battled through injuries, and maybe even tasted a little success. You’re certain that you know what you know. How much more can there really be to learn?

Be wary of certainty when on the path to mastery.

In order to stay humble, committed, and hungry you must learn to be suspicious when your inner man surges with certainty.