“In wine, there is truth.” ― Pliny the Elder

High quality wine comes from grapes that experience tough conditions.

The same is true in life.

I was a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for over 6 years.

It was HUMBLING.

I got my ass KICKED more times than I would like to admit.

That experience was a GIFT.  I am a better person because of it.

The LESSONS I learned brought my life to another level.

Here are the 10.5 lessons that EXPERIENCE taught me:

• 1) Make steady PROGRESS each day.
• 2) Take calculated RISKS.
• 3) ADVERSITY is a gift.  Your job is to uncover the learning.
• 4) Expect & embrace CHANGE.
• 5) Be HUMBLE. A BIG EGO will get your hurt.
• 6) Keep your BODY & MIND FLEXIBLE. 
• 7) Everyone does something BETTER than you.
• 8) Learn to get COMFORTABLE in UNCOMFORTABLE situations.
• 9)  The QUALITY of your THOUGHTS affects the quality of your LIFE.
• 10) Don’t fear the valley.  Walk through the valley.
• 10.5) Your biggest COMPETITION is against yourself.

– Joe Ciccarone

“Walk Through the Valley”