Episode 92 -- Anna Cononge Life -- I Was Born To Stand Out

This is an episode that is an honor as this young extroverted woman is influencing her circle and beyond by embracing the sport of jujitsu. We go elementary in talking about the sport so we can all learn a bit. Her personality is enthusiastic and she can make a room light up. Meet Anna Cononge who describes herself as an average hard working corporate woman by day and a badass by night. In the work world she said that it’s who you know that gets you in the door, but how you work that keeps you on the job and helps you progress.She works in IT and has worked from home since the pandemic. Jujitsu is her motivation to get her work done. She wants to train every day and her friends are there doing the same grind and that’s how she wants to end her day. She tries to make sure she gets everything done and using that self motivation helps to keep her on task.Anna’s at 10th Planet Atlanta and prefers grappling because she hates getting punched in the face. She got in this sport because wrestling was something she wanted but her mom wouldn’t let her sign up in high school…but she watched in high school and then when her body builder father passed away, she wanted to do something physical that she could dedicate to him. Every time she competes, it is a tribute to her dad.Jujitsu is more than a sport. It is humbling and your ego gets checks immediately. She rolls with guys who are way bigger than she is and that is not always the most popular move when you submit them. You create bonds within your gym and throughout the community. Leadership, responsibility, and mental strength all develop on the mat. As a competitor you grow because there are times it feels like you aren’t improving. It could be easy to quit, but as you keep going you want to be that better person. Leadership skills develop and improve as you’re representing yourself, your team, your coach and your lineage. You have to show good sportsmanship and be a role model for the lower belts. In a fight camp you have to be there. It is balanced.Anna does get intimidated when she’s competing against some of those big names that you’ll hear her say and probably recognize—but it is a real opportunity. Change in the sport creates developing interests and that can give you an aspect to set yourself apart.We get some inside emotions of an event and the mind games that are played on you and those you play yourself. There is travel and expense and gear that all deepen the commitment. Hear as we talk about times that could end her career and she describes some huge life moments. In this episode Anna shares a story of a tremendous win where her performance and technical ability along with her execution came through as well as the fact that she had everyone in her corner. But she walks away with more—it’s about the team—doing what you are trained to do and being a part of something bigger than you as an individual. Have you thought of you diet and how you self care? Athletes tend to pay attention to their body recovery and Anna addresses that for herself. We talk about injuries and how shifting her diet helps. She takes care of her body so that she can function in this sport as long as she can. Her biggest challenge is how she may transition into a role where she can train more and also finding her identity outside of jujutsu. This athlete questions what would life be without the sport and who would she be without it.There is much to gain from this discussion and you’ll be inspired. Tune in!Song “STOMP” used by permission from artist Donica Knight Holdman and Jim Huff.

Music "STOMP" used by permission of artist Donica Knight Holdman and Jim Huff