Unfortunately, I am still just reacting. But I hope in time I will learn to be more proactive, and setting myself up for success.

For me it's always working on my weaknesses. Bottom half, bottom side, bottom mount. Keep working on it until it doesn't suck anymore, and i call it home.

Sometimes the weakness is a person. If I want to work on my posture, go against Mike, because I don't posture up, I get choked.

Being on Pete's bottom side sucks. Go with him and work on it until it doesn't suck.

Wanna have a strong wrist, go with Russ and try not to get wristlocked. 

Hate bottom mount, go with Mark, and work on it.

My eyes are closed most of the time. It removes the distractions of having to grab anything you see. Instead you feel the momentum of your partner, the weight shift, etc. It is extremely beneficial to me.

i would say smothering then go for the ezekiel.

Same as others have explained, trying to find the time to recommit to 2-3x a week. is my goal for 2025

My biggest "aha" moment was understanding the advantages you gain by controlling major joints, then minor joints. 

Want to pass guard, i need the hips pinned down.

Side control, pin the shoulder down to flatten the opponent. Control the neck.

I'm ready

For me it has been self care. I weighted 387lbs when I started and jiu-jitsu exposed so many unhealthy things about the way I was living. I had no mobility, knees hurt, etc. I have since lost a lot weight (40lbs), although I am not moving like some of the guys, I was able to see some results right away, and how I was moving on the mat.

Now I am making a concerted effort to really fix my life off the mats, so I can be healthy enough to get back on the mats

For me the biggest thing I figured out is awareness. I have rolled many times and got submitted many times and didn't know how it happened. Over time I learned to see the submission before it happened, the moment I made a mistake. Of course I am far from having good awareness, but it is comforting to know that I can now potentially make less mistakes since I can see what could happen.

For me it has been "winning by inches" mindset. Just like passing someone's guard, getting to side control, mount,  submit, there are many steps to take to reach my destination. I have learned to acknowledge and celebrate my milestones as I pursue my goals.