BJJ Mental Models Mini Ep. 78: Last Mile Problem
Oct 30, 2025
The latest discussion highlights the concept of the last mile problem, explaining why it becomes tougher to achieve goals as you near the finish line. Factors like complexity can create obstacles due to uniqueness in approaches. Complacency, illustrated through the tortoise and hare fable, shows how easing off can derail progress. The importance of consistency over time is emphasized with real-life examples of persistence leading to breakthroughs. Lastly, they delve into how confidence can sometimes hinder success, making self-sabotage a real concern.
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Last Mile Problem Defined
- The last mile problem is the tendency to fail near the end of a journey when success seemed likely.
- It parallels logistics where final delivery is the hardest and applies to jiu-jitsu and other goals.
Tortoise And Hare Example
- Steve uses the tortoise and the hare fable to illustrate winning then collapsing near the end.
- He frames that collapse in jiu-jitsu as a classic example of the last mile problem.
Complexity Increases Near The Finish
- Complexity makes the final steps hardest because they require bespoke solutions and depart from well-worn paths.
- Elite goals like becoming a world-class competitor push you into unique, unsolved territory.