The Week Everything Clicked

Some weeks remind you exactly why you chose the path you are on.

This was one of those weeks for me. And let me tell you… it’s been a while since I’ve had one of these weeks.

I spent part of the week in Las Vegas teaching and collaborating at the UFC Smith and Nephew course, surrounded by surgeons and physical therapists who care deeply about precision, outcomes, and getting better for the athletes we serve. Then, I flew in early so I could drive to Portland and coach at ADCC. I paced the sidelines (getting my steps in), adjusted strategy in real time, and watched my friends and students step onto the mats.

Orthopaedics and jiu jitsu interwoven. It is why I created Doctor Jiu Jitsu. To educate and spread more knowledge of combat sports and injury.

I felt completely in flow.

It is hard to explain that state unless you have felt it. There were moments on the stage and matside where nothing else existed. No external stress. No background noise. Just presence and the quiet confidence that comes from being exactly where you are supposed to be.

The Power of Collaboration

The UFC course was energizing in a way that is difficult to put into words. There is something powerful about being in a room full of high-level surgeons, many of whom are also jiu jitsu black belts, constantly refining their craft. We debated techniques, discussed outcomes, shared experiences, and learned from each other.

Sports medicine at that level is not about ego. It is about collaboration. It is about understanding that the fighter’s ability to perform is influenced by an entire ecosystem of people who care deeply about doing their jobs well.

Being part of that collaboration reminded me why I went into orthopaedics in the first place. We are not just repairing tissue. We are helping athletes return to the thing that makes them feel alive. Especially this complex group who do not have much literature support for their treatment and return.

Coaching From the Sidelines

Then yesterday, I stepped into a different role.

Coaching at ADCC was as fulfilling as any medal I have ever won. Helping my athletes and friends regulate their nerves, execute under pressure, and adjust mid-match gave me a deep sense of pride that surprised me a little.

When they listened and trusted the process, when they fought through hard positions, when they stayed composed in chaotic moments, when they won and lost with grace… I felt that same internal glow I have felt standing on a podium.

Coaching is not secondary to competing. It is its own form of mastery. It requires presence, emotional regulation, and the ability to transfer belief into someone else in real time. To prepare, I listened to several podcasts and observed professionals coaching to learn the craft. I am still a beginner and look forward to improving significantly for these athletes.

The Flow State

This week reminded me how powerful alignment can be. When what you love, what you are good at, and what you are called to do intersect… this is flow.

In surgery, that looks like steady hands and a quiet mind. On the mat, it looks like timing and connection. On the sidelines, it looks like calm energy that your athlete can borrow when theirs starts to dwindle.

There were multiple moments this week where I truly had no other care in the world. And that feeling is rare. It is easy to get lost in the stress of performance, career, expectations, and responsibility. But when you are immersed in purpose, those distractions fade.

I felt immense gratitude. Gratitude that I get to practice orthopaedic sports medicine at a high level. Gratitude that I get to train and coach jiu jitsu. Gratitude that these two worlds, which once felt separate, now coexist so seamlessly in my life.

A Reflection for You

When was the last time you felt that way? Completely immersed. Fully present without a wandering mind. Doing something that makes you forget everything else.

We spend so much time talking about discipline, recovery, performance, and longevity that we forget to enjoy the hard work.

Just as I did last week… I hope you can find something that fills your cup as well.

____

Dr. Megan Lisset Jimenez 

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