Seems like someone will tell you at every belt level that it is “the hardest belt.”

White belt is tough because you’re getting smashed by everyone and feel like you don’t know shit. (You don’t.)

Blue belt is tough because now you’ve gotta live up to it, and no one is taking it easy on you anymore - and you still feel like you don’t know very much. (You don’t.)

Purple belt is tough because you’re supposed to be checking all these boxes, have a solid “A game,” and you finally know a little, so progress comes so incrementally it feels like you don’t make any at all for long periods of time.

On top of this, it feels like you should be able to easily merc anyone at a lower belt level than you and also be competitive with brown/black belts. (You can’t always/you aren’t always.)

I’m sure brown and black have their own struggles making them feel even more challenging. I’ll let you know if I ever get there.

The point is - it’s easy to feel like you’re not making any progress, or you’re not good enough, or other people are progressing faster than you.

There’s no magical secret to it.

Show up. Pay attention. Do the work.

You’re getting better, I promise.

Enjoy it, and stop worrying.