Corruption and bribes

[ozborda]

Hi Jocko and Echo,


I am a listener from Iguassu Falls, Brazil.
 

My hometown is known for being the “Triple frontier” due to being right next to Paraguay and Argentina.


I was born in Brazil but currently live and work in Paraguay, which is a country where corruption/bribes are a normal thing.


I have recently came back from the U.S., where I have been for 6 years, and the transition has been overwhelming.


I am trying to embrace this new reality, but I am not going to lie, I don’t like to pay for things just to get them done, especially since I am trying to save money for a better life.


I would like to know if could share your thoughts on corruption/bribes on developing countries. Should I just accept this reality? Or go against it? 

Thanks Jocko and Echo for the amazing podcast!

[mynewunit]

Some of the Professors that work for the state department developed a concept known as "Human Terrain". It has recently become unpopular. The concept was to have cultural changes noted on maps. Obviously, bribing an official in the US is a crime. In some countries it is common place with minor infractions. My own state government has many corruption cases and elected officials in prison.

I think corruption and bribes are a product of the lack of education and leadership. When there is no leadership punishing the wrong and rewarding the right, those things become concepts not a reality. When getting paid for service, looks and feels the same as a bribe, they become a smaller intellectual step. The other influence is a lack of control, or future. When you lack a future, you choices only affect today. You are not taking advantage in a way that will effect you tomorrow.

How do you react? First, acknowledge it is a real thing. It is part of the Human Terrain. You can play their game. Second, Flank. Is there another way to get it done, or get around it? I have gotten a lot done by trying to create other means of motivation. Some people did what I asked just to stop me from calling them everyday. I also got a small company to give me direct deposit by sending them completed forms for all the guys in my office with 3 dozen cookies. Sometimes you have to campaign for the wrong idea, so they will act against it, giving you what you want. I have no idea which one will work. Think about the motivations of the person you are interacting with. Help them.

Character is a thing built over years. Offer bread to the hungry, not the greedy. When you are amidst difficult people, you sometimes have to make difficult decisions. Sometimes the only answer is not a good one. Keeps up the fight.

[mynewunit]

Oh. Is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu different in Brazil? Probably a pathetic question.

[oz.borda]

Thanks for the response!

It is definitely something that I will read and re-read over and over again.

I am sorry but my knowledge in BJJ is very basic since I just started practicing 2 weeks ago thanks to you guys. I just want to say that I am loving every second of it.

It was challenging to go out of my comfort zone, however i wanted something new, and go through that phase of being the "new guy" that does not know anything. Basically, trying to keep my ego in check since it will happen many times in my lifetime. I am looking forward to learn as much as I can, tap early, and focus on increasing my skills instead on just getting the belts.


Take care and once again thanks!

[oz.borda]

I am sorry but my message was a little confusing, what I meant was that the feeling of not knowing/being the new guy is something that I need to remind myself constantly.That is why BJJ has been such an unique experience for me, because being submitted every second reminds me that there is a lot to learn in the sport/life. Something like that.

[mynewunit]

I understood.  Being the new guy is humbling.  Take the bait. Learn the technique. Find a good partner and be a good partner. 

Just like BJJ. Life is a lot of trying what you think you should do and then learning how things really work. Once you can see that, you will start to see those who have success and then you can learn how to get people to do what you want.  

Detach. Remove your own feelings and perspective.  See the situation from every angle. Then put yourself in the best position to succeed.

[ozborda]

I appreciate the advice, I will keep it in mind.

I personally played competitive Tennis and golf, so I am able to connect the dots with BJJ.

I had a meeting this morning with a local bank, and I am glad that I was practicing BJJ because one thing that I focused was just remind myself that I just needed to have my agenda, keep expectations low, learn from any mistakes made and keep attacking at my fears (judgement of others, fear of failure). That mindset benefited me since I did not take myself as serious as I used to, which helped me to focus on listening more and paying attention to the body language of the people that I was with. The feeling is the same when I go to a BJJ class since I am learning and I tell myself "learn from every experience"

[mynewunit]

Ozborda, it has been a year. Any update?