What to Focus in BJJ Sparring?

People train BJJ for many different reasons. I know many friends here where they train because they are inspired to become the next BJJ world champion. I also have friends who their goal is to become MMA champion as well as many different goals.

I myself train in it because I love the art. I live the lifestyle and I train for self defense purposes. Royce Gracie was the man that made me and made others want to train. Effectiveness in fighting.

So the question is, what to focus in BJJ Sparring? I need to borrow from Jack Canfield’s formula for success, which is “Event + Response = Outcome”.
Or “E+R=O”. Jack said that the only variable that we are in control is “R”, which is Response.  Therefore; in BJJ sparring, you need to first know the “O” or “Outcome” that you want to achieve and plan and train the right responses to it.

For example, if my outcome is to be great at guard retention and submitting from the guard. Then when I spar, i need to put myself in a position where I have to fight from the guard and try to accomplish my outcome, which are guard retention and submissions.

If let say my goal is to sweep from the guard (Outcome), then the response (R) is i need to put myself in a position where I can sweep my training partner from the guard.

Therefore; by having this formula on top of your head, you can now start to use your sparring session in achieving specific outcome in your training, regardless whether your goal is to be the next Mundial champion, MMA champion or just achieving proficiency in self defense skill.