When I train, I normally put myself in the worst positions and then I try to get out of it and go on from there. Sometimes I even do that in tournaments. I remember that I was in a rear naked choke that was locked on, but I was able to manage to escape and even able to get to side control to get the kimura. In the past, I would try to force things to make things happen and as I get deeper into the art, I have slowed things down to the point in which I naturally make things happen. It's kind of like guiding my opponents and my training partners to the positions that I need for them to be in, so I can apply the moves that I want to do.
Setting up is the advance and mastery level part of any martial art or practice. There's so many positions, sweeps, reversals, and submissions, but there's only certain paths to get there through setting it up. This part takes patience, timing, and commitment.
What I have learn so far is that I have become predictable to the point that people see it from a mile away, but I have several techniques down and so much strength, in which I can impose my will on most people. Now, that I am rolling with high belts and better competition, I have to be more subtle and have better acting skills to get the job done. Lately, I've been playing with different movements and I'm widening my repertoire with moves that I normally don't use.
For example, when I get to full guard, I usually just abandon it to half guard and work on from there. Now, I go for a hip bump sweep, flower sweep, pendulum sweep, and more. I'll even attack for a kimura and guillotine. The patience for me is not giving up my position early to something that I'm strong at.
Given below is a nice video from Grossi Jiu-Jitsu on placing yourself on bad positions in Jiu Jitsu.