“Know Thyself”

Have you ever wondered what makes the difference between those who succeed in life and those who do not?

Some have proposed it is education,  others that it is intelligence, family circumstance, and some think that it is either all luck, preordained fate, or some inside secret.

It is a sort of secret, but one that has been in plain sight for Millenia.

It is the reason that so many famous sports stars go on to have successful careers in other areas after their sporting days are over.   Through the effort of pushing their bodies to their limits they have learnt about themselves and most importantly they have gained what the Martial Arts call an “Indomitable Spirit”.

All true disciplines lead to this one goal – self mastery or more importantly a will that is strong enough that it allows one to control the self.

The strengthening of the will to endure whatever obstacles are in the way to achieve your goal and more important than that, is the will to have control over your own self when it seeks some act that will threaten the long term harmony of your life or your loved ones.

Realize this one eternal truth – you cannot truly lead others when you cannot control yourself.   Think of the number of great people in the news who fall from their place because they could not control themselves.  Now you will realize that the ability to control the self is the key to success.

Make one of your resolutions to start a regular discipline that requires the development of the will and stick with it.  Seek also to practice self control.  First in small things and then in greater things.

It will make you truly extraordinary in a world that has abandoned the classic virtues and instead encourages unconstrained consumption.  You will become free to be your own self.

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