victory

"Victory comes from finding opportunities in problems"
We create our own problems. We create them by making internal rules based on our biases and desires. These rules are usually created in the attempt to escape responsibility, to attain pleasure or to avoid pain. Unfortunately rules that are reactionary are flawed in their essence, and usually bring about effects that are opposite their purpose.

"We say correctly that disorder kills Victory"
A rule such as "I must lose 10 lbs by the end of the month" could be helpful to get a program started, but what happens to the rule-maker's self esteem if they only lose 9? What if a person has a rule that "To be my friend, you must think just like I do", and the person with whom they are developing a friendship has a rule that says "To be my friend, you need to honor my individuality"? These internal rules can create big problems, defeat of our forward momentum in life, completely collapse the ordering of our priorities, and sadly, we usually don't even know they exist.

"You alone can deny Victory to the enemy"
There are also some irrational cultural rules that people abide by without even realizing it, such as "A true artist needs to suffer for their art" or "You can't fight city hall". Like computer worms and viruses, these negative thoughts can seriously compromise a person's effectiveness, focus the mind on negative behaviours, or set up a belief system that runs counter to success and personal power.

"You see the opportunity for Victory: You don't create it"
So how do we find opportunities in these problems? We can start by changing our rules. First, they need to be identified: if you have a sheet of paper with, say, "relationships" written at the top, start writing down words or ideas you associate with relationships, and chances are that you'll find a plethora of rules. Do this with success, health, and other aspects of life. Once you know them, you can change them, but making the change is not always easy.

"You must adjust to a variety of problems and consistently solve them"
This is where strategy comes in: you find the rule you need to change, give yourself a solid reason for changing it, and replace it with a rule that does not hinder your progress. If for instance, you ask "How does this rule help me to achieve my goals? Does it contribute to my growth? Does it contribute to my freedom? Does it make my happiness more certain?" this will point to the Yang, or heavenly side of the issue. If you ask "How does this affect my boundaries? How does this rule increase my stability? How does this rule keep me focused on my priorities? Is this rule an attempt to alter circumstances over which I have no control?" then you will understand the Yin aspects of its action. The Yang aspects represent the Heavenly force, while the Yin aspects represent the Earthly. Understanding your rules in this way can give you the leverage that you need to make a decidedly necessary change.

"A united force is strong: a divided force is weak"
With your new knowledge, you can replace unproductive rules with ones that engender focus and commitment, yet are flexible enough to change with circumstances. Commitment and adaptability are two of the most important skills for success, but what's most important is unity. Any rule that does not contribute to happiness and the achievement of your objectives must be eliminated.

"You can then act without confusion"
As your focus and internal unity increases, you will begin to take notice of the rules of others. At first it is always easier to recognize other's rules; you will soon begin to become clear about your own and act accordingly. When you understand that growth and opportunity are the Heavenly aspects of any situation or activity, and responsibility and security are the Earthly aspects, then you have achieved what Sun Tzu speaks of as true Victory.

"Know the other and know the self
Your victory will be effortless:
Know Heaven and know Earth
Your victory will be complete!"