No. 1
The will to victory may be demonstrated in places other than actual battle.
A Roman general was leading his legions toward the enemy in a swampy country. He knew that the next day’s battle would be fought on a certain plain because it was the only dry, flat place for miles. He pushed his army all night, marching them through a frightening and formidable swamp, so that they reached the battle site before the foe and could claim the high ground. In the aftermath of victory, the general called his troops together and asked them, “Brothers, when did we win the battle? ” One captain replied, “Sir, when the infantry attacked.” Another said, “Sir, we won when the cavalry broke through.” “No,” said the general. “We won the battle the night before—when our men marched through that swamp and took the high ground.”
The real battle happens before the opportunity or crisis—maybe years before. It’s fought in the quiet hours, when no one is watching, through reflection, training, practice, preparation, and self-confrontation. This puts you in a position to do what others can’t or won’t. Growth happens when you are vulnerable—out in the storm, trudging through the swamp, trying to reach higher ground.
No. 2
This is another key element of the Warrior Ethos: the willing and eager embracing of adversity.
In 1912, the Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton was seeking volunteers for an expedition to the South Pole. He placed the following ad in the London Times: Men wanted for hazardous journey, small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger, safe return doubtful; honor and recognition in case of success.
The next morning, 5000 men lined up to volunteer.
The payoff for a life of adversity is freedom.
Adversity is an opportunity to earn a type of freedom that cannot be given or bought—freedom from our fears, limitations, and external pressures.
I hope you’re good.
Take care, Kelly
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