Why are some filled with resolve and fortitude while others fold at the first sign of weakness? This is an age-old question. It does not appear to have anything to do with external or physical strength. The weakest-looking men can, seemingly, withstand the harshest of onslaughts. A tiny throng of Spartans withstood the assault of the hoards of the Persian Empire, only succumbing when subjected to trickery. (1)
This is a wonderful lesson on what we must do to eventually find success — whatever that means to me. I must find my resolve to triumph. It is not true, however, to assume that the Spartans could prepare themselves for this fight without training. They trained to be intellectually, spiritually, and physically strong from the time they were very young. (2) This is a good reference for modern man. Preparedness is everything. Small steps can lead to bigger forays.
When you go into a crowd to listen to a speech, make every effort to sit in the front. Even if this produces a severe reaction of fear and trepidation, you will find over time that you get braver and more confident when facing a crowd of people. Once you feel more comfortable, you can attend an organization such as Toastmasters. (3) They are excellent at preparing you to speak before a crowd. Once you give 10 presentations, you receive an internationally recognized certificate that you can list on your resume, further adding to your sense of accomplishment.
Next, begin to write and speak your thoughts and ideas. The world needs your beliefs and contributions to add to the human intellectual corpus. This is true of every human being. We live in the Age of Comparison. (4) This, unfortunately, often denigrates the individual. It is easy to believe that I am figuratively small and have nothing of value to offer. This is just not true. Each of us is a magic gift from God, Gaia, or the Universe.
Then, practice to uncover your excellence. If you continue to treat yourself as inconsequential, you will never find the moral bravery you need to move forward in life. Continuous practice will allow you to find the tenacity and fortitude to develop your potential. Life is hard and its odyssey is long and fraught with complications and vexations — along with much joy and happiness. Strengthening your resolve will give you the succor needed for your journey. The poet and writer Ella Wheeler Wilcox (5) leaves us with a thought: There is no chance, no destiny, no fate, that can circumvent or hinder or control the firm resolve of a determined soul.
A closing thought: Each of us possesses an innate inner strength. With this potential, we can overcome all struggles and travails. We must simply continuously practice and be lifetime learners to delve into its wellspring.
To sum up: This week we spoke about nurturing our inner resolve.
To be noted: From Ralph Waldo Emerson (6) — Write it on your heart that every day is the best day of the year.
Just for fun: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oa_RSwwpPaA&ab_channel=BensonBoone
For reflection: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMaNRJomCmA&ab_channel=ApexMotivation
This week, on your hopeful walk, please reflect on where you can find your inner strength.
Every day look for something magical and beautiful.
Don’t be a wage slave – critical thinking is great!
Quote: Each day, no matter how you feel, wake up, get up, dress up, and show up.
Footnotes:
1) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmFNoQkN23w&ab_channel=AdituLaudis
2) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppGCbh8ggUs&ab_channel=HistoriaCivilis
3) https://www.toastmasters.org/
4) https://medium.com/@ummerr/strategies-for-the-age-of-comparison-8362b5a8896e
5) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ella_Wheeler_Wilcox
6) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOkdFMw0pmk&t=4s&ab_channel=TheSchoolofLife