Though you give up your life, do not give up your honor....

"It always seems impossible until it’s done.” – Nelson Mandela

                
In a world conceived of dreams, there is nothing more empowering than the mind.  For the mind is the engine that begets dreams, and achieves impossibilities.  Through the years, I have grown to realize that the mind is an amazing tool, and if embraced with faith and vision can conceive the most amazing of goals and accomplishments. 

As I close another chapter, and set my visions on 2012, I can’t help but reiterate the fact that the 4th quarter is among one of the most important quarters of the year.  Most of you know that I tend to lock myself up for the first three months of the year in order to attack the 1st quarter.  Discipline plays a huge factor in the strategic execution of a well defined year.  As my dear friends call and knock on my doors to play, I know that I must put in the time, and pay my dues.  The development of the mind, along with the acceptance of discipline and self reliance, are all traits that one must master in order to achieve the impossible.

Once a quarter, or amongst the first weeks of the new year, I tend to study and embrace the following 21 principles written by Shinmen Musashi on “The Way Of Walking Alone.” Or the Way of Self-Reliance; written on the Twelfth Day of the Fifth Month, Second Year of Shoho (1645)

*Do not turn your back on the various Ways of this world.
*Do not scheme for physical pleasure.
*Do not intend to rely on anything.
*Consider yourself lightly: Consider the world deeply.
*Do not ever think in acquisitive terms.
*Do not regret things about your own personal life.
*Do Not Envy another’s good or evil.
*Do not lament parting on any road whatsoever.
*Do not complain or feel bitterly about yourself or others.
*Have no heart for approaching the path of love.
*Do not have preferences
*Do not harbor hopes for your own personal home.
*Do not have a liking for delicious food for yourself.
*Do not carry antiques handed down from generations to generation.
*Do not fast so that it affects your physically.
*While its different with military equipment, do not be fond of material things.
*While on the Way, do not begrudge death.
*Do not be intent on possessing valuables or a fief in old age.
*Though you give up your life, do not give up your honor.
*Never depart from the Way of the Martial Arts.

As you embrace the following 21 principles, please note that some of them are geared towards the enlightenment of the martial arts mind.  As you all know, I tend to formulate my pieces towards the psychology of strategy and conflict, for the fact that in life and in business, CONFLICT IS REAL, and if you want to master this art, you must study the ways of conflict.  And it is the mind, far more than technique, that will be the enabler.  So study my friends!

Furthermore, as I transcend from “Birthday Mode”, towards “Entrepreneur Mode”, I want to thank all of you whom have given me the motivation and inspirational wisdom to keep on fighting. As I personally close another chapter in my life, and begin a new one, I want all of you to understand that life is REAL!  So I will do my best to lead you on your journey.  Carpe Annum my friends…that’s Latin for SEIZE THE YEAR!