You will take on this world alone...

During a conversation that I once had with Mr. Robert Greene on, “self reliance and what it takes to make it in this current volatile environment”, I couldn’t help but to appreciate his thoughts on taking on this world alone.  As he stated, “You were born in this world alone, you will take on this world alone, and you will die alone.”   To the context that the following statement is quite acrimonious to most conceptual values, the truth is that we are alone.  

It is this brutal conceptualization that must me conceptualized earlier on in our lives in order for us to be free of the propaganda that we are taught by are so called loved ones.   The truth is that we are alone, and that we must learn to discipline and master are own weaknesses in order to take on the world.   From time to time we will all be obstructed by variables that we could not control.  If conquered, these obstructions over time become the building blocks that form that foundations to empires.   Hannibal states in the Ninety Nine Truths, “ A first taste of defeat, though bitter, goes far to prepare your palate for future feasts.” 

As Dr. Lung states. “ The Samurai have a saying, “Nine times down, ten times up!” and so we learn from our mistakes – provided we survive of course, This adage has been taught a thousand ways across as many years. Steel can only be made by fire.  Learning to be a “good loser” really does build character…of course, learning to be a good winner pay dividends!”

Furthermore, the earlier that you learn to build self reliant characteristics, the earlier that you will have the self confidence to take on the world.  The world is yours… Vereour Nusquam 


Visit .......the life and times... www.HugoDAviles.com to reinforce the importance of why working hard and smart is essential. Twitter: @HugoDAviles

Rediscover your natural persistence...

A great excerpt from the 50th Law written by Robert Greene and 50 Cent on persistence and mastering your craft..

This is the dilemma we all face: to accomplish anything worthwhile in life generally takes some time—often in blocks of years. But we are creatures who find it very hard to manage such long periods. We are immersed in the day-to-day; our emotions fluctuate with each encounter. We have immediate desires we are constantly working to satisfy. In that long period of time that we need to reach a goal, we are assailed by a thousand distractions and temptations that seem more interesting. We lose sight of our objectives and end up following some detour. This is the source of so many of the failures in our lives.



To force yourself past any obstacle or temptation, you must be persistent. As children we all had this quality because we were single-minded; you must simply rediscover and redevelop this character trait. First, you must understand the role that your energy level plays in mastering a process and bringing something to completion. If you take on added goals or new tasks, your focus will be broken up and you will never attain what you wanted in the first place. You cannot persist on two or three paths, so avoid that temptation. Second, try breaking things up into smaller blocks of time. You have a large goal, but there are steps along the way, and steps within the steps. These steps represent months instead of years. Reaching these smaller goals gives you a sense of tangible reward and progress. This will make it easier for you to resist any diversions along the way and fearlessly push ahead. Remember: anything will give way to a sustained, persistent attack on your part.

Make the most of what you have...

“Abundance makes us rich in dreams, for in dreams there are no limits. But it makes us poor in reality. It makes us soft and decadent, bored with what we have and in need of constant shocks to remind us that we are alive. In life you must be a warrior, and war requires realism. While others may find beauty in endless dreams, warriors find it in reality., in awareness of limits, in making the most of what they have. ... Warriors focus on what they do have, the strengths that they do possess and that they must use creatively. Knowing when to slow down, to renew, to retrench, they outlast their opponents. They play for the long term." - The 33 Strategies of War

*The 50th Law* 50 Cent & Robert Greene [ComicBook] PDF...

“Every negative situation contains the possiblity for something positive, an opportunity. It is how you look at it that matters. Your lack of resources can be an advantage, forcing you to be more inventive with the little that you have. Losing a battle can allow you to frame yourself as the sympathetic underdog. Do not let fears make you wait for a better moment or become conservative. If there are cirumstances you cannot control, make the best of them. It is the ultimate alchemy to transform all such negatives into advantages and power.” – (Excerpt from the book The 50th Law)
 

Download “50 Cent’s Comic Book” –>  Click Here!

Check out Robert Greene and 50 Cent’s first comic book. It’s a brilliant combination of graphic memoire and self-help guide. The Digital Release for 50 Cent’s comic book is now available. You can download 50 Cent’s first chapter, and see how the “Hustler’s Power” transformed 50 Cent from a prison inmate into the Entrepreneur that he is today.

50 Cent wrote the book with Robert Greene, a bestselling author on strategy whose work “The 48 Laws of Power” has garnered praise from both business consultants and several leading stars of hip-hop. Robert Greene grew up on the other side of the country in Los Angeles. 

 He was born in 1959 and went to college at UC Berkeley and the University of Madison, Wisconsin. Afterwards, he returned to Los Angeles and started writing for Hollywood and magazines like “Esquire” before composing “The 48 Laws of Power” in 1998. Both Kanye West and Jay-Z have name-dropped Greene in their songs, while the book itself has sold over 1 million copies. DJ Calvin Harris and DJ Premier both have laws from the book tattooed on their arms.

After its initial publication in 2009,”The 50th Law” became a bestseller. SmarterComics is pleased to be able to offer this illustrated, no-holds-barred version of 50 Cent’s hard-earned wisdom with a foreword from the man himself.

Download “50 Cent’s Comic Book” –>  Click Here!

On automatic pilot...

‘I was on automatic pilot; ideas for gadgets kept coming, fed by a force of energy flowing through me and around me. I wasn’t really conscious of pausing to eat or sleep, I was caught up in a flurry of activity. I must have been experiencing the same sort or rapture of creation I imagine composers or poets get carried away by when they lose themselves in their work. I forgot about everything else to concentrate on what I was doing. I’d work eighteen-hour stretches and fall asleep in my clothes. Then I’d wake up in the middle of the night, brew a pot of tea, and start work again. I was tired, but work had become pure enjoyment.’ — Trevor Baylis

The more you sweat in times of peace, the less you bleed in times of war...

In a world full of chaos and duress, it is estimated that only 10% of animals are true predators. Lions and tigers and such, hunting other animals for survival.  Now if we extrapolate this to humans, that means 10% of us are predators, and the rest among us…..are prey.    This is a very intriguing concept to think about... 

Which leads me to my next memoir, “Excuses are what you give when you got nothing, because you didn’t try everything!”  

Through the years, I have been blessed to be mentored by some very notable men and woman, whom I consider to be renowned in their fields.  Amongst their many preachings, beatings, and epilogues, one of the many correlations noted, happens to be on the execution of patience and practice.  As it is said that, “The more you sweat in times of peace, the less you bleed in times of war!”  

From a Hard Core Philosophy perspective, One must take the time to master oneself, before he/she can even have the privilege to lead others.  There is an old Eastern Philosophy Mindset that concentrates on the art of penetrating and execution, known as Gancui. This simple art concentrates on the discipline of penetrating neatly and completely.  

As there is an old story told by Dr. Lung of a man that was so determined to kill his enemy, that he first practiced thrusting his sword into the wall of his home for almost a decade, practicing his thrust, until he knew his arm and mind were firm enough to do the deed upon battle.  Until one day, after many years of practicing on the wall, his arm and most importantly mind were congruent.   Than the time came upon battle, when the two met eye to eye.  Upon the dual, and with one single strike, the power emitted by the single thrust transcended through the sword and cut through the enemy like a hot knife through butter.  This is the way of the Gancui, the art of execution through practice and patience.

Furthermore, I will end this Hard Core Philosophy perspective with a more serene conclusion.  As the brain always chooses the easiest and quickest path to rationalize on life. One must take note that sometimes the easiest and quickest path is not the felicitous way to go.  In the end, all victory depends on the skill of the single warrior, yourself!  So take the time to master your crafts, before your crafts, and most importantly enemies, master you!   

Ie…check yourself..before your wreck yourself!! , its like a jungle sometimes it makes me wonder why we keep from going under. Hahahahaha

Wise words...

The Pursuit Of Cool...

It all started with one quote...

"There is no algorithm to define cool, you just know it when you see it".

From the schoolyard kids to the marketers everybody wants to get close to the cool guy…so what defines cool? R+I Creative presents "The Pursuit Of Cool", a short series about hedonism, sharing and meeting cool people with stories. (Source)

10 success tips for young entrepreneurs...

An interesting read for those young moguls on the come up...  (Source)

 
1. Do what you love.

All successful teen businesses have one factor in common: Their owners love what they do - so choose a small business idea that aligns with your interests, no matter what they are.

2. Know what you want.

Are you willing to leave school if your business takes off? Or do you envision your business as a side project? Being able to answer questions like these will help you organize your time and priorities.

3. Be radical...

In your late teens and early 20s, your thinking is fresh, original and full of energy. Don't be afraid to try something no one's ever done, create an off-the-wall product or shake up an existing market by changing factors (such as a service or delivery model) that established companies take for granted.

4. ... but follow the rules.
Being a young entrepreneur doesn't exempt you from registering your business, keeping records and paying taxes. Following these simple rules now will save you from legal and administrative headaches later.

5. Manage your time.

Running a business while going to school is stressful and difficult. Understand what is required of you in your separate roles as a student and a business owner, and employ planning and organizational tools - for example, a well-maintained appointment book, Microsoft Outlook or an online time/project management system - to make the most of your time.

6. Use school resources.

Being a student isn't a handicap in business; on the contrary, it can be an advantage. Your campus offers free computers and Internet connectivity, a host of potential employees and/or volunteers and the expertise of professors who would be happy to share their knowledge and experience with you. You're literally surrounded by people and resources, so make the most of your situation.

7. Find a mentor.

Buddy up with a local entrepreneur or business leader with a record of achievement to be your small business mentor. Your mentor will help you understand the risks and challenges of business, provide a sounding board for your ideas and help you find investors for your company.

8. Exploit online resources.

Your computer can connect you to hundreds of online resources for young entrepreneurs. Immerse yourself in these resources; they'll help to inspire, direct and motivate you.

9. Be good to yourself.

Regardless of how organized and enthusiastic you are, some days will overwhelm you. Don't be afraid to step back from work and do whatever relaxes you. Whether it's the endorphin rush of exercise, the lively company of good friends or a quiet day of meditation on the beach, take advantage of opportunities to invigorate yourself and balance your responsibilities with relaxation.

10. Check your mentality.

One of the problems that can afflict young entrepreneurs is a mental block against, as Nike might say, just doing it. We've all been raised on stories of Internet billionaires, wealthy young actors and other tales of spectacular overnight success. Knowing how well other people have done in business and how quickly they've scaled the mountain is demotivating. It can make some young entrepreneurs lose confidence and feel as if they don't want to get started on a business unless it's going to be the next YouTube.

This is a self-defeating mentality. Combat it by reminding yourself that you're not competing against anyone but yourself. Do whatever it is that you can do today, whether that means tutoring, designing T-shirts or building online communities. The important thing is to get your feet wet - not to take over the business world.

The bottom line is that your student days are ripe with entrepreneurship opportunities. You may never again have the energy, resources or motivation to start your business, so get to work.

It’s much more important to write than to be written about...

“One of the things I know about writing is this: spend it all, shoot it, play it, lose it, all, right away, every time. Do not hoard what seems good for a later place in the book or for another book; give it, give it all, give it now. Something more will arise for later, something better.” ~Annie Dillard

Bruce Lee on doubters and doers...

“The doubters said,
"Man can not fly,"
The doers said,
"Maybe, but we'll try,"
And finally soared
In the morning glow
While non-believers
Watched from below.”
― Bruce Lee

The essential qualities of a General...

"The commander [in battle] must trust his judgment and stand like a rock on which the waves break in vain. It is not an easy thing to do." -Clausewitz, On War

An excerpt from Clausewitz, On War...


...If the mind is to emerge unscathed from this relentless struggle with the unforeseen, two qualities are indispensable: first, an intellect that, even in the darkest hour, retains some glimmerings of the inner light which leads to truth: and second, the courage to follow this first light wherever it may lead. The first of these qualities is described by the French term coup d'oeil, the second is determination.... 

...The essential qualities for a general will always be as follows: First, A high moral courage, capable of great resolutions. Secondly, A physical courage which takes no account of danger. His scientific or military acquirements are secondary to the above-mentioned characteristics, though if great they will be valuable auxiliaries. It is not necessary that he should be a man of vast erudition. His knowledge may be limited, but should be thorough, and he should be perfectly grounded in the principles in the base of the art of war. Next in importance come the qualities of his personal character. A man who is gallant, just, firm, upright, capable of esteeming merit in others instead of being jealous of it, and skillful in making this merit conduce to his own glory, will always be a good general, and may even pass for a great man. Unfortunately, the disposition to do justice to merit in others is not the most common quality.... 

...Only those general principles and attitudes that result from clear and deep understanding can provide a comprehensive guide to action. It is to these that opinions on specific problems should be anchored. The difficulty is to hold fast to these results in the torrent of events and new opinions. Often there is a gap between principles and actual events that cannot always be bridged by a succession of logical deductions. Then a measure of self-confidence is needed, and a degree of skepticism is also salutary. Frequently nothing short of an imperative principle will suffice, which is not part of the immediate thought-process, but dominates it: that principle is in all doubtful cases to stick to one's first opinion and to refuse to change unless forced to do so by a clear conviction. A strong faith in the overriding truth of tested principles is needed; the vividness of transient impressions must not make us forget that such truth as they contain is of a lesser stamp. By giving precedence, in case of doubt, to our earlier convictions, by holding to them stubbornly, our actions acquire that quality of steadiness and consistency which is termed strength of character ...

Rza on the Tao of Wu...

An excerpt from Time.com on RZA and the Tao of  Wu... (Source)

First of all, the tao means the way. And there are many ways to get to a place as long as you stay on the path. So if you want to travel the way of Jesus, the way of the Prophet Muhammad, if you want to travel the way of Buddha or Bodhi Dharma, if you want to travel the way of a great chess master like Kasparov or Fisher — any way you can reach self-enlightenment or self-worth works. Many great men have left paths for us. In the end, we are all searching for the same thing. We're just taking different routes to the same location.

The key question...

"The key question isn't 'What fosters creativity?' But it is why in God's name isn't everyone creative? Where was the human potential lost? How was it crippled? I think therefore a good question might be not why do people create, but why do people not create." - Abraham Maslow

The Top Five Regrets of the Dying...

An excerpt from Bronnie Wares book The Top Five Regrets of the Dying: A life transformed by the dearly departing... (Source) 
 

1. I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me

This was the most common regret of all. When people realize that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people have had not honored even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made.
It is very important to try and honor at least some of your dreams along the way.

From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late. Health brings a freedom very few realize, until they no longer have it.

2. I wish I didn’t work so hard – This came from every male patient that I nursed. They missed their children’s youth and their partner’s companionship.

Women also spoke of this regret. But as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence.

By simplifying your lifestyle and making conscious choices along the way, it is possible to not need the income that you think you do. And by creating more space in your life, you become happier and more open to new opportunities, ones more suited to your new lifestyle.

3. I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings – Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result.

As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming.

We cannot control the reactions of others. However, although people may initially react when you change the way you are by speaking honestly, in the end it raises the relationship to a whole new and healthier level. Either that or it releases the unhealthy relationship from your life. Either way, you win.

4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends – Often they would not truly realize the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they are dying.

It is common for anyone in a busy lifestyle to let friendships slip. But when you are faced with your approaching death, the physical details of life fall away. People do want to get their financial affairs in order if possible. But it is not money or status that holds the true importance for them. They want to get things in order more for the benefit of those they love. Usually though, they are too ill and weary to ever manage this task. It all comes down to love and relationships in the end. That is all that remains in the final weeks, love and relationships.

5. I wish that I had let myself be happier
This is a surprisingly common one.

Many did not realize until the end that happiness is a choice.
They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called ‘comfort’ of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content. When deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again.
When you are on your deathbed, what others think of you is a long way from your mind. How wonderful to be able to let go and smile again, long before you are dying.

Life is a choice. It is YOUR life. Choose consciously, choose wisely, choose honestly. Choose happiness.
 

The Failures say "YES"...While those whom succeed say "NO"..

Discipline is a metric that can be obtained by the simple pronunciation of one of the most powerful two letter words in the English language.... "NO".   As most young lads today have a hard problem distinguishing the difference between "No", and "Yes", it is sad to say, but the youth of today are destroying themselves from within.   The simple principles of not delaying gratification, along with destructive impulse behaviors have compounded the dynamics of an undisciplined youth.  On the contrary, it makes it easier for those whom decide to make decision early on in their lives to put in the work and sweat equity.  As street smarts, along with book smarts, and a little bit of sweat equity pay dividends in the long run.  Have you ever asked yourself why others succeed while others fail? ....  The observation is quite simple..... The Failures say "YES"...While those whom succeed say "NO" ....

-Perhaps those whom succeed say "No" to going out on a Friday night, while those whom say "YES" go to the neighborhood pub and spend most of the weekend recovering.

-Perhaps those whom succeed say "No" to eating a quarter pounder with cheese and xl fries, while those whom say "YES" order the XXL meal along with an XXL Shake and an apple pie.

-Perhaps those whom succeed say "No" to waking up late,  while those whom say "Yes" spend most of the morning sleeping .

As you paint the vivid picture, one must never forget how powerful the word "NO" can be.  Author Denis Waitley exclaims the following on discipline;

"Doing within while you do without means being able to focus mentally on your goal while you do without certain things to reach that goal.  You may have to go without sleep, rest, that relaxing television show you want to watch, or the ice cream sundae you're just dying to devour... But in another sense, as you keep doing something mentally within, you will eventually be able to do it without - that is, on the outside.  You will be able to realize your goal physically, materially and visibly."

Furthermore, mastering yourself and your inner demons is one of the toughest and most important self attributes that you will ever need to conquer.  As one must understand that we must first develop the control of ourselves, before we can ever decide to take the initiative to lead others. In layman's terms......you need to "CHECK" yourself....before your "WRECK" yourself.    Vereour Nasquam