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Sun Tzu Art of War: #1 Reason Why People Fail in Business, Career & Life?
Most people work hard and give their best effort in their work, whether in their career, business, or personal life.
However, not all succeed. Why?
Let's discuss the #1 reason why people fail based on Sun Tzu's Art of War philosophy.
Sun Tzu said in The Art Of War Chapter 1, Laying Foundations,
The Art Of War is vital to the state. It is a situation of life and death, a road to safety or ruin; it is a subject of inquiry that needs to be studied carefully.
Sun Tzu emphasized the importance of doing thorough research and careful study before making a decision. He believed good choices come from understanding the situation well rather than following outside influences.
Many people often make decisions about their careers, investments, and businesses based on friends' advice, mainstream media, or current trends.
This can result in hasty choices that do not align with their needs or circumstances. Sun Tzu suggests the idea of careful investigation and critical thinking, encouraging individuals to seek knowledge and thoroughly consider their options before taking action.
When it comes to studying the feasibility of one's decisions in personal life, career, or business, Sun Tzu said,
The Art Of War is ruled by five heavenly factors to be appraised in one's actions when determining the situation on the field. These are: 1. The Moral Law, 2. Heaven, 3. The Commander, 4. Earth, 5. Rules and Regulation.
To translate what Sun Tzu said, Sun Tzu says that when he makes any decisions, it will be based on five factors.
Sun Tzu Art Of War 5 Heavenly Factors
The Moral Law:
On a personal level, this is your mission, vision, ethics, purpose, and beliefs. Your journey to achieving your personal goals, career, or business goals has to be aligned with your moral law.
You will not succeed if you do not follow your beliefs or align with your purpose.
Heaven:
These factors, like the weather, economic situation, or market trends, are beyond your control. One cannot go against heaven. By being aware of situations you cannot control, you can find ways to take advantage of or adapt to the situation to get the best out of it.
The Commander:
This refers to you as the commander. For any decision you make, you must consider your skills, capabilities, and knowledge before taking action. What is the point if you do not have enough skills to take on the job or business?
Earth:
Earth refers to your battlefield, which you are so-called fighting. Different battlefields require different strategies.
Is your location ideal for you to work on your career or business plan? Perhaps you can move to a better location that is more profitable and conducive to achieving your goal.
Rules and Regulation:
This refers to managing resources like your team of people, finances, and resources. Before you embark on your goals, you must consider your manpower, cost, and resources to achieve your career and business goals.
Sun Tzu says,
These five heavenly factors should be familiar to every general;
"He who knows them will succeed; he who does not know will fail."
Achieving success in career, business, or life extends beyond merely putting in hard work and maintaining a positive attitude; it requires a careful examination of the various possibilities that lie ahead and a profound comprehension of the specific challenges and situations we encounter.
Success is not simply the result of relentless effort; it is also about strategic thinking, foresight, and the ability to navigate the complexities of our environments.
The wisdom of Sun Tzu emphasizes the importance of understanding the fundamental elements that govern our circumstances, which can significantly influence our outcomes.
This journey involves critically assessing our options, adapting to the unique contexts we face, and recognizing the intricate factors that influence our path forward.
Each decision we make can have far-reaching consequences, and being aware of the broader landscape is essential for informed decision-making. It is about developing an acute awareness of both internal and external factors, such as market dynamics, competition, personal strengths and weaknesses, and the socio-political climate that may impact our endeavors.
Furthermore, the five heavenly factors that Sun Tzu refers to can be interpreted as guiding principles that apply to various aspects of life.
These principles encourage individuals to cultivate a mindset that is not only strategic but also adaptable.
By understanding these factors deeply, one can anticipate potential obstacles, leverage opportunities, and ultimately position oneself for success. In this context, the journey becomes one of continuous learning and adaptation, where reflection on past experiences informs future actions.
In essence, success is a multifaceted endeavor that demands more than just diligence; it requires a holistic approach that integrates knowledge, strategy, and adaptability.
By embracing the wisdom of Sun Tzu and applying these principles in our own lives, we can enhance our chances of achieving our goals and navigating the complexities of our personal and professional journeys with greater efficacy.
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