One defends when his strength is inadequate; he attacks when it is abundant. — Sun Tzu
We all find ourselves in situations where no matter what we do, we can’t make the progress we want to make. Maybe it’s because our strengths aren’t adequate for the task or the difficulties of the situation seem to exploit our weaknesses. Either way, we are stuck. If we continue fighting in this scenario, we’ll end up with years of wasted effort and relatively little to show for it.
If you find yourself in this situation, the best move you can make is to channel your energy outside of this situation. You have to look for another battle, a winnable battle, where you can make the fullest use of your greatest strengths. Find a battle that has opportunities and vulnerabilities that your strengths can easily exploit; you will achieve considerably more in a shorter span of time.
As you achieve more success in this new venture, you will gain more power, money, knowledge, or whatever else you have to gain from excelling in this endeavor. With this added strength, you might be able to resolve the original predicament that was causing you so much hardship. Or it may be most beneficial to retreat from the situation entirely to place yourself in a position of greater competitive advantage.
Regardless, the lesson is clear: when you find yourself in an unwinnable situation where all of your actions are of little use, go on the defensive instead to conserve your energy and resources. Go on the offensive elsewhere where your strengths will make the most impact.
Not only is this path easier but you will get more done in a shorter amount of time. You will achieve more by only choosing the battles in life that you can actually win.
He who knows when he can fight and when he cannot, will be victorious. — Sun Tzu
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In what ways will you focus on your strengths in the coming year? You’re more than welcome to share your thoughts in the comments.
