“He who knows when he can fight and when he cannot fight, will be victorious”
– (Sun Tzu: The Art of War).
In life, there are always battles to be fought. Some you win, some you loose, but hope to find a middle ground in the process to avoid much loss while achieving the aims of the battles. However, there are some to avoid and not to be fought.
Life issues are meant to challenge our abilities, push us out of our comfort zones, strengthen us and keep us disciplined. . . part of which is the ability to identify what battles are necessary to fight or avoid either at home, at workplace, at school, in associations, etc. That you carefully select and avoid some battles is not a sign of cowardice but of courageous strategy. Like they say: ‘he who fights and runs away, lives to fight another day’. That running is simply a ‘retreat to recover and re-strategize’.
You should learn to avoid battles that have the following characteristics:
• Time wasters,
• Exposes your weaknesses,
• Produces more problem,
• Unproductive,
• Degrading,
• Threat to life or
• Strengthens your opposition.
Some battles are meant to be observed while it fights itself rather than you responding to them or interrupting their course. At work, some challenges and situations with managers, colleagues or executives could serve as test on capabilities, temperaments, teaming skills and more. This should be handled with patience and positive attitudes.
David killed a lion, went on to kill Goliath and also won many battles. However, he still sought God’s face before heading to battles. Why fight a lost battle, right?
Not all battles are meant to be fought, but to be learnt from. Pick your fights wisely.