I just watched a documentary on Bruce Lee yesterday. He pretty much epitomized Fastlane philosophy with martial arts. He took the best of each style and applied it as the situation warranted. The idea was to accomplish a victory (goal) with the least amount of motion (less wasted energy) and as quickly as possible.
Anyone who knows anything about martial arts movies knows who Bruce Lee is. Born in 1940, Bruce rose to prominence in the 1960’s and early 70’s as a martial art prodigy. The thing about him was not only that he accelerated in the martial arts he studied, but in doing so he was able to devise his own system. The system known as Jeet Kune Do crossed traditional boundaries and integrated the best techniques from multiple sources. Not only was this new system revolutionary in it’s blending of techniques, it was reflective of his mindset and has principles that can be applied to several other aspects of life.
“You Must Flow Like Water” Bruce Lee
In other words, Be Adaptable. The problem with traditional martial arts systems is that they were bound by a finite set of moves. Each system had its own variations, but their scope was limited when facing an equal or superior style. Lee’s philosophy was to study the opposition’s techniques and counter them with an offset tactic.
Likewise, if you are in business or in a new endeavor, be sure to study influential factors such as competition, market strength, new trends, and undeveloped niches. Too often new entrepreneurs enter into a business without actually looking to see how feasible it is and which strategy is most applicable. Instead, they tend to model themselves after the competition and compete using the same tools. This approach is usually more difficult and puts your competitors at an unfair advantage. Sure, they can be beat using their own tactics, but you have to be better at implementing them. It is far better to find more direct solutions and exploit weaknesses that your competition has. This may require you to abandon your old style of thinking, but your new ideas could be much more effective.
As an example, refer to this clip [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLO1YIWQuXE[/ame]
After 1 minute, Bruce adapts his style to accommodate Chuck’s technique. When he was attacked high, he would back away and counter low.
In the same way, you can adapt your business strategies when needed. For those of you in retail, if a large Brick and Mortar sales your item at a cheaper price, you shouldn’t try to out sale it. Instead, find a different product that is similar that it doesn’t sale. Or sale a Brand it doesn’t carry. Another option is to find a completely different product that it doesn’t sell and develop a new market in that area. Is it hard to do? It can be, but more importantly, it can be effective.
Follow through On your Punches:
Bruce Lee was known for perfecting the one inch punch. This was exactly what it sounds like. It was a punch that could be delivered at a fingers length and could knock a grown man back several feet. The strike itself did not look very impressive, but the results were. Although some would argue that there are more elements involved, there is one major contributor to this technique’s success.
As part of the measure of implementing various fighting systems, Bruce saw value in western boxing. Although there is no denying that traditional arts have their methods to deliver strong blows, western boxing presented an overbearing punch that was devastating if landed correctly. The key reason for this is that boxing utilizes a pivoting of the torso and hips which collectively transfers energy from the chest, legs, back and arms, then concentrates it to the strike point. This can be seen in the above mentioned link, the one inch punch is a more refined and less eye catching adaptation to this principle. The key idea was not to just hit the target, but to punch through it.
As an entrepreneur, you can adopt this philosophy by presenting a product or service that is vastly superior to what is expected. Instead of just targeting a sales demographic, make your product such that it has a “wow” factor. You don’t just want to land a sale; instead you want to leave such an impression that the consumer won’t forget and will be telling his friends and associates about it.
If your endeavor doesn’t involve sales, look to make your venture one that will have the most impact with the most direct path. There are many martial arts that are very flashy, but not nearly as effective as they should be. Watching Bruce Lee, one could see that his punches, kicks, posture, and movements were always crisp and deliberate. The actions were meant to get results, not to just be flashy. As a consequence, his style was much more impressive and influential.
Don’t be Intimidated:
What makes a Kung Fu movie a Kung Fu movie? One large angry crowd gaining up on the hero, and then the crowd getting the Kung Pow kicked out of them. Check out any of his movies, you’ll see one theme, Never Back Down. Time and time again Bruce would be surrounded by assailants that were out to get him; every time he faced them head on. His determination, alertness, and confident attitude combined with his skills served him well when facing what would be certain defeat for most of us.
In the same way, you as an entrepreneur should not feel overwhelmed by the fact that there are many obstacles or competitors in your way. The key is to know what you are up against, and then realize what sets you apart from them. Exploit this distinction and use it to win. Even if you feel outnumbered and intimidated, don’t show it. Having a confident and strong posture can be just as effective at warding off your opponents as using the best techniques.
In contrast to taking on many, don’t be afraid to take on the giants (Bruce vs. Kareem). As stated before, using their tactics may not be the way to beat them, but at the same time, don’t be afraid to try. If you have superior techniques and a stronger motivation, the size of your opponent or obstacle is just a fact. It will just make you look all that much more impressive when you defeat the big problems.
“Willing is not enough, we must do.” Bruce Lee
There are millions of people willing to do what it takes to be successful, but it seems only one in a million actually do it. Obviously, one does not become a martial arts legend by eating donuts and watching Kung Fu Theater over and over. Serious discipline was required for Bruce to hone his skills and perfect his form. Sacrifice and discipline were the keys to his success, and would serve others well when applied to any aspect of life. Granted, success is not always achieved by hard work, but energy must be applied in order for goals to be met. Talking about your dreams may make you feel good, but application of your plans will command respect.
In summary, don’t be afraid to try what you want. If you fail, get up and try again. Try to find the most direct and effective techniques to achieve your goals, and don’t let others intimidate you to the point of failure. Bruce Lee’s success was due largely by the fact that he had a passion and he committed himself fully to it. By focusing his energies and mindset, he was able to create a legacy for himself that continues to thrive. As you go out and set your goals, determine what needs to be done and then try to do it with the same intensity and sense of purpose. People like Bruce Lee are truly one in a million. Even so, his actions continue to inspire millions all these years later. Do you have that same drive? And if so, What will your legacy be?
Anyone who knows anything about martial arts movies knows who Bruce Lee is. Born in 1940, Bruce rose to prominence in the 1960’s and early 70’s as a martial art prodigy. The thing about him was not only that he accelerated in the martial arts he studied, but in doing so he was able to devise his own system. The system known as Jeet Kune Do crossed traditional boundaries and integrated the best techniques from multiple sources. Not only was this new system revolutionary in it’s blending of techniques, it was reflective of his mindset and has principles that can be applied to several other aspects of life.
“You Must Flow Like Water” Bruce Lee
In other words, Be Adaptable. The problem with traditional martial arts systems is that they were bound by a finite set of moves. Each system had its own variations, but their scope was limited when facing an equal or superior style. Lee’s philosophy was to study the opposition’s techniques and counter them with an offset tactic.
Likewise, if you are in business or in a new endeavor, be sure to study influential factors such as competition, market strength, new trends, and undeveloped niches. Too often new entrepreneurs enter into a business without actually looking to see how feasible it is and which strategy is most applicable. Instead, they tend to model themselves after the competition and compete using the same tools. This approach is usually more difficult and puts your competitors at an unfair advantage. Sure, they can be beat using their own tactics, but you have to be better at implementing them. It is far better to find more direct solutions and exploit weaknesses that your competition has. This may require you to abandon your old style of thinking, but your new ideas could be much more effective.
As an example, refer to this clip [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLO1YIWQuXE[/ame]
After 1 minute, Bruce adapts his style to accommodate Chuck’s technique. When he was attacked high, he would back away and counter low.
In the same way, you can adapt your business strategies when needed. For those of you in retail, if a large Brick and Mortar sales your item at a cheaper price, you shouldn’t try to out sale it. Instead, find a different product that is similar that it doesn’t sale. Or sale a Brand it doesn’t carry. Another option is to find a completely different product that it doesn’t sell and develop a new market in that area. Is it hard to do? It can be, but more importantly, it can be effective.
Follow through On your Punches:
Bruce Lee was known for perfecting the one inch punch. This was exactly what it sounds like. It was a punch that could be delivered at a fingers length and could knock a grown man back several feet. The strike itself did not look very impressive, but the results were. Although some would argue that there are more elements involved, there is one major contributor to this technique’s success.
As part of the measure of implementing various fighting systems, Bruce saw value in western boxing. Although there is no denying that traditional arts have their methods to deliver strong blows, western boxing presented an overbearing punch that was devastating if landed correctly. The key reason for this is that boxing utilizes a pivoting of the torso and hips which collectively transfers energy from the chest, legs, back and arms, then concentrates it to the strike point. This can be seen in the above mentioned link, the one inch punch is a more refined and less eye catching adaptation to this principle. The key idea was not to just hit the target, but to punch through it.
As an entrepreneur, you can adopt this philosophy by presenting a product or service that is vastly superior to what is expected. Instead of just targeting a sales demographic, make your product such that it has a “wow” factor. You don’t just want to land a sale; instead you want to leave such an impression that the consumer won’t forget and will be telling his friends and associates about it.
If your endeavor doesn’t involve sales, look to make your venture one that will have the most impact with the most direct path. There are many martial arts that are very flashy, but not nearly as effective as they should be. Watching Bruce Lee, one could see that his punches, kicks, posture, and movements were always crisp and deliberate. The actions were meant to get results, not to just be flashy. As a consequence, his style was much more impressive and influential.
Don’t be Intimidated:
What makes a Kung Fu movie a Kung Fu movie? One large angry crowd gaining up on the hero, and then the crowd getting the Kung Pow kicked out of them. Check out any of his movies, you’ll see one theme, Never Back Down. Time and time again Bruce would be surrounded by assailants that were out to get him; every time he faced them head on. His determination, alertness, and confident attitude combined with his skills served him well when facing what would be certain defeat for most of us.
In the same way, you as an entrepreneur should not feel overwhelmed by the fact that there are many obstacles or competitors in your way. The key is to know what you are up against, and then realize what sets you apart from them. Exploit this distinction and use it to win. Even if you feel outnumbered and intimidated, don’t show it. Having a confident and strong posture can be just as effective at warding off your opponents as using the best techniques.
In contrast to taking on many, don’t be afraid to take on the giants (Bruce vs. Kareem). As stated before, using their tactics may not be the way to beat them, but at the same time, don’t be afraid to try. If you have superior techniques and a stronger motivation, the size of your opponent or obstacle is just a fact. It will just make you look all that much more impressive when you defeat the big problems.
“Willing is not enough, we must do.” Bruce Lee
There are millions of people willing to do what it takes to be successful, but it seems only one in a million actually do it. Obviously, one does not become a martial arts legend by eating donuts and watching Kung Fu Theater over and over. Serious discipline was required for Bruce to hone his skills and perfect his form. Sacrifice and discipline were the keys to his success, and would serve others well when applied to any aspect of life. Granted, success is not always achieved by hard work, but energy must be applied in order for goals to be met. Talking about your dreams may make you feel good, but application of your plans will command respect.
In summary, don’t be afraid to try what you want. If you fail, get up and try again. Try to find the most direct and effective techniques to achieve your goals, and don’t let others intimidate you to the point of failure. Bruce Lee’s success was due largely by the fact that he had a passion and he committed himself fully to it. By focusing his energies and mindset, he was able to create a legacy for himself that continues to thrive. As you go out and set your goals, determine what needs to be done and then try to do it with the same intensity and sense of purpose. People like Bruce Lee are truly one in a million. Even so, his actions continue to inspire millions all these years later. Do you have that same drive? And if so, What will your legacy be?
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