The 3 Battles

The first step to this holistic approach, that In Kung Fu is referred to as the ‘First Battle’ (‘challenge’), is that you must ‘Conquer’ (‘overcome’) yourself first. Your fears, mental/emotional blocks, insecurities, self-control, discipline, self-esteem, focus, perseverance, and self-respect, to name a few. Also by cultivating essential life skills such as, patience, responsibility, resilience, effective internal and external communication, compassion, honesty, gratitude, and forgiveness are all part of the ‘First Battle’.

As both Aristotle and Socrates said in more or less the same words; “To know oneself is the beginning of all wisdom”.

Once the first battle has been ‘conquered’ you are fully equipped to proceed to the next part of the coaching journey which will focus on the ‘Second Battle’, namely ‘Conquering’ the external world. Meaning, dealing with – not controlling – challenging situations, circumstances, projects, deadlines, relationships and the people that you are involved with. With an emphasis on mutual respect and collaboration, rather than competition, so that all involved can realize their individual as well as their mutual goals in their professional as well as their personal lives.

Conquering the first and second battle will give you the essentials life skills, tools, knowledge, wisdom, awareness, discipline and focus that you’ll need to master your own inner world and be able to deal more effectively and successfully with the ever changing outer world. In the process creating more balance, harmony, inner-peace and joy in your life while realizing your goals and living the life you desire and deserve.

The ‘First Battle’ is the main focus of my teachings and coaching as it is the most important and challenging one. Focusing only on the ‘Second Battle’ while neglecting the first one and therefore not ‘conquering’ oneself is at the root of just about all suffering, fear, insecurities, procrastination, miscommunication, and the inability to realize one’s goals.

It is also the main reason why so many people don’t reach their full potential and have low self-esteem and are living lives full of stress, regret, guilt, frustration and anger. This in turn causes people to underperform, become ill, and even burnout by not taking full responsibility for their own thoughts, emotions, health, behavior, actions and the consequences. Often feeling self-pity and a ‘victim’ of circumstances, events and ‘others’.

In extreme cases you may find yourself in constant battle with everyone and everything, including yourself.

The 5 Elements