Bruce Lee’s was wise beyond his years. During his short lived life he tested many theories and dispelled myths about how we live and act. Self discipline was a key component of his philosophy.
If Bruce Lee was running a habits workshop, what would he share? Unfortunately, Bruce Lee is not here today to speak. Fortunately, much of his wisdom has been captured in his books, videos, and students.
Lesson #1 Admit when you are making mistakes
“Mistakes is forgivable if one has the courage to admit them.”
We all make mistakes. Yet there is a part of us that always wants to hide and shy away from that mistake. Think about at work. Have you ever convinced yourself that one small error is too small to bring up or admit? If you just wait long enough it might go away, right?
Judgements can lead to a habit of mistake masking.
Lesson #2 Narrow your focus and get really good at it
“I fear not the man who has practiced 10 000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10 000 times.”
With Youtube readily available at my fingertips it is really easy for me to try and learn many different things. Having a multitude of information to access is empowering. However, I must take care not to lose focus on my one thing. Doing one thing well is more powerful than trying 10,000 different things a little. This wisdom is especially valuable for the generalist.
Lesson #3 Refine and customize to you
“absorb what is useful, discard what is not, add what is uniquely your own”
Wow! This quote gave me an aha moment when I first read it. And it also impacts me today. For example while working on the six minute morning program, i am doing just that. There are so many experiences and strategies that could be captured and shared. In the end, the most value comes from how I filter the information and make it unique.
My hope is that people will absorb what is useful from what I share and add their own unique style to it.
Your turn
Do you have a favorite Bruce Lee quote that applies habit change and life achievement?