The Art of Jiu-Jitsu

Using an opponent's force against them is the fundamental teaching of the Jiu-Jitsu art. When two equal and opposing forces go head to head the force is neutralized. If the forces are unequal, one side gains a marginal victory. Using the force of an opponent requires little or no energy of your own. It is simply a matter of redirecting a force that could have been opposed.

Like Jiu-Jitsu, it is inevitable we will face "challengers" in life. These challengers are the unexpected events that at first seem totally against us. This is a force outside of ourselves we must learn to effectively handle. We can oppose this force and use up a great deal of energy in the process? or we can redirect this force to serve us.

We may not be able overthrow the events of life but we can overthrow their effects. When we face challenging circumstances rather than look at it negatively, deny it, talk about how bad it is or give up ? we can look to see the good in it; we can see how it fits into our ultimate purpose and redirect the energy.

Imagine you lost a great deal money. You spent your entire lifetime up to this point making it and suddenly one day something unexpected happens and you lose everything. At first this seems like a big, giant, hairy opponent that's going to require a lot of time and energy to wrestle with. But then you shift your perspective from a life warrior to a life Jiu-Jitsu master. You think, maybe if you had continued your life with the comfort and security of money in the bank you wouldn't have made any changes - changes that might be necessary to your growth as a soul. Your purpose wasn't to feel comfortable financially. You needed the pressure to jar your motivation. You realize you have the accumulated knowledge of your entire lifetime still with you. With that knowledge, getting ahead shouldn't require near as much time as it took the first time around. And now you've got a chance to regroup and choose a new direction that's right for your life.

Suddenly you look up and amazingly your opponent has begun shrinking. He's no longer so big. In fact you've gotten bigger. With the force of the challenge now allied with your purpose you've grown in power. There's no denying the challenge still exists but the shift in power alters the outcome significantly.

This article is part of the James Rick Daily Vitamin by James Rick, a daily blog that merges our understanding of spirit with the physical world. James Rick is author of Full Potential, a revolutionary guide to mastering your life in stages. He is also a motivational speaker, entrepreneur, and CEO of two international ventures. More can be learned at JamesRick.com.

---

How to Stay Motivated Despite Negative People

Getting motivated is sometimes easy enough to do, at least... Read More

Start Your Day on Your Terms

Most of us start the day like we're trying to... Read More

So What Is A Limiting Belief?

So what is a limiting belief?Don't you love the current... Read More

Welcoming the Unexpected

As I walked my dogs recently on what "should" have... Read More

Management of the Almighty Anger

Apart form the Emotions and the attitude, Anger is a... Read More

How to Get Rid of Stinking Thinking

Q: I seem to beat myself before I ever get... Read More

Use Your Imagination to Create the Self You Want

"Every prayer - every thought, every statement, every feeling -is... Read More

Success, the Only Option

One often hears people say they can't sketch because they... Read More

Using Power Affirmations on ePosters

I believe that one of the best ways to stay... Read More

Winners vs Whiners

It started out as a windy, rainy day. A tropical... Read More

10 Tips for Practicing Positive Thinking as a Tool for Managing ADD

At first glance, it would seem that positive thinking and... Read More

The Power of Positive Thinking - Turn a Bad Day Around!

Turn brutality into kindness. There is no small deed and... Read More

The Map Is Not the Territory

Just in an average day we can experience many things... Read More

Balanced Living: 18 Steps

A balanced life not only leaves you feeling more fulfilled;... Read More

Creating Icebergs Out Of Hostility

Have you ever dreaded an upcoming presentation, meeting or function... Read More

Cant Take a Compliment?

"Putting ourselves down, is an insult to our worth." --Helen... Read More

Lessons From Anakin Skywalker: Making Better Choices Through Recognizing And Managing Our Fears

In the latest and final Star Wars saga, Anakin Skywalker... Read More

We All Send Signals

Think for a moment about all of the signals people... Read More

What?!? No Bananas?

"Where are your bananas?" It seemed like a logical question... Read More

Why Motivational Posters Arent Cheesy!

I don't want to say people are basically negative but?..if... Read More

Mindfulness and Curiosity: Inspiring Affection

"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious."... Read More

Fear -- Feel It and Keep Moving

Many of us allow our fear to stop us in... Read More

Make a Personal Commitment to Change Your Life!

So, is this really where you thought you'd be? You're... Read More

11 Great Ways to be Positive about Change

Look for the positives!Seek them out - those little scary... Read More

The Inner Dialogue

Do you talk with yourself? When we hear people talking... Read More

Fear Is Nothing To Be Afraid Of

Several years, I was listening to a radio talk show... Read More

The Ultimate In Positive Thinking?

I will never forget an evening in 2003, when I... Read More

What Do You Believe?

"If I have the belief that I can do it,... Read More

Dump Those Negative Tapes

Every time something doesn't go quite right (rather frequently for... Read More

Lets Get to the Bottom of Low Self-Esteem

If you suffer from low self-esteem, it's because you don't... Read More

Seeing Through Fear

"I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is... Read More

How To Have An Excellent Personality

The way to define your personality is to refine your... Read More

Free Tips To Increase Self-Esteem

I have had many confidence issues in my life, all... Read More