Famous words by Muhammad Ali (then Cassius Clay, Jr.) from 1964 just before he won his first heavy weight world title against Sonny Liston. Already a boxing legend during his life time, this short blog won’t be about his career. I will talk a little about his quote, the way he applied it in in battle strategy and the way I try to use it in my professional life.

Apart from his boxing talent Ali also become known for his, often self elevating, quotes. Some would say it was part of his  character, others said it was part of his battle strategy. From pre-bout psychological mind games to “get to” his opponent, to in-bout all out war of attrition to test and take his oponent to their limits. To me especially the latter speaks to the imagination. The ability to keep overview under pressure while still putting in the effort to solve problems and get the job done ultimately, is an ability I try to train myself in day in day out.

Whenever faced with a problem or personal clash I try not to dive into details to quickly, but try to keep overview and gather as much information as possible in a short time frame. At the same time I start looking for openings to a solution or way forward. It’s important however to stay alert on the possibility that a chosen solution or plan may be the wrong one. Always have an alternative path of attack! A final element of emerging a victor lies in stamina. If a situation or clash turns out to be more complex and difficult than expected keep your ultimate goal in sight and dig in. 

A final thought I’d add to this is to don’t be afraid to fail. The thought of failure or loss in case of a problem or when under pressure is often a  key factor for people to freeze up or become indecisive. Keep your fears in front of you, don’t turn your back and take it full on.

Thanks for reading!