In Brandon Sanderson's epic fantasy series, "The Stormlight Archives," there's a powerful mantra that resonates not just within the confines of the story but also in the realms of our own lives: "Life before Death, Strength before Weakness, Journey before Destination." This ideology encapsulates a philosophy that extends far beyond the fictional world, offering valuable insights we can tap into when seeking to unlock our athletic and human potential.
The Way of Kings - Brandon Sanderson, 2010
At first glance, these words might seem like mere platitudes, but delving deeper reveals their profound implications. Let's break down each segment and explore how they can be applied to our journey of self-improvement and athletic prowess.
The Immortal Words - Brandon Sanderson, 2010
"Life before death" reminds us of the fragility and preciousness of life itself. In our pursuit of athletic excellence, it's easy to become fixated on outcomes – winning competitions, achieving personal bests – and lose sight of the joy of simply being alive and experiencing the wonders of movement and physicality. Embracing this idea encourages us to cherish each moment, and to remain present to these experiences. “Life before Death” means to experience what you can, when you can, and to choose experience over the lack thereof. This doesn’t mean to cling to life, however. It is only a reminder that in order to truly live, we must value experiences inherently.
"Strength before weakness" speaks to the importance of resilience, perseverance, and self-improvement. In the world of sport & athletics, setbacks are inevitable. Whether it's an injury, a defeat, or a plateau in performance, moments of weakness test our resolve. However, it is through overcoming these challenges that we cultivate true strength – both physically and mentally. By prioritizing growth over perfection, we unlock our potential to push past our limitations and achieve greatness. Strength to push when you need to push, but also the emotional strength to take a step back and assess whether you’re doing what’s best for you. This strength of character encourages a reflexivity in our pursuits, constantly reminding us that the strength of rigidity is not true strength. True strength requires flexibility, and that flexibility is applying your strength of will and character in the correct areas of your life and training.
"Journey before destination" emphasizes the significance of the process over the outcome. In our quest for athletic prowess, it's easy to become fixated on the end goal – whether it's standing on the podium or reaching a specific milestone. However, true fulfillment lies in embracing the journey, with all its twists, turns, and unexpected detours. Each training session, each setback, each triumph shapes us into the athletes and individuals we are meant to become. It's not just about reaching the finish line; it's about the experiences, lessons, and personal growth gained along the way.
So how do we apply these principles to manifest our athletic and human potential? It starts with a shift in mindset. Instead of focusing solely on outcomes, we must learn to embrace the process, celebrate our strengths, and persevere through our weaknesses. We must cultivate a deep appreciation for the journey, recognizing that it is through the trials and tribulations that we truly come alive.
The First Ideal, sworn by Knights Radiant in "The Stormlight Archives" serves as a guiding light in our quest for athletic and human excellence. By prioritizing life, strength, and the journey, we unlock our potential to soar to new heights, both on and off the field of competition. So let us embrace these words not just as a literary construct but as a philosophy to live by, propelling us towards our fullest potential with each step of the journey.