Bruce Lee was more than just a movie star who could kick butt! He also had deep philosophical insight into leading a positive life.
Here are some of the best lessons Bruce Lee taught the world:
1. “I’m not in this world to live up to your expectations and you’re not in this world to live up to mine.”
The power of understanding that the life one leads belongs to the individual and no one else can be empowering. One should live life according to the ambition and principles, not according to anyone else’s.
2. “A goal is not always meant to be reached, it often serves simply as something to aim at.”
When one works towards big dreams, even falling short can be a huge accomplishment.
3. “Use only that which works, and take it from any place you can find it.”
Whether the source of wisdom is from a professor or a hobo does not matter as long as the wisdom proves useful.
4. “Don’t fear failure. — Not failure, but low aim, is the crime. In great attempts it is glorious even to fail.”
You only cut yourself short by having low ambitions. Set some goals that you know that you may never reach, but that the payment for failure will be well worth the “disappointment”.
5. “It’s not the daily increase but daily decrease. Hack away at the unessential.”
Managing time by getting rid of things one doesn’t need frees up energy and time for that which they wish to achieve.
6. “If you love life, don’t waste time, for time is what life is made up of.”
7. “Notice that the stiffest tree is most easily cracked, while the bamboo or willow survives by bending with the wind.”
Being able to adapt to all of the curve balls live throws allows a person to grow in the worst of times by experience each negative situation as a valuable life lesson.
8. “Using no way as way, using no limitation as limitation.”
Constantly push your limits towards the impossible to experience the most growth.
9. “Knowing is not enough, you must apply; willing is not enough, you must do.”
Action not only physically moves one towards their goal, but it also helps build up the positive thought patterns needed to continue.
10. “The martial arts are ultimately self-knowledge. A punch or a kick is not to knock the hell out of the guy in front, but to knock the hell out of your ego, your fear, or your hang-ups.”
The challenge of facing fear, whether an opponent or a goal, by preforming actions gradually builds our strength. Instead of throwing punches and kicks in life, individuals achieve small goals that build on the capacity one has to reach whatever it is they are aiming for.
11. “To hell with circumstances; I create opportunities.”
Everyone is given a certain set of circumstances. There are two types of people: those whom allow these circumstances to hold them back and the others view circumstances as an obstacle that will be passed. Only you can decide which type of person you’ll be.
