Be Like Water and Achieve Your Goals

Most people start the year with high enthusiasm for their New Year's resolutions, but maintaining that momentum can be challenging. Statistically, the average person begins to falter with their resolutions around the third week of January. In fact, January 17th has been labeled as "Ditch New Year’s Resolution Day" because it is around this time that many people start to abandon their goals.

The reasons for this drop-off can vary widely but commonly include unrealistic goal setting, lack of a clear plan, insufficient motivation, or not seeing immediate results. Many would say that this highlights the importance of setting realistic, measurable goals and having a robust support system or accountability measures in place to maintain motivation throughout the year.  OR…what if we leveraged Bruce Lee’s ‘be like water’ approach to achieve our goals?

The philosophy of "Be like water," popularized by martial artist and philosopher Bruce Lee, is not only a call to physical fluidity but a profound metaphor for living. Rooted in the ancient wisdom of Taoism and Zen Buddhism, this philosophy encourages a way of life that embraces adaptability, resilience, and the natural flow of existence.

Origins and Philosophical Roots

Bruce Lee's injunction to "Be like water" is an echo of Taoist principles that emphasize living in harmony with the natural world. Taoism, with its focus on simplicity, spontaneity, and non-contention, teaches that the softest things in the world overcome the hardest. Water, in its gentle flow, exemplifies this philosophy, finding its way through or around any obstacle with effortless ease.

Zen Buddhism also parallels this thought, emphasizing the importance of being present and flowing with life's events without resistance. This state of mind is akin to water's formlessness; it can conform to any shape, yet it retains its essence, always adapting yet fundamentally unchanged.

Attributes of Water

• Flexibility: Water's flexibility is legendary; it can drip through cracks, flow over stones, and surge in waves. For humans, adopting this trait can mean being open to changing paths or methods when traditional ones prove ineffective, allowing for innovation and creative problem-solving.

• Adaptability: Water adjusts to its container or landscape. Similarly, being adaptable in life means adjusting one's approach to meet various challenges and opportunities, enhancing the ability to thrive under different circumstances.

• Persistence: Perhaps one of water's most inspiring attributes is its persistence. A gentle, persistent drip of water can wear away the hardest stone. This teaches us the power of perseverance—remaining steadfast toward our goals can lead to significant impacts over time.

  
  

The Wisdom in Emulating Water

Emulating water means more than just being flexible or persistent; it's about the wisdom of choosing ease over force. In a world that often values the hard push towards objectives, the water-like approach suggests that yielding at the right moment can be more effective than rigid persistence. This approach reduces stress, prevents burnout, and maintains one's health and well-being, enabling a more sustained effort towards one's goals.

Taking a ‘be like water’ mindset could enhance goal achievement in the following ways:  

1. Flexibility in Methods: Just as water molds itself to fit any container, individuals can learn to adapt their approaches to achieving goals as circumstances change. For example, if a preferred gym closes, finding new ways to exercise at home or outdoors shows adaptability rather than giving up on fitness goals.

2. Resilience Against Obstacles: Water flows around obstacles without stopping. Similarly, encountering challenges in pursuit of a goal wouldn't necessarily halt progress; instead, one would find alternative routes to continue moving forward. This could mean adjusting timelines, scaling back initial expectations, or temporarily shifting focus to more achievable tasks.

3. Persistence: Water can shape landscapes through persistence, such as a river carving through rock. Similarly, even when progress seems slow or minimal, continuous effort can lead to significant long-term results. This encourages perseverance even when immediate outcomes are not apparent.

4. Calmness and Clarity: Water often represents calmness. Approaching goals with a calm mind can help maintain clear focus and prevent overreaction to setbacks. This mindfulness can make the process more enjoyable and sustainable, reducing burnout.

5. Strength and Softness: Water possesses both softness and immense power. In the goal achieving process, this means knowing when to push hard versus when a gentler approach might be more effective. Balancing intense effort with rest and recovery can optimize performance and well-being.

   
   

In embracing the philosophy of "Be like water," we find a powerful metaphor for navigating the complexities of life with grace and efficacy. By embodying water's adaptability, resilience, and unyielding nature, we can overcome obstacles, adapt to change, and flow through life’s challenges with a calm, steady force. This approach not only enhances our ability to cope with personal and professional hurdles but also enriches our interactions and broadens our perspectives and allows us to reach out goals.

As we reflect on the lessons water teaches us—its strength in flexibility, its power in persistence, its peace in harmony—let us consider how we might integrate this wisdom into our daily living.

Reflective Question: How will you allow the qualities of water to shape your responses to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead? What areas of your life could benefit most from adopting a more fluid, adaptable approach?