We Don't Use The "F-Word" by Brother Wallace

There is much to be said by many regarding the use of the f-word. I am not referring to the four-letter F-Bomb or any extension of the word; the word that I am referring to is failure. In writing this, I have come across variations of quotes on the Internet, establishing a connection between failing to plan and failure. Regardless of the version, the quote emphasizes the importance of adequate preparation when in the process of goal setting. Inadequate preparation is essentially planning to fail. Whether applied to a student who does not study for a major exam, an athlete who does not train for an upcoming game, or a lawyer who is ill prepared for a client’s upcoming litigation, the importance of establishing a plan cannot be overstated.

The pursuit of survival is similar to many of life’s pursuits, in that it is the journey, not the destination. Due to this never ending pursuit of the basic principles of survival, humans will always need a place to live, food to eat, water to drink, clothes to wear, etc. The ability to defend one’s self is no exception. The same way we make plans to obtain the necessities for survival, it is in this same manner we must be prepared to diminish any threat which may challenge our safety and the safety of those we cherish.

It is human nature to avoid what we are not good at, afraid of, or do not want to deal with. We believe that avoidance and/or denying something’s existence will make it disappear into thin air. Reliance on the belief that good people are immune to the daily threats of violence, which befall thousands around the globe, is an unrealistic expectation. The reality is that good and bad things happen to good people as well as bad people. The ability to understand and effectively deal with this reality may mean the difference between living and dying.

In TUF we prepare ourselves to triumph over the obstacles which challenge us mentally, physically, emotionally, etc.; therefore, we train hard so that the fight is easy. It is about becoming better than we were the day before, giving a little bit more when we believe there is nothing more to give. Failure is not an option as the TUF practitioner regards failure as losing and losing means death. We learn to apply this mindset to all perceived threats, as a threat can simply be a metaphor for anything we have to face head on. Regardless, we plan effectively and position ourselves to make wins out of any situation.

By Wallace N.