There are many ways to do fine work. One approach is to be a warrior rather than just a worrier. Different people follow this approach in different ways.
Some people actively choose to be warriors. They learn from positive models about how to be resilient and find solutions to challenges. One person expressed this in the following way.
“One of my mentors said that our feelings are the material of life. We can use our happiness, sadness, joy or setbacks to help ourselves and other people.
“This is something I remember to this day. Whenever I feel frustrated or down, I ask myself: How can I use this feeling to help other people? This is what I try to do in my daily life and work.”
Some warriors manage their emotions and then mobilise their energies to move into action. Bearing in mind what they can control in a situation, they follow the What, How, When approach.
Some sensitive people get the right balance between being a warrior and worrier. Such individuals recognise that their sensitivity can have both pluses and minuses.
Some aim to build on the positive things they see in life. They also recognise that some events in the world can be challenging. After a period of worry, they use their awareness to do work that helps themselves or other people.
Some warriors are warm, full of wonder and appreciate life. They have a sense of perspective and see themselves as small in the great sweep of history.
At the same time, they recognise that their actions have consequences. They aim to encourage other people and spread practical hope during their time on the planet.
Such people often demonstrate the characteristics described by William Wordsworth in his poem The Character of the Happy Warrior. They are positive and determined when tackling challenges.
Taegen Goddard described how this approach is sometimes followed by people in politics. He explained this in the following way.
A “happy warrior” is a politician or political activist who remains optimistic and cheerful even in the face of adversity or contentious political battles.
They are characterized by their ability to engage in political debates and confrontations with a positive demeanour, maintaining their enthusiasm and good spirits even when dealing with challenging or controversial issues.
Let’s return to your own life and work. Looking ahead, can you think of a situation where you may want to follow elements of the warrior approach? How can you do this in your own way?
If you wish, try tackling the exercise on this theme. This invites you to complete the following sentences.
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