It’s okay to be you. Don’t ever think that it isn’t. Yes, we have acquired some habits. Yes, we behave in large part as a result of our genetic wiring. Yes, our learning and environmental influences have had an impact on who we are and what we do … but none of that will stop us from being warriors, if that is what we choose to be. It doesn’t matter where we were born, but we have already won one of life’s lotteries just by being born in the west—in a developed country, with a reasonable rule of law. We have a head start and some significant advantages over many of our brothers and sisters on this planet. We have more to work with and a wide-open playing field, with time-tested rules and social parameters that are relatively stable. Our risks are less immediate and less personal than those of many other countries on the planet. So although it’s okay to be you, let’s not squander our opportunity. Opportunity is what we have in spades—opportunity the likes of which has never existed, at any time, in any place. Let’s not get confused. Profit is not restricted to coin. Profit can be accumulated in social connections, ranking, relationships, careers, experiences, family structure, health, and fitness, as well as in material wealth and possessions.

The true warrior does not seek profit in and of itself, but is aware of the opportunity for profit and when it is available, and chooses that course over all others. In this fashion, the true warrior collects incremental profits and accumulates various forms of wealth and wisdom. Yes, it is like thinking, “What’s in it for me?” There’s a twist, though, in that this is not only the major criteria in decision making but also a modifying attribute that allows for the accumulation of wealth and wisdom (that might have just been the accumulation of experience if not considered at all). Be aware of the opportunity to gain, advance, and enhance versus the opportunity just to gain experience.

You are warriors; look out for yourself and your team, not without compassion and not without a desire to change the world, but with the right attitude, which results in the best outcome regardless of success or failure. With the right attitude, you will discover the secret for success and longevity. So it has been written.