Ozzias T. Villaver, Jr., Ed. D. | ExecutiveChronicles | 8 Inspirational Life Lessons from Bruce Lee | One of the most popular martial artists and a great philosopher in the 70’s and 80’s and an immortal legacy in the field of martial arts was Bruce Lee. His exposure into the world of Kung-fu and the art of Jet Kun Do which he himself founded, had changed the perceptions of many practitioners that still teach them in martial arts classes across the world. Particularly, his philosophical thoughts reflected his deep knowledge of the art and their applicability in daily life. Here are some of his inspiring ideas for us to discern and possibly apply them in our life.
Simplicity
Simplicity is the key to brilliance.
Adapt what is useful, reject what is useless, and add what is specifically your own.
To live a simple life is to accept with humility things within our capacity and capability. It allows us to be opened to something helpful that would strengthen our ability, skills and talents, and improve our weaknesses in life.
Steadfastness
Do not pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one.
Not all the time in our life will be lived in comfort zone. For life is a journey of joy and loneliness, of success and failures. Many times, our life encounters a painful test and almost in a desperate situation. However, Bruce Lee tells us to stand firm against all challenges in life because all these things are parts of our life journey.
Character
Knowledge will give you power, but character respect.
Indeed, to gain knowledge is everyone’s gift. As we continue our search for the necessary knowledge and look for the wisdom of life, we strive also to build a respectable life. Good character surpasses power.
Focus
I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.
A repetition of acts makes one to become perfect. One who concentrates from the beginning until the target of the course will enable him/her to accomplish a better and/or excellent result.
Actual Performance
Knowing is not enough, we must apply. Willing is not enough, we must do.
Knowledge sans application is worthless. The ideas that we keep in our mind must be shared to others in order to generate diverse reaction/s. Our action concretizes what we really think about.
Living an honorable life.
The key to immortality is first living a life worth remembering.
A worthy life is more than a thousand money and boastful power acquired from a noxious source. A life spent with good reputation at all time will attain a lifetime legacy in this world.
Happiness
Be happy, but never satisfied.
Everyone likes to be happy always. Once happiness is obtained, one likes to remain in such mood. But, this feeling is just temporary because man cannot be fully satisfied. Time levels up this sense of contentment in life. The momentum of a happiness changes in a time when a new one comes into the scene.
Service
Real living is living for others.
Life is so meaningful when its blessings are shared to others. When one finds time to associate sincerely with others, there is a fulfillment, harmony and peace arrived at in both persons.
To read the mind of Bruce Lee is amazing and inspiring. Short his life that he lived in this world, nevertheless, the wisdom of his mind and the shadow of his fast hands and feet movements as well as the agility and flexibility of his body will remain a lifetime to remember.
ExecutiveChronicles | 8 Inspirational Life Lessons from Bruce Lee
