Sun Tzu wrote, “Do not pursue an enemy who simulates flight; do not attack soldiers whose temper is keen.”

That sounds simple, but it’s a masterclass in discipline. He’s warning us against being baited, against being pulled into traps by our own impatience or pride. Think about it: an enemy who pretends to run isn’t weak — they’re waiting for you to chase blindly, so they can strike when you’re off balance. An enemy who is fired up, burning with energy, isn’t yet ready to break. If you crash into them head-on, you’ll burn yourself out against their momentum.

Life sets traps just like that. Fear, anger, temptation, and pride — they all love to play the game of simulated flight. They make you think, “I’ve got this beat, I’ve already won,” just to lure you into chasing too far, too fast, without awareness. How many times have you thought a challenge was finished, only to have it come back harder than ever? How many times have you wasted energy fighting people, circumstances, or even yourself when emotions were running hottest?

Here’s the truth: strength isn’t in always pressing forward. Strength is in knowing when to hold back. The world will try to get you to bite on every bait. Someone criticizes you? You want to fire back. A problem looks like it’s retreating? You want to chase and finish it fast. But Sun Tzu reminds us that the wise warrior doesn’t move on impulse. The wise warrior sees beyond the surface.

This is a pep talk about patience. About not letting your opponent — whether that opponent is external or inside your own mind — dictate the terms of the fight. You don’t have to take every swing. You don’t have to chase every retreat. You don’t have to clash with every force of anger head-on. You can wait. You can observe. You can conserve your strength and strike when the field is in your favor.

Think about your own battles right now. Where are you being baited? Where are you chasing something just because your pride doesn’t want to let it go? Where are you burning energy against resistance that’s at its peak instead of waiting for the wave to crest and collapse?

Discipline is your shield. Self-control is your sword. To walk away from a fight that isn’t worth it isn’t weakness — it’s mastery. To pause when everything in you screams “attack now” isn’t hesitation — it’s strategy. And when you do finally strike, you strike with precision, timing, and overwhelming strength.

So don’t be drawn out of position by false retreats. Don’t waste yourself on battles against fresh, raging energy. Be the one who waits. Be the one who watches. Be the one who moves only when the moment is right.

Because when you fight on your terms, not theirs, the outcome isn’t in doubt. Victory is inevitable.

Now breathe. Hold your ground. And when the time comes — advance like lightning.

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