"Energy may be likened to the bending of a crossbow; decision, to the releasing of a trigger."

At its core, this quote compares the building up of energy to the bending of a crossbow and the act of making a decision to releasing the trigger. Think about it this way: your effort and preparation are like pulling back the string of a crossbow. It requires strength and patience. But it’s the moment you release the trigger—that decisive action—where all that stored energy gets unleashed.

Historically, this analogy is often attributed to Sun Tzu, a Chinese military strategist known for his work “The Art of War.” He lived during a time when strategy and decisive actions were essential for survival and success in warfare. The crossbow was a significant weapon in ancient China, making this metaphor both powerful and relatable for his contemporaries.

Now, let’s bring this idea to life with a real-life example. Picture an athlete training for the Olympics. All those early mornings, grueling workouts, and strict diets are like bending the crossbow. The athlete is storing energy, getting stronger, and more prepared. The moment they step onto the track and the starter pistol fires—that’s the release of the trigger. All that preparation culminates in those few seconds of the race. Their decision to give it their all at that precise moment is what channels all their energy towards winning.

So, how can you use this wisdom in your own life? First, recognize that preparation is crucial. Whether you’re working on a big project, studying for an exam, or planning a significant life change, you need to put in the effort beforehand. That’s your energy. But don’t get stuck just preparing. At some point, you’ve got to make a decision and act. Release the trigger. It’s that action that propels you forward.

Imagine you’ve been working on a business idea for months. You’ve done your market research, developed your product, and created a marketing plan. That’s all energy buildup. But none of it matters until you decide to launch. You pick a date, you go live, and you announce it to the world. That moment of decision is what turns all your preparation into potential success.

Think about a time in your life where you hesitated to make a decision. Maybe you were afraid of the outcome or felt you weren’t ready. I remember when I was unsure about quitting my stable job to start a freelance career. I spent countless hours planning and saving money—bending my crossbow. But it wasn’t until I finally handed in my resignation letter that I released the trigger. It was scary, sure, but all that preparation paid off. I directed my energy into building a successful freelance business.

The lesson here? Don’t hesitate too long. Prepare, yes, but realize that the decision is what activates all that potential. So, if you’re standing at the edge of a big decision, take the leap. Trust your preparation and let your energy propel you forward.