SunTzu is probably one of the best military strategists in history. Whenever possible, he preferred to win without fighting or, at the very least, to win the easiest battles first.

And this is crucial because we usually try to build new habits and achieve big goals through sheer force. We fight our battles directly and attack our bad habits at the point where they are strongest.

For example, We try to eat healthy in a house filled with sweets and sugar or we try to concentrate while using a smartphone filled with social media apps, games, and other distractions.

And when we don't succeed, we put the blame on our own lack of "wanting it badly enough" and willpower. Yet, failure frequently results from bad strategy instead of weak willpower.

In this Blog, you’ll learn how to apply Sun Tzu strategy into your habits formation.

Sun Tzu Lesson #1: Win the Easy Battles First

Good military leaders like Sun Tzu start by winning easy battles and improving their position. They wait until the opposition is weakened and their morale is low before taking on their foe directly.

Why? Because it makes no sense to start a war by fighting battles in areas that are well-defended.

And the same statement applies to you: It makes no sense to start new habits in an environment that makes progress difficult.

For example, if you’re very overweight, don’t try to follow a workout program for college athletes. You can get there eventually, but that’s not a battle you need to fight right now.

Start with a manageable change: you can create a workout space in your office or home. You can also invest in workout equipment or hire a personal trainer to help you stay on track. By creating an environment that supports your goals, you can eliminate distractions and increase your focus and productivity.

And if you are an entrepreneur trying to build a new habit of networking, you can start by attending smaller events or meetups where you feel more comfortable. You can also look for online communities or forums where you can connect with like-minded individuals. By starting small and building your confidence, you can eventually work your way up to larger events and more challenging networking opportunities

The smartest path to improvement is the one with least resistance. Fight battles you are destined to win.

Sun Tzu Lesson #2: Know when to Fight and Attack at the Right Time

As humans, we all have a natural tendency to want to win. Winning brings us joy, validation, and a sense of accomplishment. However, winning isn't always about fighting every battle that comes our way. In fact, part of being a winner is knowing when it's not our day to fight.

Every fight is not a good fight to fight. This statement may sound counterintuitive at first, especially in a society that emphasizes competition and the need to always come out on top. But the truth is, not every challenge that comes our way is worth our time and effort. Sometimes, it's better to take a step back and evaluate the situation before deciding whether or not to engage in a fight.

Part of being a winner is having the wisdom to know when it's not our day. This means being able to recognize our limitations and acknowledging when we're not at our best. It's okay to take a break and come back to fight another day. In fact, choosing to fight on another day when our spirit is high and our opponent is feeling down can actually increase our chances of success.

This principle applies not only to war but also to building habits and trying to succeed in life. It's important to know when to say no and to focus on building one habit at a time. Trying to build too many habits at once can lead to overwhelm and burnout, making it harder to achieve our goals. Instead, we should focus on locking in our no behaviors and routines, one step at a time.

Knowing when to fight is half the battle. The other half is knowing when not to fight. It's a delicate balance that requires self-awareness, patience, and a willingness to let go of our ego. Winning doesn't always mean being the strongest, the fastest, or the smartest. Sometimes, it means being the wisest and the most strategic.

Sun Tzu Lesson #3: Know Yourself before Knowing the Enemy

Sun Tzu believed that knowing oneself is the foundation of success. You need to have a realistic view of yourself, your strengths, and your weaknesses. You need to be aware of your habits and behaviors that can either help or hinder your progress. Therefore, the first habit you need to develop is self-awareness.

Self-awareness is the ability to monitor your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors and understand how they affect your performance. To develop self-awareness, you need to practice mindfulness, reflection, and feedback. You can start by setting aside some time every day to reflect on your actions and emotions and identify patterns that need improvement. You can also seek feedback from others, such as mentors, coaches, or peers, to get an outside perspective on your strengths and weaknesses.

Sun Tzu also emphasized the importance of studying your opponents. For example, if you are an entrepreneur, your opponents are your competitors, market trends, and customer needs.

To stay ahead of the game, you need to develop the habit of continuous learning.

Continuous learning is the process of acquiring new skills and insights to improve your performance and stay relevant in your industry. You can attend workshops, conferences, and seminars, read books and articles, or listen to podcasts and webinars. You can also network with other entrepreneurs and experts in your field and learn from their experiences and insights.

Sun Tzu also believed that preparation is the key to success. As an entrepreneur, you need to develop the habit of discipline to prepare yourself for the challenges and opportunities that come your way.

Discipline is the ability to stay focused, organized, and committed to your goals and plans. To prepare yourself for the challenges and opportunities that come your way, you need to develop the habit of discipline. You can start by setting clear goals, creating a plan, and sticking to it. You need to prioritize your tasks, manage your time effectively, and avoid distractions. You also need to develop a strong work ethic, persevere through setbacks, and learn from failures.

Conclusion

By focusing on winning the easy battles first, knowing when to fight and when not to, and understanding oneself and one's opponents, individuals can develop a strategic approach to habit formation that maximizes their chances of success. It's important to remember that success doesn't always require sheer force and willpower, but rather a smart, strategic approach that takes into account the individual's strengths and weaknesses, the environment they operate in, and the challenges and opportunities they face. With discipline, self-awareness, and continuous learning, anyone can apply Sun Tzu's timeless wisdom to improve their habits and achieve their goals.