When life goes smoothly, it’s easy to fall into bad habits. That’s why it’s essential to keep an eye on three key behaviors that, if neglected, can quickly steer you toward disaster. During times of prosperity and calm, it’s not just a good idea, but it’s essential to stay vigilant, for it’s in these peaceful moments that complacency can take root.
3 ways to avert disaster
1. Showing off can lead to disaster
In Li Ka-Shing’s Hong Kong office hangs a pair of words by Zeng Guofan, a figure greatly admired by Li: “Never dare to slack off for a day, never dare to be careless in anything; keep a heart of awe, do not be complacent.”
It’s easy to fall into the trap of complacency, where even the slightest taste of success can lead to arrogance and showing oneself off. With each small victory, there’s a risk of becoming complacent, thinking we’ve reached a pinnacle where further effort is unnecessary.
This complacency can then manifest in arrogant behavior, where you feel entitled to flaunt your achievements and look down on those who haven’t achieved similar success. Such arrogance not only hurts and alienates others, but also creates a false sense of invincibility, leaving you unprepared for, and perhaps even unwilling to face, the challenges that lie ahead.
When interacting with others, resisting the temptation to let even minor successes inflate your ego is vital. Remember, the sharper your edge, the more vulnerable you are to being struck. Hence, cultivating modesty can serve as a shield against potential disasters. Success hinges not on flaunting superiority, but on achieving results with humility and grace.
2. Avoid the trap of laziness
Guo Ziyi, a renowned general of the Tang Dynasty, etched his name into history through numerous triumphs, notably in quelling the An Shi Rebellion. He imparted a timeless a gem of wisdom to his subordinates, emphasizing: “Warfare cannot tolerate laziness. Those who are lazy will surely fail.” Diligence was his path to success.
Guo served as a general and a minister for over 30 years, receiving the trust and favor of four emperors. Later generations praised him as “achieving great deeds without being doubted by the rulers.” His proactive spirit of hard work and perseverance led him to wealth, longevity, and honor throughout his life.
Some people achieve some measure of success and become proud and complacent; laziness develops, and they no longer think about making further progress. Being content with a small fortune or bit of success can easily lead to stagnancy, ultimately culminating in failure. As you become entrenched in your comfort zone, your once-thriving accomplishments may falter, paving the way for significant setbacks and losing your hard-earned success.
In the goal of self-improvement, diligence is paramount, especially in times of prosperity. Like rowing against the current, progress demands continuous effort, while standing still inevitably leads to regression. Only by maintaining steadfast commitment and avoiding laziness can you achieve great success.
3. Do not act without self-restraint
Huang Shigong was Zhang Liang’s teacher and a recognized sage by the world. In his book The Three Strategies, he said something that reflects his great wisdom in dealing with people: “Showing weakness is not weak, and showing off strength is not strong.”
When confronted with limitations in strength, choosing to yield demonstrates wisdom rather than cowardice. It not only averts needless conflicts, but also helps ensure your well-being as well as the well-being of others, while also opening doors to success. Conversely, the tendency to display your strength for the sake of appearances often leads to eventual failure.
Take the example of Han Xin, who endured the humiliation of crawling between a ruffian’s legs; thanks to his humility and forbearance, he ascended to the ranks of a marquis and a general. Similarly, Gou Jian exemplified humility by serving his enemies, eventually avenging his grievances. By sidestepping needless confrontations and abstaining from displays of bravado, both men avoided disaster, and their righteous actions paved the way for the blessings that inevitably followed.
These ancient stories illustrate that embracing humility, diligence, and self-restraint guides you through life’s calm waters, shielding you from disaster and beckoning favorable outcomes. Keeping these virtues in mind, particularly during times of ease, secures your path to continued success.
Translated by Joseph Wu
