412. Get a Grip and Keep it

Come to grips with everything in your gift and keep a firm grasp of it all, right down to the last and finest detail.

411. Remedies for a Bad Situation

Sometimes, when a bad situation has been allowed to build up it is necessary to apply more than one remedy in order to cure it. It may be necessary to apply the same remedy over and over until the situation is eliminated. Just because it didn't work the first time doesn't mean it won't work when it has been repeated.

410. The Practice of Red-Lining

Avoid red-lining. This is the practice of getting things done just barely in time or of spending nearly all your money and being broke just before pay-day. Make a budget for yourself for every month and live within it. Do 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10 year budgets. Revise and refine them regularly. Train yourself to live on 19 - 20% of your income and use the rest in accordance with the income allocation plan set out above.

409. The Life of a Highwayman

In Post No. 408 the advice was to secure at least one academic qualification. Always bear in mind a piece of wisdom from the Jewish tradition that goes like this : "The man who fails to give his son a trade is preparing him for the life of a highwayman." This means that you should give your son all the education and training needed so that he can make a decent living honestly and with integrity. In your case, you are studying horsemanship, matrial arts, drama, typing and rugby. These are all disciplines that can provide you with a good living if you teach them once you have become proficient in them. You should do the same for your sons and daughters.

408. Academic Qualifications

Whatever else you may do in life, make it a priority to secure for yourself at least one strong and solid academic qualification. Even if you eventually end up doing something completely diffeent, your qualification(s) will always be respected and can be worth, on average 15% extra income to you every year. This 15% extra could fund a very nice retirement for you if invested well from day # 1.

407. Your Own Agenda

In all cases, be crystal clear as to what your agnda is. Do everything to advance it and nothing to obstruct it. Have due regard to the season in which we live. Sometimes it is wiser NOT to speak your mind. If it harms your agenda, don't say it !

406. Understanding

Cultivate your innate ability to understand the demands of every situation

405. Symbols of Attainment

Whenever you achieve something or accede to power in some way, create a symbol to represent this fact. Symbols speak to the unconscious mind and are more powerful than words. When symbols are awarded to you such as gradings in the Martial Arts, belts, guruships, diplomas, degrees movie parts etc., consciously make time to go into your private place, your ashram or poustinia and contemplate these symbols, make this contemplation part of your daily ritual.

404. Being A Warrior

Be a brave warrior, courteous, chivalrous, kind and learned. Read, train and study all your life.

403. Act Swiftly, Act Decisively

Always act swiftly and decisively. Do not dither. In Martial Arts, when threatened, you have to decide whether to fight or surrender. If you decide to fight, know the sequence of moves you will make and commit 110% to them and see it through to the end. Adopt this philosophy in life and act decisively and swiftly once you have made your mind up.