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.

402. Taxation

Study the tax laws. The most iniquitous tax you will ever pay is the one you impose on yourself (by failing to find out how to avoid it.) At the very lowest level of tax education, you should at least find out and list all the tax reliefs you can find. Then list the ones that definitely apply to you and enter them on your tax return. Next, find methods for applying the rest to yourself. Every day study a new loophole in the system and take a step towards benefiting from it. Seek to maximise the tax-deductible expenses in your life. Read a section of the Department of Finance website and the Revenue Commissioners website and take notes ! Every 6 months conduct an in-depth review of your tax situation. Vow never to pay a penny more in taxws than you have to. Keep your bookkeeper busy !