ON THE DANGERS OF FEAR AND MAXIMAL EFFORTS

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for those of us in search of self improvement, walking a path of intended progress, in preparation for a war with an enemy who may never step forward, there are few natural measures or tests to quantify progress and capability. if we are to know, experience, or gauge improvement, we must construct our own battles and unknown scenarios to test our abilities and seek out the extent of our perceived limits. for those of us who are constantly hunting for hints of progress to validate our sacrifices, discomfort, and attention to detail it's only natural that we would want to know how far we can go and what we're truly capable of. through this desire to test ourselves a process of self knowledge occurs in which we become increasingly comfortable with going "all out" and holding nothing back. our fears of failure are replaced with a curiosity, some would say a need, to get to know what failure truly looks like. everyone knows the dark facade seen from miles away that so many avoid. that's easy to recognize. i'm talking about walking the moat, feeling the texture of the door, and slamming the heurtoir. you'll find the door unlocked, the desire to know was the only key needed. once inside examine it's inner workings, motives, and reasons for existence. revel in the place where knowledge is guarded and introspection is hidden. in seeking such treasures we're willing to sacrifice even more, and gamble on the outcome of our desire to conquer fear. in doing so we spend more time getting to know it, we invite it home for dinner, share dark secrets and in the end it all pays off. a new friend is ours. fear has been replaced by a previously unknown type of confidence and knowledge; an understanding that only with failure do we succeed. at this point an amazing and dangerous ability has been obtained. we have learned that discomfort is temporary, easy is pointless, and results are painful. congratulations, the ability to go beyond self preservation and release the body from it's life long enslavement by the mind, is a highly sought after tool within our trade. the true answers lie within responsible use of this weapon. for if it is overused, if the mind and body connection is broken too often, if the channels of physical feedback to mental action are blocked - then temporary or permanent self ruin may invite itself over, knock on your door, and get to know your inner workings. self destruction in the form of reduced, limited, or ceased efforts may become the byproduct of what was, and should have been, a symbiotic vehicle built for high speed navigation of the sustainability and progress super highway. conquer and befriend fear. but never forget why, in the very beginning, you thought twice about knocking.