This post first appeared in the Warrior. Every Day. LinkedIn Newsletter on March 9, 2022.
Wealth
The warrior believes wealth comes in many forms. It can take the shape of money, assets, health, or human connections. In order to accomplish this principle, warriors are strategic, measured, resourceful, and generous.
Have you ever thought that being of service means that you shouldn’t be paid your worth or at all? Have you neglected your health only to find yourself paying higher medical bills or not enjoying life as much as you would like?
That is not warrior thinking. A warrior has a natural-born right to define and create wealth. While I may not want to actively pursue being a billionaire (I mean, if it landed in my lap I would accept it), I do want to be more than comfortable, healthy, and have incredible life experiences.
It’s more than okay to use your gift to create wealth for yourself and your family. Stop giving it away for free, for less than it’s worth, or not at all.
Awake
Not to be confused with being woke, a warrior is awake in their life. They take the time to reflect and are oftentimes present in the moment. Warriors are active mentally, spiritually, and physically.
For a warrior, there is no shame in caring for their mental health, setting boundaries, or protecting their energy. They are present in their life and make deliberate choices that move them forward. They understand that ‘no’ is a complete sentence.
Opportunities do not easily escape the warrior’s grasp because they stay ready to catch what the universe is throwing.
Raison d’Etre
The warrior has a reason for being, a purpose or drive. They know their assignment, or at the least, understand they have an assignment. A warrior living in their passion and purpose will not easily relinquish their energy to tomfoolery. Anything that does not serve their gift (or the other principles) is quickly vanquished. I call this the warrior’s quest.
When a warrior stands for something, they will not fall for anything.
Replenish
The warrior believes in resting, restoration, and healing. Do you know what else they do? Sleep! One cannot fulfill their Raison d’Etre if they are tired, weak, or weary. They do not subscribe to the “I’ll sleep when I’m dead mantra” because they know they will be dead a lot sooner if they don’t replenish physically, mentally, and emotionally.
When not fighting battles you will find the warrior at the spa, napping, checking in with their therapist, or at brunch enjoying bottomless mimosas.
Invictus
This is one of my favorite words. The arrangement of vowels and consonants exudes power and gravitas. The warrior is unconquerable. A loss on the battlefield is not a loss in life. They are impenetrable, resilient, and courageous. Though they experience fear, they don’t succumb to it.
It is this principle that makes manifest the warrior’s quest. It is also known as grit and sheer determination of will.
Original
Do you Boo! The warrior embraces their gift. They are unlike anyone else and they take joy in that. They believe in authenticity and vulnerability. A warrior is a unicorn who dares to flaunt its horn upon this stage we call life.
Let your freak flag fly and let all those who are on your team pledge allegiance. Life is too short and far too interesting to spend it being someone complete strangers think you should be. Be the unicorn!
(And by the way, those strangers are pretending to be someone else for a different set of strangers. Let that sink in).
Reverent
The warrior holds fast to their code or ethos. They are not easily bribed or tempted. Warriors are accountable, responsible, demonstrate integrity, and above all, loyalty.
What is your north star? Do you have a moral compass? A warrior possesses a set of values that they will not compromise. The only time those values become threatened is when it involves a dilemma of someone they care for deeply. Otherwise, money nor power will easily sway the warrior to turn their back on what they believe to be right.
A warrior holds fast to truth, integrity, and a higher power that guides them.
In case you missed the pattern, let me recap it for you.
Wealth
Awake
Raison d’Etre
Replenish
Invictus
Original
Reverent
To be a warrior is not the exception, it’s the rule.