“Be like water making its way through cracks. Do not be assertive, but adjust to the object, and you shall find a way around or through it. If nothing within you stays rigid, outward things will disclose themselves.“

People say that you should be strong like a rock. But no matter how strong a rock is you can always break it. Whether by one strong force or many little ones. It’s also rigid, unable to adapt to a changing environment or move quickly if necessary.

Being like water is much better. No matter what hits you, you absorb it and reform. You move around obstacles quickly and smoothly. You adapt to the environment in whatever way is necessary to move forward towards your goal.

Life is going to put all kinds of obstacles in your path. The way to handle it and make progress is to constantly adapt (like water), not just stand there, stuck in your ways, without adapting to the changing environment (like a rock). Be like water my friend.

“Don't fear failure. — Not failure, but low aim, is the crime. In great attempts it is glorious even to fail.”

It’s never bad to fail. When you fail it means:

• You exercised courage, which builds your confidence over time

• You gave yourself a chance to win. If you didn’t try you’d have a 0% chance of winning

• You learned from the experience what not to do next time

If you don’t try then you don’t get any of those benefits. Plus, what’s the point of life if you never take a shot at what you want.

“Be happy, but never satisfied.”

It doesn’t make sense to be satisfied when you’re poor, not physically fit, or in general not doing your best. You haven’t reached your full potential, so you should definitely keep pushing.

But happiness is important too. Life is short so you should enjoy every moment, especially the moments when you’re working towards your full potential. Smile, take it all in, and have fun.

In summary: enjoy life, but never give up and always keep moving forward.