The Warrior's Path

Quoted from the book The Craft of the Warrior by Robert L Spencer. I hope I am not breaching copyright but as you can read a fair chunk of the book here, I am hoping it is OK to share some of it [from p 25 onward - my edits].

What does it mean to be a warrior? How does one's life and character change when a warrior's path is taken? Not everyone will have the gumption to take that path. It is demanding and calls for its travelers to reorganize their actions, thoughts, feelings and perceptions that will make them different from most of the people around them.

Many options are available for the person looking for a path. The key factor seems to lie in choosing a path based on whom you are in essence and in finding a way that is suitable for your interest, enjoyment and development. If a path has heart for you, if following it strengthens you and makes a joyful journey - even while requiring discipline - then you have already begun to live like a warrior.

Taking the warrior's path with heart requires strategic living. This means that the warrior is committed to her path and adjust her activities and her life to further that commitment. A warrior's strategy is designed to bring her commitment into action, develop her being, and enhance her knowledge. Living strategically requires the warrior to eliminate impulsive, whimsical actions and cease being a slave to her likes and dislikes.

It is the chief characteristic of an impeccable warrior that she lives strategically, never does things by halves, prepares meticulously in advance, and enters the the battle knowing what risks she is taking.