A Collection of Posts by Ryan M. Maes...

"Onward, Christian soldiers,
marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus
going on before!
Christ, the royal Master,
leads against the foe;
Forward into battle,
see his banner go!"

— Hymn by Sabine Baring-Goul

Drawing from the wisdom of celebrated Prussian military general and theorist Carl von Clausewitz (1780-1831)—particularly insights from his seminal work "On War"—we recognize the enduring significance of his military strategies in the context of conventional masculinity.

As we face the challenges of being men, his teachings remain as relevant for us TODAY as they were then.

Vital in both military and personal arenas, let's examine SEVEN POTENT TIPS to effectively navigate and triumph in today's war on masculinity.

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Number One: "Luck Is What Happens When Preparation Meets Opportunity"

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"Luck counts, but you can't really count on luck—because luck favors the 'lucky'."

— The God Pill

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Let's consider the wisdom in this quote: "The end for which a soldier is recruited, clothed, armed, and trained, the whole object of his sleeping, eating, drinking, and marching is simply that he should fight at the right place and the right time." This sentiment deeply reflects the core of military life.

Yet it also imparts a universal message on the value of READINESS in all circumstances.

Today, men prioritize speed over thoroughness, ease over commitment, and comfort over consistency.

However, as soldiers exemplify, success hinges on PRIOR and PROPER preparation. Every aspect of their training aims not just to fight—

—but also to WIN.

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"I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times."

— Bruce Lee

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This level of preparation ensures that when the time comes, the soldier is not only present but EFFECTIVE.

Similarly, in our daily lives, thorough preparation makes the difference between success and failure. It equips us with the tools to face challenges, instills courage in our actions, and provides confidence in our decisions, ensuring we are READY when we show up.

The English writer Samuel Johnson said, "Competence leads to confidence, which leads to accomplishment."

Our ACCOMPLISHMENTS then demonstrate our competence, which further boosts our confidence, thus creating momentum: a VIRTUOUS CYCLE.

This positive feedback loop is no accident—

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"If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring success."

— Eccles. 10:10, NIV

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—because "luck," after all, is the intersection of PREPARATION and OPPORTUNITY.

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"The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the LORD."

— Prov. 21:31, ESV

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Number Two: Perfection Hinders Progress

Let's consider the following: "The enemy of a good plan is the dream of a perfect plan."

I'm sure I'm not alone when I admit that I need this reminder frequently. I tend to linger, waiting for PERFECTION, when what I desperately need to do is roll up my sleeves and BEGIN.

One of the most prevalent forms of self-sabotage I observe among men striving for excellence is their reluctance to take that initial step and START. Why? Because they're holding out for that perfect plan, that ideal moment when all the stars align.

EXCUSES!

The illusion of a perfect plan is just that: an ILLUSION.

Even high-virtue, accomplished, top-shelf men find themselves ensnared by this trap, afraid to be OUTSHINED by their past successes when, in reality, a good plan executed TODAY is better than a perfect plan executed tomorrow.

Remember, speed of implementation is your ally: "It is even better to act quickly and err than to hesitate until the time of action is past."

Often, the biggest hurdle is simply GETTING STARTED.

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Number Three: Don't Quit Too Soon

Many men assume half-hearted efforts are enough. "A small jump is easier than a large one, but no one wishing to cross a wide ditch would cross half of it first."

This quote makes an important distinction: Putting in partial effort is INEFFECTIVE when trying to achieve a lofty goal. Taking small, easy jumps won't get you across a wide ditch.

Many men striving for success eventually feel discouraged and give up TOO EARLY. They lack the discipline, persistence, and consistency required to build momentum and progress. Trying to jump halfway across a wide ditch is set up for failure; you'll likely fall short and get stuck.

Of course, reassessing and changing course—as well as the willingness to ADAPT and REINVENT yourself—often proves beneficial. However, very few men invest the necessary time, effort, and energy required before quitting.

Most men give up just before the finish line when things are most grueling—

—but sometimes all it takes is a little more SUFFERING, a little more GRIT. Sometimes, we just don't know how close we are. Sometimes…

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"Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after the other."

— Walter Elliot

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Before embarking on any endeavor, it is imperative to COUNT THE COST (Luke 14:28-29). "No one starts a war—or rather, no one in his senses ought to do so—without first being clear in his mind what he intends to achieve by that war and how he intends to conduct it."

Remember: HALFWAY EFFORTS inevitably lead to HALFWAY RESULTS.

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"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it."

— 1 Cor. 9:24, ESV

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Number Four: Study History

Here's a quote: "Examples from history make everything clear and furnish the best description of proof in the empirical sciences." This applies with more force and effect to the art of war than to any other.

Now, why is this relevant to average noncombatants like us?

Because it emphasizes the importance of studying both historical MISTAKES and VICTORIES.

You've probably heard the saying, "Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it." Ignoring historical blunders often leads to REPEATING them.

But it's equally crucial to examine historical VICTORIES. Those who disregard history's victories will have fewer victories of their own.

Again, those who IGNORE history's victories will achieve fewer of their own.

Here at "The God Pill," we firmly believe that "success leaves clues." This involves delving into the stories of successful, high-value men, studying these winning men, and LEARNING from their accomplishments to pave the way for accomplishments of our own.

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"For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope."

— Rom. 15:4. ESV

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Number Five: Good Things Come to Those Who Wait

Here's a quote: "The defensive form of warfare is intrinsically stronger than the offensive."

This observation emphasizes the importance of "strategic patience" as a core fundamental of successful military strategy and is akin to the broader life principle of DELAYED GRATIFICATION.

In the heat of battle, one might, through DISCIPLINE and SELF-CONTROL, delay an immediate response to wait for a more favorable opportunity that offers a greater strategic edge and advantage.

Similarly, in personal life, one might forgo instant gratifications, such as McDonald's, pornography, or harmful drugs, in anticipation of MORE FULFILLING future rewards like improved fitness, a stable relationship, or increased mental resilience through discipline.

Both concepts underscore the importance of foresight, restraint, and the ability to patiently endure short-term challenges, trade-offs, and sacrifices in pursuit of more significant and rewarding LONG-TERM GAINS.

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"For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory."

— 2 Cor. 4:17, KJV

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Number Six: Focus Is Power

Here's a quote: "Pursue one great decisive aim with force and determination."

Here's another, which relates: "There is no higher and simpler law of strategy than that of keeping one's forces concentrated."

One of the biggest challenges for men in the modern age is DISTRACTION. It involves chasing too many wants and aspirations, namely sex, drugs, and "rock 'n' roll."

But if you try to chase two rabbits, you end up catching NONE. Not only will you fail to catch either, but you'll become exhausted, frantic, and disoriented.

Men with LAZER FOCUS, who consciously DELAY GRATIFICATION, will consistently outperform and have an advantage over men who are random and scattered with their efforts, vision, and mission.

There is no higher and simpler law of strategy than keeping your FORCES concentrated, your ENERGY concentrated, and your FOCUS concentrated.

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"I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!"

— Rev. 3:15-16, NLT

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One of the most quoted lines from Bruce Lee is, "I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times." This quote emphasizes the importance of EXTREME FOCUS and a high level of PROFICIENCY.

So, I ask you: What is your clear vision for yourself? What is your "great decisive aim" as a man?

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"Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others."

— Jonathan Swift

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If you pursue ten different outcomes over ten different days, with ten different energy levels, and from ten different vantage points, people won't know what you're about; they won't know what you stand for. And women won't trust you because you're INCONGRUENT and all over the place.

It would be similar to conducting an active military campaign with your forces divided and scattered across enemy lines so that your soldiers are overwhelmed and isolated instead of FOCUSED and CONCENTRATED.

Again, I ask you: What do you want to be known for? What do you want to achieve? What does winning look like? How do you want to be remembered? Is winning ultimately just success with women, or is it MORE?

Do you want to conquer your past (Ps. 103:12)? Burn belly fat (1 Cor. 6:19-20)? Be more assertive (Prov. 28:1)? Gain confidence and respect (Heb. 4:16; Eph. 5:33)? Strengthen your walk with the Lord (Mic. 6:8)? Build generational wealth for you and your descendants (Prov. 13:22)? Or find a good wife more precious than rubies (Prov. 18:22; Prov. 31:10)?

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"Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes."

— Carl Jung

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Get clear on your vision and be ULTRA-SPECIFIC because "if you don't know where you're going, you'll end up someplace else," and "he who fails to plan is planning to fail."

Where do you want to be in three years, five years, or ten years? By defining that, you can align your course with your CONVICTIONS and your determination with DEDICATION.

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"Most people overestimate what they can accomplish in a year and underestimate what they can achieve in a decade!"

— Tony Robbins

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Remember: Focus is POWER—so "pursue one great decisive aim with force and determination."

This is a WAR ON MASCULINITY, and that's nothing to sneeze at.

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"Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil... Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established."

— Prov. 4:25-27; 16:3, ESV

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Number Seven: "Rejoice in Hope, Be Patient in Tribulation, Be Constant in Prayer"

"Two qualities are indispensable: first, an intellect that, even in the darkest hour, retains some glimmerings of the inner light which leads to truth; and second, the courage to follow this faint light wherever it may lead."

This profound truth underscores the essence of HOPE and its TRANSFORMATIVE power in our lives.

The first quality mentioned speaks to the resilience of the human spirit. Even in our DARKEST HOUR, there's a part of our intellect—a glimmer, a spark—that refuses to be extinguished. This spark embodies HOPE, reminding us that there's always a way out, an unseen solution, or a new perspective waiting to be discovered.

The second quality emphasizes the COURAGE required to chase that glimmer of hope. Recognizing the light is one thing, but boldly following it, especially when the path is unclear, requires immense BRAVERY.

Pursuing hope demands venturing into the unknown, taking risks, and conquering both CONSCIOUS and SUBCONSCIOUS fears. Yet this journey—fueled by the very hope we pursue—leads to profound TRUTHS and DISCOVERIES about ourselves, the world, and God's plan for us.

Romans 15:13 says, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him."

This trust—this hope—isn't just a fleeting emotion; it's our guiding light. It provides the clarity to see the truth and the courage to pursue it—even in the face of insurmountable odds—for the PURPOSE and PROMISE of a better tomorrow.

"Without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience."

— Heb. 11:6; Rom. 8:24-25, ESV

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