Be Stubborn About Your Goals, and Flexible About Your Methods – Unknown (Widely Attributed to Asian Proverbs)
Created at: April 29, 2025
Be stubborn about your goals, and flexible about your methods. — Unknown but widely attributed to Asian proverbs
Clarity and Commitment to Purpose
This proverb urges unwavering commitment to one's ultimate objectives. Like the archer in Lao Tzu's *Tao Te Ching* (6th century BC), who must focus single-mindedly on the target, determination about one's goals helps maintain direction even when the path is uncertain or circuitous.
Adaptability in Strategy
While the end goal remains fixed, the methods to achieve it should be adaptable. Sun Tzu, in *The Art of War* (5th century BC), emphasizes tactical flexibility: 'In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.' This reflects the necessity for changing approaches based on circumstances, instead of rigidly following a single plan.
Resilience Through Trial and Error
Flexibility in methods allows for resilience, as failure of one method becomes an invitation to experiment, not a reason to quit. Thomas Edison, who famously tested thousands of materials before inventing a successful light bulb filament, exemplifies this principle ('I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.').
Growth Mindset and Lifelong Learning
A flexible attitude toward methods nurtures a growth mindset. In Japanese culture, the concept of 'kaizen'—continuous improvement—encourages constant incremental change in pursuit of excellence, as seen in Toyota's business practices. This openness to learning new ways helps achieve challenging goals.
Cultural Roots and Practical Wisdom
Although attributed as an 'Asian proverb,' this saying resonates with philosophical traditions across East Asia, particularly the adaptability prized in Confucian and Daoist thought. For instance, the bamboo bends with the wind but does not break—symbolizing flexibility without abandoning firm roots.