It seems counter-intuitive to discover peaceful guidance in the life of someone who clobbered people for a living. But through his experiences, Muhammad Ali shared a thoughtful perspective with the world. Boxing was his physical outlet. Thus, in spite of the inevitable violence that came along with the passion for his sport, we recognize Ali’s outlook on life as one of thoughtfulness and personal transformation. As the world says good-bye to “The Greatest,” we can take a moment to reflect on his insights and how we can apply them to our own lives.
“Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.”
Carry yourself with grace, but pursue your goals with powerful intention. Have a strategy to achieve your ambitions. Don’t be a doormat.
“He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.”
Risks lead to rewards. Push your boundaries. Do what scares you. You’ll live a fuller life with more prospects for success.
“The man who views the world at 50 the same as he did at 20 has wasted 30 years of his life.”
Always grow. Look for opportunities to develop personally, and seek out spiritual transformation. Don’t let yourself get stuck in one way of thinking.
“I am the greatest, I said that even before I knew I was.”
Believe in yourself. Get out of your comfort zone, and work towards personal transformation. Fake it ‘til you make it. If you really want something, believing in yourself is the first step to success.
“I know where I’m going and I know the truth, and I don’t have to be what you want me to be. I’m free to be what I want.”
Stop being concerned with what other people think. It’s exhausting and unproductive. You need to be you. Taking your positive self-talk more seriously than irrelevant outside sources will get you closer to accomplishing what it is you want to accomplish.
“The man who has no imagination has no wings.”
Creativity is a gift and a necessity. You can achieve greatness with originality. Don’t lose your childlike desire for wonder, by trudging through adulthood.
“It isn’t the mountains ahead to climb that wear you out; it’s the pebble in your shoe.”
You’re your own worst enemy. The difficulty of your goals is not what stops you, but rather the self-doubt you carry around. Don’t stand in your own way.
“It’s just a job. Grass grows, birds fly, waves pound the sand. I beat people up.”
Don’t let one aspect of your life define you. You are a beautiful human with a multitude of qualities. You’re going to be you, just as the sun rises and sets. So, embrace it.
The Takeaways:
Believe in yourself. Lead a life of truthfulness and creativity, and always seek out opportunities that will be personally and spiritually transformative. Be true to yourself, and achieve great things.
Rose Caiola
Inspired. Rewired.
