A warrior always prepares themselves. If somehow, we knew that today was our last and that when we closed our eyes that it would be for good, what would we do differently? A warrior would try and live every moment to its fullest. Warriors don’t love death. On the contrary, they learn how to live knowing that they are going to die. Embracing life, a warrior would spend a few moments affirming their day and planning it out. In the Hagakure, Yamamoto Tsunetomo wrote, “Rehearse your death every morning and night. Only when you constantly live as though already dead will you be able to find freedom in the martial way and fulfill your duties without fault throughout your life.” This is not unlike a speech given by Admiral McRaven who advocated that making one’s beds is the first step towards changing the world. He said, “By making your bed, you will have accomplished the first task of the day.” This supports the idea that by preparing ourselves for our day, we can fully live and ultimately be successful. He also said, that “If by chance that you have a miserable day, you will come home to a bed that is already made, that you made, and a made bed gives you encouragement that tomorrow will be better.” By being prepared, a warrior not only sets themselves up to have a successful day, but it also ensures that there will be a tomorrow. In budo, they say, sonaearebaureinashi (備えあれば憂いなしなし) or that “If you fully prepare, you need not worry.” If today is your last day, don’t waste it. As Alice Earle once wrote, “The clock is running. Make most of today. Time waits for no man. Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That is why it is called the present.” Whether we like it or not, our clocks are ticking and that is why a warrior always prepares themselves.
Today’s goal: Today is the last day. What will you do?
Watch Admiral McRaven’s speech. The second one is the shortened version