yourself based on your actions, intentions, dedication, and commitment, irrespective of the results. However,
the World judges you based solely on the results of your performance—certainly the unfair reality of life. De
spite all your efforts, the results of your actions may not be to your liking and may not meet the World’s expec
tations. Be honest when evaluating yourself, take solace in knowing that you did your best, brace yourself to
endure the consequences, and move on.
As you struggle to balance the Sphere of Life, the World can set obstacles in the way of your progress. If
you want to reach your full potential and complete your mission successfully, follow these three important steps
to address such obstacles:
1. Engage our Maker with humility on its terms to ensure that your plans are aligned with Nature’s terms.
This move will boost your courage and confidence. It will also provide solid, fertile ground for your actions.
2. Evaluate and negotiate with yourself as objectively as possible. The most difficult step toward self
actualization is to understand that the only person you can trust to have your best interest at heart is you. To this
end, keep your body as healthy and strong as possible by paying attention to nutrition and physical fitness. Miti
gate any physical disabilities you may have by whatever means at your disposal. Adjust your expectations and
change direction to accommodate the reality of your physical self. Keep your brain clear of both legal and ille
gal drugs, since unnecessary substances can only weaken the body, dull the senses, and cloud the judgment.
Promote harmony in your mind through sound philosophical concepts that balance your emotions. Res
tive emotions interfere in the communication between the three divisions of the mind. For example, fear of fail
ure is like a death knell to your performance, whether you are an executive or an athlete. Fear of failure prevents
the intellect from retrieving learned skills from the instincts, thereby preventing a flawless and natural sequence
of thoughts or actions. In athletes, fear of failure is especially detrimental, because it shifts focus from actions to
results, causing a loss of rhythm, concentration, composure, and confidence. Fear of failure demands successful
results, an impossible guarantee.
To conquer fear of failure, we must focus on doing the right thing regardless of the consequences, which
we can celebrate or cope with later. Most of the time, fear of failure stems from overblown, brash, and adamant egos. Occasionally, it also stems from low self-esteem, lack of confidence, or a shortage of courage in the face
of the realities of life.
3. Negotiate with the World with a savvy and sensible attitude, on mutually beneficial terms. Do so, and
the World may even cooperate with you on your endeavors. Don’t expect opportunity to knock on your door.
You must seek out opportunity if you intend to be successful.
Developing Universal Sense is a lifelong process. Use the knowledge you gain from this philosophy to create a
system of checks and balances in your life. You must first achieve mental harmony if you are to be in command
of your performance. At times, such harmony may be difficult to maintain—especially if you struggle with ad
dictions, fears, and phobias—because you must convince your emotions to cooperate with your intellect and
your instincts. If you have attempted to balance your life to no avail, see Appendix A for an alternative medical
treatment that has been shown in my own practice to help conquer persistent emotional imbalances.
Universal Sense will guide you in coordinating the three dimensions of your existence—Nature, Self,
and the World. This simple and fundamental way of thinking can transform your life—freeing you from en
slavement to destructive habits, enabling you to rise above your disappointments, and emboldening you to em
brace your life and face your death without fear. Take life head-on, in good stride, and with enthusiasm. Finally,
if your performance—regardless of the results—brings a broad smile to your face, you will know you have be
come a truly successful individual. If the results of your performance bring you a feeling of satisfaction and
meet the World’s expectations, too, you may safely consider yourself one lucky individual!
[Take life head-on, in good stride, and with enthusiasm]