The Library

Chapter 15 - Preparing for Battle

The first step in awareness is figuring out what challenges you might face in the future. By knowing what is coming, you won’t be caught off guard, and you will be able to prepare for battle.

To start, figure out the triggers you are susceptible to based on what has challenged you in the past. The best way to do this is to document your battles. Keep a small notebook, and each time you are challenged, write it down. Try to answer the following questions:

• What was the situation? (Include anything relevant, such as the time and day of the week, the place, who was there, and anything else that might have contributed to the challenge.)
• What caused the desire? (Write what you saw, thought about, experienced, or were able to do that awakened your desires. But be sure to use veiled language; see Chapter 42.)
• Did you act on your desires? If so, how do you feel about your decision now that the challenge is over? Was giving in worth it?

Also, consider writing the steps you will take to ensure that it will not happen again.

After a short time, you will have enough material to start. Use this information to figure out what sets off your desires and what you must prepare for.

Please don’t skip this step. Writing it down is necessary for developing awareness, and awareness is crucial if you want to get anywhere. Some people might feel lazy or uncomfortable putting this information into writing, and they should at least answer these questions in their minds the day after the challenge occurs. But seriously, write it down. It can mean the difference between success and failure.