The fact is that the trials of a Jedi to become a Knight describe some of the trials awaiting entrepreneurs, those trying to push the boundaries and in fact most people. For some this could be a warning. To others it could be a bit of entertainment. Either way works for me. Enjoy.
Trial of Skill
"The Trial of Skill usually consisted of a lightsaber duel with an adversary, or displaying particular skill in Force applications. The apprentice had to be sufficiently trained as a warrior, proving a working knowledge with the Force and basic mastery of lightsaber combat. Training for this trial was usually based on lightsaber combat training. "
The skills of any entrepreneur will be tested on an almost daily basis. Those skills are why you are the one to be doing this. Resource management, capitalizing on opportunities, effective communication and leadership are just a few of what you might have that you, or others, think makes you qualified.
Since you know it is coming, in some form, prepare. Any one of your skills could be tested at any time. Usually it will be more than one at a time. So, practice, make mistakes and learn from them. Better yet, learn from the mistakes of others while learning from your own. That way, when the trials of skill come, you can succeed.
Trial of the Flesh
"The Trial of the Flesh involved the apprentice overcoming great physical pain, hardship, or loss. It could also test the Jedi's mastery of detachment from physical pleasure and people."
Sacrifices will come. Sometimes the sacrifice is for the business. Sometimes it is of the business. These are the lose-lose situations that nobody likes to face. Deciding which path to take at those times tests your priorities and ability to judge what is most important.
Preparing for this entails back-up plans and considering what you'd be willing to give up. Which is more important; a promotion and pay raise or time spent with your family? While many have advice, the choice is yours. Taking some time to think about it before the trials come can lessen the pain of sacrifice.
Trial of Courage
"To pass the Trial of Courage, apprentices would fight courageously in battle, complete missions with a low chance of survival, or defeat a superior enemy."
Hope is an interesting thing, just like faith. Both shine brightest when the situation looks the most bleak. While it is true that you may have to consider changing your plans, never fully give up. You don't know what tomorrow will bring, so you don't know who might have noticed your efforts and decided to take an interest in you.
This one is tough to prepare for in a normal way. The truth is that fear will come, as will the hard times. Practice with the small problems that come up. Be willing to take a hit from time to time and look foolish. Else, when the big challenges come you could be in trouble. After all, there is a point where you don't know if you can do the job. What then?
Trial of the Spirit
"To pass the Trial of the Spirit, apprentices had to look deep within themselves, on a quest of self-discovery. Often times, apprentices did not like what they saw, and it could be a highly traumatic experience."
Everybody not only has flaws, but makes mistakes. Who you are is a part of what you do, and therefore is a serious matter for any entrepreneur to consider. How do you handle loss, failure, betrayal and the many other not so pleasant parts of life. How do you handle the good times? Sometimes success is what kills a business venture, because it isn't handled well.
This is between you and yourself, but help can increase the speed and effectiveness, if it is quality help and you're willing to receive it. It's far easier to gloss over your own flaws and attack another person's, however, that doesn't benefit you near as much. Just like the rest of your efforts as an entrepreneur, so must you continue to improve yourself and how you deal with the world. Any flaw is a chance to improve.
The Jedi Code
What kind of personal codes, ethics, morals or personal rules you abide by are important. It's a part of preparing for and dealing with the trials. Personally, I like the old version of the Jedi Code.
"Emotion, yet peace.
Ignorance, yet knowledge.
Passion, yet serenity.
Chaos, yet harmony.
Death, yet the Force."
It acknowledges the problems and says that despite them the good exists. While I have my flaws, and always shall have flaws, I strive to improve. Having self control is a central part of my personal code and the Jedi code. Emotions, ignorance, passion, chaos and death can all get in the way of making good decisions. Oversight and miscommunication are but two of the problems they commonly cause that we have to deal with. When you know that trials are coming, you should be prepared, or preparing, to face them.
As a blogger, a computer scientist and somebody trying to improve education, I can honestly say that these trials are coming. As a computer science major, game designer and a person have I truly faced these trials. More will come. I hope somebody finds it helpful, or entertaining, and just think, all this came from a fantasy reality with spaceships, aliens and magic of a sort.
Have fun, spread the word and tell me what you think,
Igen Oukan
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