Mercenary and the commander

We all start out in business as mercenaries. 

Fighting for our next win. Our next paycheck. Relying on our skills and grit to survive. 

Mercenaries are strong tacticians motivated by money. 

They win battles through determination and skill.

But every mercenary faces the same harsh reality: 

You're only as good as your last fight. 

One misstep and you're out for good.

Because of that, mercenaries have short careers. 

They lack vision beyond the next skirmish… it’s about winning individual battles, not the war itself.

Commanders? They rise above the fray. 

The commander sees the big picture that individual soldiers can’t. 

Their view is long-term, focused on winning the war, not just the battle. 

So how does one go from swinging the sword to directing the army?

To go from mercenary to commander requires a total mindset shift. 

It starts with ambition. 

To shape outcomes, not just react to them.

To control the chessboard, not just be a pawn.

This requires relegating your role as a foot soldier. 

Stop relying on individual skills and strength alone. 

Develop your leadership abilities. 

Learn to guide and coordinate others.

Build your credibility. Share your vision. Draw others to your cause.

To learn how to allocate resources and guide others, you need to develop a different way of doing things.

It will require persuasion and authority. 

Mercenaries who end up having a long life are the ones who become the commanders. 

They're the ones who focus on changing that skill set, changing their mindset. 

They're the ones sitting on top of the hill, watching what's happening. Protected and insulated. 

Which path will you choose? 

The short-lived thrills of the mercenary? 

Or becoming the commander, directing the tides of war, and enjoying in the rewards?

The opportunity is yours.