31. To be near the goal while the enemy is still far from it, to wait at ease while the enemy is toiling and struggling, to be well-fed while the enemy is famished: this is the art of husbanding one’s strength.

以近待遠以佚待勞以飽待飢此治力者也

Sun Tzu

In warfare, it is important to conserve and manage one’s resources and strength, so that they can be used to maximum effect when the time comes to engage the enemy. This means being in a position of advantage relative to the enemy, such as being closer to the goal or being better supplied, so that one can strike when the enemy is vulnerable. In other words, the quote is emphasizing the importance of careful planning and strategic thinking in order to achieve victory in battle.

In business, when you are strong and your competitor is struggling, it can be beneficial to let them continue to struggle in order to further weaken them before going after their market: this is the art of conserving your energy.

The art of conserving your energy, in the context of business, refers to the strategy of managing and prioritizing your resources in order to use them effectively and efficiently. When you are strong in the market and your competitor is struggling, it can be tempting to immediately take advantage of their weakness and move in on their market. However, this approach can be risky and costly, as it may require you to expend a lot of energy and resources in order to succeed.

Instead, by waiting and letting your competitor continue to struggle, you can conserve your energy and resources for when you eventually move in on their market. This approach allows you to focus on other tasks and priorities, and it gives you time to build up your strength and prepare for the challenges that you will face. Additionally, by letting your competitor struggle, you may be able to further weaken them and make it easier for you to succeed when you eventually move in on their market.

Overall, the art of conserving your energy in business involves carefully managing and prioritizing your resources in order to achieve your goals with minimal effort and resistance. By waiting and letting your competitors struggle, you can build up your strength and position yourself for success, while also giving your competitors time to weaken themselves. This approach can help you achieve your goals with greater ease and efficiency, and it can give you a significant advantage over your competitors.

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