Do you ever feel like there are two different versions of you fighting for the steering wheel?
One version wakes up on Monday morning ready to conquer the world, full of vision and discipline. The other version wants to hit the snooze button, scroll through social media for an hour, and focus on every reason why things might go wrong.
If you’re feeling that internal tug-of-war today, don’t worry, you’re not broken. You’re just human. In fact, you’re experiencing a fundamental struggle that has been documented for ages, most notably by the philosopher and healer Dr. Thurman Fleet.
In his seminal work Rays of the Dawn, Fleet describes this internal conflict as a battle for supremacy between two distinct parts of our nature: the carnal man and the spiritual man. Understanding this isn't just a "nice-to-have" philosophical exercise; it is the key to unlocking the courage you need to lead your life and your business this week.
The Two Voices: Who Is Running the Show?
Dr. Fleet explains that this isn't a one-time fight. It’s a constant dialogue happening inside your head. He writes:
"In the character make-up of each individual, we find the carnal man and the spiritual man constantly struggling for supremacy. The carnal man embodies all the destructive, worldly traits that tend to lower man's nature. The spiritual man represents all the attributes of the soul, which shine like a light to direct the soul on the upward path."
Think of the carnal man as your survival instinct gone haywire. It’s the voice of fear, greed, worry, and short-term gratification. It’s the part of you that reacts to a difficult email with anger or retreats into procrastination when a project feels too big. It wants to keep you small because small is "safe."
The spiritual man, however, is your higher self. It’s the voice of faith, hope, and, most importantly, courage. It’s the part of you that sees the bigger picture and understands that your business exists to serve a purpose beyond just surviving the week. It’s the light that directs you toward growth, even when the path is steep.
Why Self-Control is Your Greatest Power
Most people hear the words "self-control" or "discipline" and they immediately think of restriction. They think of a diet they hate, a schedule that feels like a prison, or suppressing their true feelings.
But Dr. Fleet flips this idea on its head. He argues that self-control is actually the highest form of self-expression.
According to Fleet, self-control and self-discipline are not forms of self-repression. Instead, they are "power for self-expression gained through the exercise of courage in overwhelming the destructive forces within ourselves."
Think about that for a second. When you choose not to lose your temper, when you choose not to give in to fear, you aren't holding yourself back. You are clearing the wreckage of the "carnal man" out of the way so that your true, powerful, spiritual self can finally speak.
It takes zero courage to be impulsive. It takes zero courage to be afraid. But it takes immense courage to tell the carnal voice to take a backseat so that you can express your vision with clarity and strength.
The Courage to Express, Not Repress
If you’re an entrepreneur, your business is an expression of who you are. If you are lead by fear (the carnal man), your business will look fearful. It will be reactive, stagnant, and defensive.
But if you have the courage to exercise self-discipline, you allow your "spiritual man" to lead. You become proactive, creative, and resilient. You aren't repressing your desires; you are refining them into a force that can actually build something of value.
How do you practically choose the spiritual voice when the carnal voice is screaming about deadlines, bills, or competition?
- Acknowledge the Noise: When you feel worry or anger rising, recognize it as the carnal man trying to take supremacy. Don't judge it; just name it.
- Invite the Light: Ask yourself: "What would the most courageous version of me do in this moment?" This simple question shifts the power back to your spiritual nature.
- Exercise the Muscle: Every time you choose the "upward path" over the destructive trait, you gain more power for self-expression. It gets easier with practice.
A Clear View for the Week Ahead
As you step into this week, remember that you are the commander of your internal forces. The struggle for supremacy is real, but the outcome is entirely up to you.
When you choose the spiritual path, the fog of the carnal mind begins to lift. You start to see opportunities where others see obstacles. You find peace in the middle of the storm because you know which voice you are listening to.
Don't let the carnal man convince you that being "realistic" means being fearful. Realism includes the fact that you have a spiritual nature capable of incredible courage and growth.
"Fate whispers to the warrior, 'You cannot withstand the storm.' The warrior whispers back, 'I am the storm.'"
This week, be the storm. Choose the voice that leads upward.
Did this resonate with you? If this perspective on internal courage helped you find your footing for the week, please Like, Comment, and Share this post. By sharing this high-quality intel, you're "planting a seed" that helps our entire community of entrepreneurs grow together. Let's help each other stay focused on the spiritual path and avoid the "cold" experience of the carnal struggle alone.
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