Great Conqueror: William the Conqueror

Greetings Readers,

The Crown is Mine! Accept my rule or face the blade!

This is how I imagine William the Conqueror addressed the Saxons before the legendary Battle of Hastings.

It’s really what I hope he said because this man was the stuff of legend.

Imagine standing on the beautiful shores of Normandy in 1066, watching as William prepared to launch an audacious invasion across the English Channel. This wasn’t some random raid, but a high-stakes gamble to claim the English throne from a thief!

For William, this wasn’t just a conquest; it was his destiny, ripe for the taking.

He’d either win the crown or witness the Norman legacy vanish from the history books.

So, without a doubt, he set forth on his voyage to England—and into history itself—in this edition of Great Conquerors.

William won the Battle of Hastings by employing the feigned retreat tactic. His forces pretended to flee in panic multiple times, luring the English soldiers into breaking their shield wall formation to pursue them. This maneuver created gaps in the English lines, which allowed the Norman cavalry to turn and cut down the pursuing soldiers. Through this strategy, William was able to decisively defeat the army of King Harold Godwinson.

Establish Systems 

After establishing control over England, William commissioned the Domesday Book in 1086, an exhaustive survey of his kingdom. This remarkable document was used to assess and record the wealth and assets of his subjects, establishing a system for tax collection that would become a cornerstone of English administration.

The Value:

Here’s one of those lessons you’d usually pick up from an expensive coaching seminar:

 build a system to help you get things done.

Often, our biggest barrier to productivity is the “unconscious field” within us. This manifests as distractions, difficulty concentrating, and persistent feelings of lethargy.

The unconscious thrives in the absence of clarity—so embody clarity by implementing simple systems.

Start with straightforward, step-by-step guides for each task. When you have a clear structure, you reduce unnecessary effort and prevent the unconscious field from creeping in.

Let’s take writing an essay as an example. This can easily become overwhelming, leading to distractions [the unconscious field].

To avoid this, break the essay down into a structured system. This will allow you to focus on the process instead of the daunting task as a whole.

1. Define Modules: Think of the essay in stages—such as idea generation, outlining, drafting, and editing. Each of these stages becomes a distinct “module” within your system.

2. Create Environment Cues: Set up your workspace to reflect the module you’re working on. For idea generation, have a whiteboard in front of you. Surround yourself with notes, prompts, or visuals that align with this creative phase.

3. Separate Modules Physically and Mentally: Transition consciously between each stage of the system. This separation helps you focus on the current step, preventing the mind from jumping ahead and feeling overwhelmed.

By following a system, you’re more focused on the work itself rather than the end result (karma yoga). This shift in focus reduces the influence of the unconscious field and helps you stay engaged in the task at hand. Eventually, you won’t see the tasks—you’ll see the systems that guarantee progress.

Lead with Purpose

Purpose drove William across the stormy, treacherous English Channel. Fueled by this singular focus, he set out to etch his name into the annals of history. His actions laid the foundation for the Norman dynasty, a force that would reshape the medieval world and send ripples through the centuries.

The Value:

Following our purpose is an innate, hardwired desire within us. For the Duke of Normandy, this purpose drove him across the stormy English Channel.

For others, purpose may call them to far different horizons: the pursuit of knowledge, the creation of art, the forging of relationships, or the building of communities. Its expression is as diverse as humanity itself.

Purpose is not static; it shifts and evolves as we grapple with it, shaped by our experiences, failures, and triumphs. At times, it may feel clear and unwavering, like a beacon guiding us through life’s storms. At other times, it may seem elusive or even distant, challenging us to re-examine our values, passions, and motivations. Yet this fluidity is what makes purpose so powerful—it grows alongside us, adapting to the seasons of our lives and pushing us toward new frontiers we may never have imagined.

To follow one’s purpose is what life is all about! Never ignore it—embrace the journey that purpose takes you on with open arms.

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*Details in the edition of Great Conquerors were embellished for dramatic effect.