Napoleon described war in simple terms: Two armies are two bodies that clash and attempt to frighten each other. At impact, there is a moment of panic and it is that moment that the superior commander turns to his advantage.
Great commanders look for decision points. For it is bursts of energy directed at decisive points that break things wide open. They press and press and press and then, exactly when the situation seems hopeless–or, more likely, hopelessly deadlocked–they press once more.
In many battles, as in life, the two opposing forces will often reach a point of mutual exhaustion. It’s the one who rises the next morning after a long day of fighting and rallies, instead of retreating–the one who says, I intend to attack and whip them right here and now–who will carry victory home … intelligently.
The obstacle is not only turned upside down but used as a catapult.
* Source: The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday