July 13, 2025
Every day on Low Two Pair, I share a Thought of the Day and Question of the Day—a little food for thought, a little question that might make you think twice (or laugh out loud). Today’s pairing invites you to look in the mirror… and maybe over your shoulder, too. In this post, I unpack a timeless piece of battlefield wisdom and a question that might hit a little closer to home than expected.
Thought of the Day:
“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.” — Sun Tzu
I used to think this quote was strictly for war generals and fantasy nerds with plastic swords. But the older I get, the more I realize it applies to everything from office politics to inner demons.
The enemy isn’t always a person. Sometimes it’s procrastination, self-doubt, the snooze button, or that part of you that still believes you’ll start flossing “next week.” And knowing yourself? That’s a lifelong game of peekaboo. You think you know, and then, BAM, a moment of stress or joy shows you a whole new layer.
What I love about this quote is that it doesn’t promise victory. It promises confidence. When you truly understand the forces you’re up against, and the resources you’ve got inside, you stop being so scared of losing. You know your strengths, your blind spots, your go-to snacks under pressure. You’re not invincible, but you’re not afraid anymore.
If you’re curious how this idea connects to inner battles, check out this post about how you’re a villain, or this one on how your worst fears will come true.
Question of the Day:
Who is your best/worst enemy?
Now this is a juicy one. Because sometimes the answer is the same person.
Maybe your “worst enemy” is someone who once hurt you deeply—but they also made you stronger, wiser, more compassionate. Maybe your “best enemy” is a friend who challenges you constantly, keeps you honest, and drives you absolutely nuts in the process.
Or maybe… it’s you. Maybe your biggest competition, most frequent critic, and toughest opponent is staring back at you while you brush your teeth.
When I reflect on this, I think of a former coworker, let’s call him “Greg” who could turn any brainstorming session into a passive-aggressive Olympics. But looking back, his impossible standards forced me to step up my game. I hated it. I needed it. And now? I kind of appreciate it.
If you’re in the mood for more self-versus-self wrestling, read this post about how we sabotage ourselves before the race even starts.
Let’s Hear From You
Who’s your “best enemy”? Do you recognize your patterns of battle—internal or external? Drop your thoughts in the comments, or better yet, join the daily email list so you never miss a reflection like this.