(I take my inspiration from martial arts)  I try to make every response to circumstance an opening into a bigger move.  Just as the most advanced martial artists do not seek to JUST damage, JUST off-balance, or JUST evade/block and instead do all at once when possible, I endeavor to approach life in the same way.

After a certain point, it is not enough to just endure setbacks or just pursue opportunities.  All pieces of an event should be used down to the marrow and gristle, constantly giving me the tools to become what I originally set out to be.