I Will Find a Way or Make One

These are the words uttered by the Carthaginian General Hannibal Barca during the Second Punic War. In the current military strategy, the characteristics of the offense can be attributed to the acronym CATS (concentration, audacity, tempo, and surprise). If you think about it, these are characteristics of cats. Hannibal was an early adopter of such a stratagem. However, no one could ever say that he lacked audacity. The Carthaginian army was known for their use of War Elephants during battle. The large animals were robust and were quite effective against the Roman Phalanx as well as Cavalry. Carthage was a city located on the Northern banks of what is now Tunisia. In 218 BC, Hannibal maneuvered his forces into the Alps in the northern part of Italy. Hannibal's Generals urged him to take a different route to get to Rome. Hannibal knew that if the Carthaginians were to achieve victory over the Romans they would need to employ unorthodox tactics. When confronted by his General’s resistance Hannibal said “I will find a way or make one.” His assumptions were correct as the Romans did not anticipate an attack from the north their forces were concentrated elsewhere. 

How to use this tactic in everyday life:

    We’re often told that something is impossible. Or we’re not supported by those around us. People often cast their shadows of doubt upon us. Because of their own fear, they tell us that it can’t be done. There are times to listen and then there are times to follow your heart. Sometimes having a well-directed defiant nature is a good thing. Sometimes you just have to concentrate your energy on victory. Hell or high water, you will achieve your goal!