The combination of behavioural science and the principles from Wing Chun Kungfu is both fascinating and powerful. These disciplines complement each other on multiple levels, from awareness and flexibility to strategic action and emotional control. They help us understand our behaviour and reactions more deeply and align more closely with our environment and goals.

In Wing Chun, you learn that force against force is often ineffective. When you encounter an obstacle, it is not about continuing to push forward, but about letting go, adapting and transforming. This reflects a core principle of behavioural change: the ability to recognise when an old approach no longer works and be flexible enough to adjust your strategy.

Here are three key lessons we can apply, both in life and work:

1. Letting go of ineffective habits: We tend to hold on to old patterns simply because they are familiar. Wing Chun teaches us that resistance is not always the solution. Sometimes it is more effective to let go and embrace a new approach, without it meaning giving up.

2. Flexibility and adaptability: In Wing Chun, you adjust your movements to use the opponent's strength to your advantage. Similarly, we can see challenges in life as opportunities to refine our approach and become more effective. Behavioural science emphasises that resilience and adaptability are crucial for successful change.

3. Transformatie (reborn force): Both in Kungfu and in life, true power is about transformation. Just as in Wing Chun you can turn an opponent's strength to your advantage, behavioural science teaches us that obstacles can be catalysts for growth and transformation. Letting go of what has helped you in the past and embracing what you need now is the key to progress.

While it may sometimes seem that the only way forward is to break through an obstacle with force, true strength lies in the art of letting go, adapting and transforming.

Like Wing Chun, where the strength of others helps you become stronger, we can learn in life that letting go of what no longer serves us is important to move forward.

The start of a new week offers us the perfect opportunity to start anew and let go of old patterns. How will you use this Monday to be flexible, let go of what no longer serves you and take new steps towards your goals?

What step will you take today to move forward?

Claudia Harleman
Year of birth: 1989
Profession: Self-employed Entrepreneur/Owner: Incredible Future
Residence: The Hague