How to Bring Elephants Over the Alps

My new guide, Litigation Domination: A Lawsuit Success Guide for Businesses and Professionals, shares seven actionable principles to help transform a dreaded lawsuit into an opportunity to advance your business objectives. One of the principles has to do with mindset.

Whether you’re the plaintiff or defendant, litigation can bog you down with stress and uncertainty. But what if you adopted what I call the “Warrior Spirit”—the transformative mindset of a champion? Don’t worry, I’m not about to get all woo here. I’m talking about reframing how you tackle the challenge litigation. Instead of viewing it as just an ordeal, embrace it as an opportunity.

Once Upon a Time

The legendary military commander Hannibal led the army of Carthage in one of its wars against Rome in the second century BC. Facing the daunting task of invading Italy, Hannibal made the bold decision to cross the Alps—a route considered impossible, especially with infantry, cavalry, and war elephants in tow. (You read that right—war elephants.)

When his generals protested that crossing the Alps with elephants was impossible, Hannibal is said to have replied, “I shall find a way or make a way.” Hannibal made a way, just as he said he would. In a stunning military achievement, he brought his army through the Alps—elephants and all. The successful crossing forced the Romans to defend their own territory and secured major gains for Carthage.

The Warrior Spirit

Hannibal embodies the champion’s mindset needed in litigation--the “Warrior Spirit.” When a lawsuit rears its head, many litigants—heck, many attorneys—get into a defense crouch. Their whole approach screams, “don’t hurt me!” The Warrior Spirit takes the opposite approach. It regards every situation as an arena to command, always making a way to achieve its objectives.

My guide talks about several ways to put the Warrior Spirit into action. Here are a few of them:

• ‍Find opportunities where others see obstacles. Every roadblock in litigation is a chance to outmaneuver your adversary. When setbacks occur, take the opportunity to reassess, adapt, and come back stronger. ‍
• Take calculated risks. Sometimes the best strategy involves an unexpected gambit. This doesn’t mean being reckless, but rather having the courage to pursue bold tactics when the potential rewards outweigh the risks. ‍
• Think outside the box—way outside. Outrageous, unconventional thinking can lead to breakthrough strategies. Hannibal brought those elephants over the Alps—what’s your game changing move?

My guide gets granular about the business objectives that can be achieved through litigation, offering a roadmap for success. True leaders don’t wait for solutions—they forge them. Opportunity-seeking, risk-taking, and unconventional thinking are the kinds of qualities that will make you an unstoppable force. By embracing the Warrior Spirit and applying the principles in Litigation Domination, you won’t just endure litigation—you’ll take control and dominate it.

Remember Hannibal’s words: “I shall find away or make a way.”

Download your copy to take control of your lawsuit.