The first element that we need to discuss is the element of earth. This element is the foundation for development in the other areas. If this is an element where you are naturally strong in the positive traits, you are well on your way, however, there is still work to be done. If this is an element that you have weaknesses in, then there is also work that needs to be done. Regardless, this is where we need to start to lay a solid foundation for accomplishment.

The element of earth represents all things that are solid and steady. This is the realm of the commander as well. The element of earth represents your ability to have vision. To see the bigger picture of things. Just as a general in the military needs to see the over all movement of troops on his side as well as enemy troops so that he can get a picture of what needs to be done to accomplish the goal at hand, you must know what your over all vision is. You must also know what you value and hold dear. The element of earth is about value. Some people value money and success while others value family. When setting any goal, you must know where your ethics and values are. Are you willing to walk on anyone to get what you want or, as I am assuming is true with you, are there things you absolutely will not do to get to where you want to go. Hopefully you come from a standpoint of ethics and morals that reflect goals and dreams that help people live better lives as you get what you want instead of hurting people so you can get what you want.

The element of earth is also about confidence and steadfast movement toward your goals. You must be confident about what you want and that you will get it. Earth represents the ability to stay on course even when the winds of life try to blow you around. Keeping your eye on the vision and making regular, constant progress is a trait of the element of earth. You must believe that you have what it takes to get there, as well as have belief that what you are going after is worth having. You must make a commitment to have what you want, and decide that nothing will get in your way. You must be strong and firm about this commitment. Take a mountain for example. A mountain needs no ones approval to do what it does, and it moves for nothing. It takes tons of work, and dynamite, to create a path through a mountain. It seeks no validation for its strenght, and you must become like a mountain.

In brief, the element of earth is about constant, steady progress. It's about knowing what you value and what you want and where you want to go and constantly making progress toward it while never taking your eye off the goal. It's about making a decision and sticking with it until the very end. These are all the positive traits of earth, but we need to be careful that we don't get stuck in the negative traits as they will begin to create negative results for us.

The negative traits of earth are stubbornness, defiance, and non-movement. If you know anyone who believes what they believe and refuse to hear any other point of view, then you know someone who has some of the negative traits of earth. These types of people are often labeled as stuck in the mud or a drag. They rarely change their position because this is what they believe or what they know and they are sticking to it. Sometimes this can be good, but one needs to be able to realize when what they are doing or thinking is not productive for what they want to create. People on the negative side of the earth element get stuck in a rut and have a very hard time seeing outside of it. These people have the hardest time when it comes to making changes. They prefer to stick to what they know because it is comfortable for them.