6 Ways on How to Think Like a Samurai to Master LIfe
Hi, I’m Gregg Swanson, a performance coach and adventurer. My journey spans disciplines…from practicing Bujinkan martial arts to conquering alpine peaks and thriving in high-stakes sales.
These experiences have shaped my philosophy: mental and spiritual strength are the keys to unlocking your potential.
Let’s dive into today’s topic and begin your journey of transformation…
How to Think Like a Samurai
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Introduction
Ever wondered what it takes to think like a samurai?
Imagine wielding unshakable mental strength, facing challenges with poise, and mastering your craft with relentless focus. Miyamoto Musashi, Japan’s legendary swordsman, left a legacy not just of martial prowess but of a mindset we can all learn from.
In this article, we’ll explore his philosophy and uncover actionable ways to apply his teachings to modern life. From the power of solitude to turning anxiety into an asset, Musashi’s wisdom offers profound lessons for navigating the complexities of the world today.
How to Become Like Miyamoto Musashi
Miyamoto Musashi didn’t just master the art of the sword…the mastered the art of life. He believed success came from discipline, strategy, and self-awareness. At the age of 13, he won his first duel, and by his late 20s, he had achieved an undefeated record. But his real legacy lies in his mindset, not just his victories.
Musashi’s philosophy, especially from his famous work The Book of Five Rings, emphasizes the importance of training both the body and the mind. He understood that excellence wasn’t about flashy techniques or brute strength but about a deep, unshakable mastery of the fundamentals.
This principle applies universally. For example, if you’re learning a new skill, it’s not about rushing to the advanced stuff but building a strong foundation and refining it over time.
Think Like a Samurai Actionable Tip: Start journaling your progress in any endeavor. Whether it’s fitness, a creative project, or a professional goal, reflect on what’s working and where you can improve. Musashi constantly analyzed his performances, and that self-awareness is what made him unstoppable.
The Power of the Loner
Musashi famously walked “The Way of Walking Alone,” a philosophy he summarized in his Dokkodo. But don’t confuse his solitude with isolation. Instead, he embraced solitude to clear the noise of the world and focus on his personal growth. In our hyper-connected age, solitude can feel daunting, but it’s a superpower if used wisely.
Think of it this way: being alone gives you the freedom to explore who you are without external influence. The most creative ideas or transformative decisions often come in moments of silence. When I first started dedicating “silent mornings” to journaling, I noticed a dramatic improvement in my clarity and decision-making.
Think Like a Samurai Actionable Tip: Schedule a weekly “solitude session.” Turn off your devices, step away from social obligations, and spend that time reflecting or pursuing a passion. Over time, you’ll notice a stronger sense of self and resilience, just as Musashi did.
How to Keep Going
Musashi’s journey wasn’t linear, nor was it easy. From his humble beginnings to becoming a ronin (a masterless samurai), he faced setbacks, including the loss of his parents and grueling battles. But he persevered by focusing on what he could control: his skill, his mindset, and his adaptability.
Perseverance isn’t just about pushing through adversity…it’s about learning from it. One of Musashi’s greatest duels, against Sasaki Kojiro, was a perfect example. Musashi used a wooden sword, seemingly an underdog choice, and defeated Kojiro by outsmarting him. It wasn’t brute force; it was strategy born from relentless preparation.
Think Like a Samurai Actionable Tip: When you face a setback, ask yourself: What’s the lesson here? Every failure contains a seed of growth. Like Musashi, treat challenges as teachers and approach each one with curiosity and grit.
How to Outsmart Everybody Else
Musashi believed battles were won long before the first strike. Preparation, observation, and strategy formed the backbone of his victories. He studied his opponents meticulously, identifying their strengths, weaknesses, and tendencies. This foresight allowed him to anticipate their moves and stay one step ahead.
In the modern world, this principle translates to strategic planning. Whether it’s negotiating a deal, preparing for a job interview, or starting a project, understanding the landscape and the players involved is key.
When I had a major presentation, I spent hours researching my audience’s pain points. That prep work helped me tailor my message, and the result? It resonated deeply.
Think Like a Samurai Actionable Tip: Conduct a “situational analysis” before tackling a challenge. Research, ask questions, and plan for contingencies. Success often comes to those who prepare better, not necessarily harder.
The Harder You Try, The Worse It Gets
This principle seems counterintuitive, but it’s one of Musashi’s most profound lessons. He believed in “doing nothing unnecessary”…a philosophy rooted in efficiency and flow. Overexertion often leads to burnout, frustration, and clouded judgment. Musashi’s ability to stay calm under pressure, even in life-or-death situations, stemmed from his relaxed readiness.
I’ve seen this firsthand. During a creative slump, I tried forcing ideas, but the harder I pushed, the less inspired I felt. It wasn’t until I stepped away and allowed my mind to wander that the breakthrough came. Musashi’s approach teaches us to trust the process and let go of excessive effort.
Think Like a Samurai Actionable Tip: Practice “active rest.” When you hit a wall, step back and engage in something rejuvenating…a walk, a hobby, or even a nap. Often, the solutions you’re chasing will appear naturally when your mind is relaxed.
How Anxiety Leads to Greatness
Musashi wasn’t immune to anxiety. Before every duel, he likely felt the same nerves and doubts we all do before major challenges. But instead of letting anxiety paralyze him, he transformed it into a tool. Anxiety made him sharper, more focused, and hyper-aware of his environment. It pushed him to prepare relentlessly.
Think of anxiety as your brain’s alarm system. It’s signaling that something matters. When I learned to reframe my own anxiety as a sign of growth, it stopped being my enemy and became an ally. Like Musashi, I started using it to anticipate challenges and prepare thoroughly.
Actionable Tip: Reframe your anxiety. Instead of seeing it as something to overcome, view it as fuel. When you feel anxious, channel that energy into preparation or action. Use the adrenaline to focus, not freeze.
Conclusion
Thinking like a samurai isn’t just about resilience or discipline—it’s about mastering your mind and approach to life. Miyamoto Musashi’s teachings show us that greatness lies in balancing effort and flow, embracing solitude, and turning our struggles into strengths.
Whether you’re navigating a personal challenge, striving for a goal, or seeking clarity in a chaotic world, the way of the samurai provides timeless guidance.
So, take a page from Musashi’s book.
Practice discipline, embrace solitude, and outsmart challenges with strategy and adaptability. With each step, you’ll inch closer to mastering not just your goals but yourself.
As Musashi said, “The way is in training.” Start today.
