122 - Bushidō Unleashed: How Musashi’s Samurai Code Can Win Your 9-to-5 Battles

Welcome back to the Getting After It podcast.

In this episode, I take you into the heart of one of history’s most disciplined warrior codes: Bushido, the code of the Samurai. But I don’t just talk about it—I bring it to life through the story of Miyamoto Musashi, Japan’s most legendary swordsman, a man who won 60 duels and once killed his opponent with a wooden oar.

At the end, I give you five practical exercises based on the Book of Five Rings to help you reflect, refine, and reforge yourself—just like Musashi did.

You don’t need to be a Samurai to live like one.

All you need is discipline, courage… and a willingness to face your fears head-on.

Key Learnings & Takeaways:

1. Declare Before You’re Ready - Musashi issued his first duel challenge at 13—with zero experience—and won. Declare your goal publicly, then schedule your first rep within 7 days. Courage follows commitment.

2. Honor the Two-Sword Method - He carried a long sword and a short one. You should too. Set one long-term goal and pair it with a daily micro habit. Ask yourself each morning: “How will today’s action defend my long-term mission?”

3. Use the Oar - Musashi beat one of the best swordsmen in Japan with a carved boat paddle. Find your unconventional asset. A story, a unique strength, or your voice. Rehearse it. Deploy it. Make the room flinch.

4. Lead With Service - Later in life, Musashi stopped chasing power and began teaching others. Strength shared is strength multiplied. Take one hour to teach someone who’s two steps behind you—no fee, no brag, just impact.

5. Reflect in the Void - Musashi ended his life meditating in silence, armor on, eyes east. Try the Five Rings Reflection: Spend 30 minutes every Sunday for 5 weeks focusing on:

• Earth (Foundations)
• Water (Adaptability)
• Fire (Controlled Aggression)
• Wind (Learning from Rivals)
• Void (Stillness)

7 Bushido Virtue Challenges:

Gi (Rectitude) | Revisit yesterday. Rewrite one decision you'd proudly read aloud.
Yu (Courage) | Do the hard thing you’ve been dodging. Send the email. Make the call. Take the step.
Jin (Benevolence) | Send a sincere thank you to someone who changed your life.
Rei (Respect) | Greet people by name. See them. Treat them like they matter—because they do.
Makoto (Honesty) | Record yourself naming your biggest flaw. Listen twice. Build a fix.
Meiyo (Honor) | Ask 3 trusted people for the first word they associate with your name. Adjust to earn the one you want.
Chugi (Loyalty) | Block out 3 hours for your mission this week. No phones. No multitasking. Just work.

If Musashi can face down demons with driftwood, you can face your fear with discipline.

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