To Impress Your Attitude
Musashi’s lesson is to remain composed and avoid being led by an opponent’s attitude. Projecting conviction may influence the opponent’s judgment, while practice helps you maintain control of your own response.
THE IDEA
TO IMPRESS YOUR ATTITUDE
Attitudes are contagious. To impress your attitude on the enemy is to force him to think in terms that are to your advantage. When you understand your own abilities, you are able to pass them along to others in the same way a teacher can pass along correct and incorrect ideas and teachings. If you show the enemy that you are agitated then he may become calmer and, at that instant, attack with the utter resolve and conviction that will kill you. You must have success in your heart and mind in order to know whether information is true or false. If you cannot do this, then you must take the time to study further if you are so inclined. Do not be impressed by the enemy’s attitude. Remain calm even if he starts to attack. If you do not follow yourself, then you will certainly follow someone else. The whole idea of warfare is to beat the enemy. The strength and courage of your convictions is what will carry you through every time, regardless of the situation. You must understand this. Without hard study, how can you ever hope to acknowledge yourself as your own supreme master? This comes with long practice, study, and devotion to the art. The “spirit of the thing itself ” will reveal this to you. When you have imparted your attitudes to someone else, that person effectively becomes your follower. This is the Way of the warrior. When you do not discern the reality of the truth, then you become foolish. Do not rush yourself in your learning and do not expect to know what the master understands. In the case of an enemy, it is important that you control that person or you can be beaten in battle.
When to use it
During a competitive negotiation, maintaining a composed demeanor can cause the other party to second-guess their position.
In military tactics, displaying confidence and resolve can deter enemy aggression or create hesitation.
In leadership, a manager's calm and certain attitude can reduce team anxiety and improve focus during crises.
In personal conflicts, controlling your own attitude can prevent escalation and give you the upper hand in resolving disputes.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Negotiation tactic
In a high-stakes business negotiation, one party remains calm and confident, speaking deliberately. The other party, sensing this unshakable demeanor, begins to doubt their own position and makes concessions they had not planned.
Military engagement
A small unit displays unwavering resolve and aggressive posture, convincing a larger enemy force that they are a greater threat than they actually are, causing the enemy to hesitate and ultimately retreat.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
How can you intentionally project an attitude that influences others in a professional setting?
Recall a time when someone else's attitude swayed your decision-making—what happened and why?
What practices help you remain calm and self-controlled when facing an aggressive opponent?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Musashis book of five rings the definitive interpretation of Miyamoto Musashis classic book of strategy (Kaufman, SteveMiyamoto, Musashi)