The Samurai's Guide to Always Being at Your Best: Lessons from Ancient Stoicism and Online Writing

Aug 26, 2023

5 min read

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Introduction:

In today's fast-paced world, staying at our best and achieving success can feel like an uphill battle. However, by drawing inspiration from the wisdom of the samurai and incorporating the principles of ancient Stoicism and effective online writing, we can navigate life's challenges with resilience and achieve our goals. In this article, we will explore the common points between these two seemingly disparate realms and uncover actionable advice to help us always be at our best.

The Power of Preparation and Control:

One of the key lessons from the samurai is the importance of preparation and practice. Those who survive and thrive are the ones who prepare for the worst and practice ahead of time. This principle aligns with the Stoic concept of "negative visualization," which involves mentally preparing for potential challenges and setbacks. Research supports the idea that this visualization technique can help us maintain a sense of control, even in the face of adversity. By feeling in control, our cognitive functions remain intact, enabling us to make better decisions and perform at our best.

Feeling of Control and Good Luck Charms:

The perception of being in control is a significant driver of behavior. Anything that gives us a feeling of control over our situation can help us keep our cool. Interestingly, good luck charms or totems can provide this sense of control, leading to improved performance. Incorporating such charms or rituals into our daily lives can help us maintain a positive mindset and stay focused on our goals.

The Writer's Path to Success:

Writing has the power to unlock our potential and connect us with a global audience. Whether we are aspiring authors, journalists, or simply individuals with unique ideas to share, the path of online writing is accessible to everyone. By developing a consistent writing habit, we can tap into our personal monopoly, a unique online identity that guides us towards meaningful work and a life of freedom.

Actionable Advice:

1. Upgrade your Information Diet: Curate your sources and prioritize timeless wisdom over fleeting trends. Read essays and speeches that have stood the test of time, allowing yourself to access humanity's best thinking and broaden your own.

2. Practice the Capture Habit: Make it a habit to capture your thoughts, ideas, and observations. This can be done through note-taking, saving articles for later reading, or simply jotting down your reflections throughout the day. By capturing these moments, you become more observant and aware of your surroundings.

3. Build a Note-Taking System: Find a central location to store and organize your notes. The easier it is to search and retrieve information, the more efficiently you can utilize your notes for writing purposes. Remember, the goal is to write, not to have the perfect note-taking system. Start with a split-screen approach, where you have your notes on one side and a blank document on the other. As you add ideas to the document, patterns will emerge, guiding the structure of your piece.

The Feedback-Driven Approach:

The online writing landscape has evolved, with authors now sharing their ideas with readers along the way. This feedback-driven approach allows for refinement of ideas and building an audience simultaneously. James Clear's success with "Atomic Habits" exemplifies how engaging with readers and incorporating their feedback can lead to a more impactful book.

Actionable Advice:

1. Utilize the CRIBS Method: When seeking feedback, ask your editor to identify areas that are confusing, repetitive, interesting, surprising, or boring. These universal emotions can guide you in refining your writing and making it more engaging for readers.

2. Become a Genuine Member of the Community: Self-promotion is most effective when it is not self-centered. Take the time to engage with others, share their content, and build meaningful connections. By becoming an active member of the community, you can establish trust and expand your reach.

3. Focus on Email Lists: While social media platforms may provide initial exposure, the goal should be to drive people to your private platforms, such as your website or newsletter. Email lists offer recurring attention and allow for deeper connections with your audience. Consistently sending quality emails builds a loyal following and enhances your professional assets.

The Three Pillars of Effective Writing:

To ensure our writing resonates with others, we need to embrace the three pillars of effective writing: Personal, Observational, and Playful (POP). By revealing personal experiences and emotions, providing unique observations, and injecting a playful element, we can create engaging content.

Actionable Advice:

1. Embrace Personal Writing: Share intimate emotions and intense experiences to connect with readers on a deeper level. However, remember to distill the lessons from your personal stories to make them relevant to others.

2. Find Your Shiny Dime: Focus on a single point or idea in your writing. By compressing your message and rejecting unrelated ideas, you can create focused and impactful content.

3. Coin Catchy Phrases: Coined phrases, or lingual memes, can make your writing memorable and shareable. Aim for phrases that are surprising, ambiguous, visual, and fun. These phrases can act as viral marketing for your ideas.

Conclusion:

By combining the ancient wisdom of the samurai with the principles of effective online writing, we can cultivate resilience, achieve our goals, and always be at our best. Preparation, control, curated information consumption, consistent writing habits, and meaningful feedback are just a few of the strategies we can implement in our lives. Embracing personal, observational, and playful writing can help us connect with readers and make a lasting impact. So, let us embark on this journey of self-improvement and unleash our full potential.