[LL]: Musashi’s 21 Laws to Build Unshakable Leadership
Hey Leader 🙌
In 1645, the world’s most feared samurai, Miyamoto Musashi, wrote The Dokkōdō, 21 principles to live and lead by.
He penned these on his deathbed with no fluff.Â
Just truth forged through blood, battles, and discipline.
Today, these laws serve as timeless leadership principles for those who dare to step above the noise and lead with moral authority.
Here are three standouts I coach my top leaders with:
- “Accept everything just the way it is.”
This isn’t surrender, it’s power. Stop wishing the market was easier, your team was different, or the economy more forgiving. Accept reality fast, then adapt even faster.
- “Do not, under any circumstances, depend on a partial feeling.”
Your gut will lie to you. Your feelings will fade. Your leadership must be built on clarity, not moods. Decide from principles, not pressure, and then go all in!
- “Respect Buddha and the gods without counting on their help.”
Translation? Take full ownership. Respect mentors, coaches, and divine guidance. But your business, your culture, and your results? That’s on you.
Musashi lived with radical discipline. He built mastery by saying no to distraction, ego, and comfort. That’s the real work of leadership.
So this week, I challenge you:
Pick one principle from The DokkĹŤdĹŤ.
Live it.
Lead from it.
Teach it to your team.
Because in the world of business, just like battle, your leadership principles are your edge.
Bryce Henson
CEO, Fit Body
The 5 Immutable Rules of Leadership
- Take Extreme Ownership: Everything is your responsibility—even when it’s not your fault.
- Put Your Oxygen Mask On First: Lead yourself before leading others.
- Wield Influence Through Moral Authority: People follow who you are, not what you say.
- It’s Not About You—Never Was, Never Will Be: Elevate others, build legacy.
- Turn Adversity Into Advantage: Pain is your power—use it.
