Attacking Through the Enemy
When deadlocked with an opponent who cannot make the first move, you must explode into them with resoluteness, attacking quickly and deliberately to break the stalemate and destroy the enemy by any means.
THE IDEA
ATTACKING THROUGH THE ENEMY
When you are in a situation where neither you nor the enemy seem able to make the opening needed for the kill, you must summon more resoluteness from within yourself to explode into the enemy’s face and body, again leaping in with quickness and deliberateness. Think only of destroying the enemy by any means necessary.
When to use it
In a deadlocked business negotiation, make a bold unconventional proposal to shift the dynamic.
During a military standoff, launch a surprise offensive to catch the enemy off guard.
In a competitive sport where both sides are playing cautiously, take an aggressive risk to create a scoring chance.
In a personal conflict where conversations go in circles, state your position firmly and propose a clear resolution path.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Business Negotiation Stalemate
Two companies are locked in a negotiation over a merger, with neither willing to concede on key terms. One side suddenly makes a bold, unexpected offer that changes the dynamics and forces the other to respond, breaking the deadlock.
Sports Match Tiebreaker
In a soccer game where both teams are playing defensively and no goals have been scored, a player decides to launch an aggressive solo run toward the goal, surprising the defense and creating a scoring opportunity.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
Think of a personal or professional situation where you felt stuck in a stalemate. How could you have 'attacked through the enemy' to break the impasse?
Under what conditions is this approach risky, and when is it most likely to succeed?
What mental barriers (e.g., fear of failure, overthinking) prevent people from taking decisive action when deadlocked?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Musashis book of five rings the definitive interpretation of Miyamoto Musashis classic book of strategy (Kaufman, SteveMiyamoto, Musashi)