Applying Classic Warrior Principles to Business and Life

Welcome back, Fellow Warriors! Our journey through the Warrior Mindset series has been nothing short of transformative. In Part 6, we explored practical tools to build resilience and toughness—tools like meditation, correct breathing, and physical training.

Today, in Part 7, we take our exploration even further by applying classic warrior principles to modern business and everyday life. The ancient wisdom of warriors like Sun Tzu and Machiavelli holds timeless lessons that can empower us to navigate the challenges we face today.

Applying Classic Warrior Principles to Business and Life

It might sound strange at first, but the principles that guided warriors on ancient battlefields can be just as useful in today’s boardrooms, classrooms, or even your daily life. I used to think that the idea of applying things like The Art of War to modern life was a little dramatic, honestly.

I’d see business professionals carrying around copies of Sun Tzu or quoting Machiavelli, and I’d roll my eyes, thinking, Come on, this isn’t a war zone. But the more I delved into these classic teachings, the more I realized: the warrior’s mindset can be applied to almost anything.

Whether you’re negotiating a contract, managing a team, or simply trying to make better decisions for your personal life, the lessons from these ancient warriors are timeless. And the best part? They work. Here’s how I’ve applied these principles in my life—and how you can too.

Lessons from The Art of War

One of the most famous warrior texts in history is The Art of War by Sun Tzu. It was written over 2,000 years ago, but its strategies are still taught in military academies and business schools around the world. And here’s why: it’s not about fighting harder—it’s about fighting smarter.

1. “Know the enemy and know yourself.”

This is probably the most well-known piece of advice from Sun Tzu, and it applies to almost everything. In business, in relationships, in life—knowing your strengths, weaknesses, and limitations is crucial.

If you understand your own motivations and the obstacles you face, you’re better equipped to handle whatever comes your way.

For example, when I was working on a big project that involved competing companies, I made it a point to understand what their strengths were. I asked myself, What are they good at? What do they struggle with?

At the same time, I assessed my own team’s skills and weaknesses. By knowing both sides, I was able to make smarter decisions and position my team in a way that played to our strengths while avoiding unnecessary conflicts.

The lesson here? Self-awareness is key. Whether you’re competing in business, managing a personal challenge, or trying to grow, you’ve got to know what you’re up against—and what tools you have to face it.

2. “The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.”

This one really hit me. It’s easy to think that being a warrior means always charging into battle, always fighting to the bitter end. But Sun Tzu taught that the best warriors win without ever having to fight at all. In other words, the best way to handle conflict is to avoid it whenever possible.

I’ve applied this in countless situations…especially at work. Early in my career, I thought that proving my point or “winning” an argument was the most important thing.

But the more I grew, the more I realized that diplomacy and collaboration are far more effective than conflict. Sometimes, the smartest move isn’t to fight but to find common ground.

For instance, instead of butting heads with a difficult colleague, I learned to understand their perspective and work toward a solution that benefited us both.

By “subduing the enemy without fighting,” I avoided unnecessary drama and created stronger working relationships. It’s a powerful principle: the true warrior wins without having to lift a sword.

3. “Opportunities multiply as they are seized.”

One of the most underrated aspects of the warrior mindset is the ability to spot opportunities and take action. Sun Tzu’s quote reminds me that sometimes, the hardest part is simply starting. Once you begin, doors open that you never saw before. The first step creates momentum, and from there, opportunities multiply.

I’ve seen this happen in my own life. A few years ago, I was hesitant to take on a side project. I didn’t feel ready, and I was nervous about stretching myself too thin. But when I finally said yes, it opened the door to more opportunities than I could have imagined.

That one project led to new clients, new connections, and new skills. It was a domino effect. By seizing the first opportunity, more followed.

The takeaway?

Don’t wait for everything to be perfect. Take the first step, and watch how many new paths open up in front of you.

Lessons from The Prince by Machiavelli

On the other side of the spectrum, you’ve got The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli. While The Art of War teaches the value of strategy and restraint, The Prince deals more with leadership, power, and influence.

Machiavelli’s advice can feel a bit ruthless at times, but there are some solid lessons to be learned, especially when it comes to navigating the complexities of business and personal leadership.

1. “Whosoever desires constant success must change his conduct with the times.”

Machiavelli was a master of adaptation. He knew that to remain successful, you have to be willing to evolve and adjust as circumstances change.

This lesson is as relevant today as it was 500 years ago—maybe even more so. In business and in life, things are constantly shifting. Technology changes. Industries evolve. Relationships grow and shift.

I experienced this firsthand when I was working in a field that was rapidly transforming due to technology. At first, I resisted the changes. I was comfortable with the old way of doing things, and I didn’t want to learn a whole new set of skills.

But once I embraced the changes and adapted, I found myself not just surviving, but thriving in the new environment.

The point here? Be flexible. Don’t get stuck in your ways. The most successful people are the ones who can pivot and adapt when things don’t go as planned.

2. “It is better to be feared than loved, if you cannot be both.”

Okay, this one’s controversial, and I’ll admit, I don’t agree with it 100%—at least not in a literal sense. But there is a lesson here about respect and boundaries.

Machiavelli isn’t telling us to be tyrants. He’s reminding us that, as leaders (whether in business or life), it’s important to establish boundaries and command respect. People may not always agree with you, but they should respect you.

In my experience, this boils down to one thing: integrity. When you act with integrity and hold yourself to a high standard, people may not always like your decisions, but they’ll respect you for making the tough calls.

This is especially important in leadership roles. You don’t need to be “feared,” but you do need to be respected. That respect comes from being firm, fair, and principled.

Applying These Lessons in Your Life

So, how do you apply these ancient principles in modern life? It’s actually simpler than it sounds. Here’s how I’ve done it, and how you can too:

1. Start With Self-Awareness – Know your strengths, weaknesses, and motivations. If you’re not sure, take the time to reflect. The more you understand yourself, the better equipped you’ll be to handle challenges.
2. Embrace Diplomacy – Not every battle is worth fighting. Learn to find common ground and work toward solutions that benefit everyone involved. Remember, the true warrior wins without fighting.
3. Adapt and Evolve – Be open to change. Whether it’s in your career, relationships, or personal growth, the ability to adapt is crucial. If you’re stuck in old patterns, it’s time to pivot.
4. Command Respect Through Integrity – You don’t need to be feared, but you do need to be respected. Lead with integrity, make the tough calls when necessary, and hold yourself to a high standard.

By applying these timeless principles, you can approach modern challenges with the same wisdom and strategy that guided ancient warriors. Whether you’re running a business, managing a team, or simply trying to grow as a person, the warrior mindset has lessons for everyone.

So, are you ready to bring these classic principles into your life?

Thank you for joining me as we explored how classic warrior principles can be applied to modern challenges.

Remember, the warrior mindset isn't just about the battle…it's about strategy, resilience, and adaptability in all areas of life.

If you’re eager to continue developing your warrior mentality, don't forget to grab your free report, "Secret Practices of a Corporate Warrior." And stay tuned for Part 8, where we’ll uncover even more powerful lessons to help you dominate both in business and life.

Until next time, keep embracing the warrior within!