If You Want To Become Powerful, You Have To Be Invincible
- by J. Khoo @ Mr Art of War
- Dec 2, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: Jul 7
Sun Tzu, in his Art of War, says if you want to be powerful, you have to be invincible.
Sun Tzu said,
Good fighters in the past put themselves in an invincible position and then waited for the opportunity to be victorious when the enemy was vulnerable.
When Sun Tzu talks about "Good fighters," he is referring to skillful, powerful commanders and generals.
To become powerful, they will first put themselves in an invincible position.
In "The Art of War," an invincible position means being so powerful that no enemy is able to defeat you, and you are able to defeat your enemy very easily without them even knowing.
What is a power? How to be powerful?
Power is a multi-concept that arises from various factors, enabling an individual to become formidable and influential, whether in the realms of business or personal life.
It is not merely a function of authority or control, but rather a combination of mindset, observation, mystery, and strategic deception that contributes to one's ability to navigate and dominate their environment effectively.
Let's discuss how one can be powerful.
Table of Contents:
Power comes from the mindset
The powerful observe, the weak talk.
Become powerful by being silent and mysterious.
Use deception as a tool to be powerful.
Power comes from alliances.
Powerful people have patience.
Power comes from the mindset
The foundation of power is deeply rooted in one's mindset. A powerful individual possesses the ability to view situations from a broad perspective, allowing them to grasp the complexities of various circumstances.
This expansive thinking is complemented by a profound depth of thought, which entails being open-minded while simultaneously paying attention to intricate details. Such a mindset fosters creativity and innovation, essential traits for success in any endeavor.
A powerful mindset is characterized by wisdom—the ability to discern truth from falsehood. In today's world, where misinformation is everywhere, having the capability to identify fake news and biased information is extremely valuable.
This discernment empowers a powerful person to make informed decisions based on factual information rather than succumbing to the noise of misleading narratives.
A powerful mindset is also characterized by clarity of thought, which is a crucial element.
When a person thinks clearly, they can assess situations accurately and make strategic decisions that lead to favorable outcomes.
This clarity enables them to evaluate risks, identify opportunities, and formulate effective strategies that propel them toward their goals.
The Powerful Observes, The Weak Talk
Powerful people focus and observe strategically. Observation is a silent yet potent source of power.
One does not need to be vocal or excessively active on social media to showcase their strength.
Instead, true power often lies in the ability to gather knowledge through careful observation. This strategic knowledge equips you with an advantage over others, whether in business maneuvers or personal gains.
To harness the power of observation, one must cultivate a keen awareness of their surroundings.
This involves using one's eyes and ears to absorb information, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics at play. Being attuned to the subtleties of human behavior and market trends can provide critical insights that inform decision-making.
What you need is to establish connections with individuals who can serve as your eyes and ears is a strategic move.
These connections can provide valuable feedback and insights into what is transpiring in various spheres, enhancing your ability to respond effectively to changes and challenges.
Become Powerful by Being Silent and Mysterious
Another essential part of being powerful is the ability to remain silent and mysterious. As Sun Tzu said in The Art of War, maintaining a degree of mystery is a powerful strategy.
By keeping one's plans and intentions to oneself, you can protect yourself from scrutiny and potential manipulation by others.
Sun Tzu says,
The supreme skill in commanding troops is the ability to be shapeless in command. Nobody knows your dispositions, and you will be safe from the prying eyes of the subtlest spies, from the plot of the wisest brains.
Refrain from sharing your ambitions and strategies with everyone in your circle, including family, friends, and team members.
Instead, one should selectively disclose information, revealing only what is necessary to facilitate progress.
This approach not only preserves the element of surprise but also prevents others from forming judgments or attempting to exploit your goals.
By cultivating an aura of mystery and speaking less, you create an environment where others are left guessing about your true intentions.
This strategic silence can be a formidable tool, as it prevents others from fully understanding your capabilities and can deter them from attempting to sabotage your work.
Use deception as a tool to be powerful
As Sun Tzu wisely noted, deception is a fundamental component of power and strategy.
In the context of competition, whether in warfare or business, the ability to mislead opponents about your true intentions can provide a significant advantage. When your enemies are uncertain about your next move, they are left vulnerable and unable to mount an effective response.
As Sun Tzu says,
All warfare is based on deception.
Keeping your enemies on the run and unsure of your position is a tactic that can be employed to maintain control over any situation.
When your enemy cannot pinpoint your location or strategy, they are less likely to launch an attack, granting you the freedom to pursue your objectives undisturbed.
When misleading your enemies to believe what you want them to think, you create distractions while you focus on building your own power and wealth.
For example, powerful and influential individuals frequently utilize social media to deliberately disseminate messages that serve their interests while deceiving the public.
By controlling the message, they can manipulate perceptions and maintain their position of power.
Power comes from alliances
Power comes from the ability to form an inner circle or network of individuals who are aligned with your goals and aspirations, enabling you to effectively push your agenda forward.
This inner circle is not merely a collection of acquaintances; rather, it consists of trusted allies, mentors, and supporters who share a common vision and are committed to helping you achieve your objectives.
These relationships are built on mutual respect, shared interests, and, often, a history of collaboration that fosters a sense of loyalty and trust. The strength of these alliances can significantly amplify your influence and reach, allowing you to navigate complex social and professional landscapes with greater ease.
The ability to strategically deploy the right people at the right time is crucial in capitalizing on emerging opportunities.
This involves not only recognizing when a moment of potential impact arises but also knowing who in your network possesses the skills, resources, or connections necessary to act decisively.
Timing is essential in this regard; a well-timed intervention or support from a key ally can make the difference between success and failure.
By leveraging the strengths of your network, you can create a powerful coalition that is capable of handling challenges, seizing opportunities, and ultimately driving your agenda forward with greater momentum.
Alliance-building and strategic collaboration are fundamental to power and influence in any business.
Powerful People Have Patience
Power comes from characteristics of influence, strength, and decisiveness. However, it is essential to recognize that true power also comes from having patience.
Patience is not a passive state of waiting; it is an active and strategic approach that enables you to make decisive decisions.
In the world of business and strategy, patience becomes an invaluable asset, allowing one to execute business maneuvers or even launch a calculated attack to gain a competitive advantage.
In the fast-changing business world, patience is very crucial in decision-making.
It is the ability to wait for the right moment to act that often differentiates successful leaders from weak leaders.
With patience, one can assess situations thoroughly, gather necessary information, and understand the dynamics at play before making a move.
Patience is also employed to wait for the optimal moment to make a decision, minimizing the use of one's strength by exploiting the enemy's weaknesses.
It also encourages individuals to think strategically, weighing their options and considering the consequences of their actions. In this way, patience acts as a safeguard against hasty judgments and rash actions that could destroy one's goals.
A powerful individual has patience, allowing them to navigate challenges with foresight and clarity.
A powerful person rarely makes mistakes. Through patience, one can achieve a level of precision in their actions that minimizes the likelihood of error.
When decisions are made thoughtfully, with ample time for reflection and analysis, no mistakes are made. This disciplined approach not only enhances one's effectiveness but also builds a reputation for reliability and competence.
Sun Tzu in his Art of War says,
He wins his battle by making no mistakes. Making no mistakes is what establishes the certainty of victory, which means conquering an enemy that is already defeated.
Careful planning and execution reduce mistakes, increasing success. Conquering an already defeated enemy depends on the power of preparation and strategic patience. Understanding an opponent's weaknesses and waiting for the right moment will lead to a favorable outcome.
The power-patience relationship is crucial. True power lies in waiting for the right moment, not in immediate action. Embracing patience enhances decision-making, reduces errors, and leads to a formidable power.
In conclusion, power is a complex interplay of mindset, observation, silence, strategic deception, patience, and forming alliances. By understanding and using these elements, powerful individuals can cultivate a formidable presence that enables them to navigate challenges and seize opportunities effectively.
Mastering the art of being powerful will result in success in both personal and business worlds, enabling individuals to win in a progressively competitive environment.
Be powerful by learning The Art Of War
Having all the resources like wealth, connections, and good looks don't get you far without a strategy.
A strategy is not only a direction to take you from where you are to where you want to go. It is a game plan to get you there.
Do you have a game plan?
Learn The Art of War from Mr. Art Of War.