On this episode of the Achieve Results NOW! Podcast, hosts Mark Cardone and Theron Feidt continue their deep dive into ancient warrior principles with Samurai Benevolence. It's easy to look at the fierce, defensive side of a warrior, but the true strength of the samurai lay in their balance—the ultimate Yin and Yang of being fierce enough to defend yourself and others, while practicing deep, genuine kindness.
Benevolence isn't just a big, old-fashioned word; it's the daily choice to be a good person rather than a jerk. Mark and Theron challenge listeners to stop taking the people closest to them for granted, pointing out that we often bring our worst, most complained-filled versions of ourselves home to the people who stick by us the most.
True success is a practice, and a fresh day means a fresh opportunity to level up your character. The hosts lay out 3 tactical, modern action steps to put true benevolence into motion immediately.
People constantly confuse empathy with sympathy, but they are entirely different. Sympathy is a mutual pity party—like jumping into the water with a drowning person just to drown right along with them. Empathy is about building a full, conscious understanding of where someone else is coming from so you can actually help them.
Seek First to Understand: Drawing from Stephen Covey's 7 Habits, stop listening just to respond. Practice listening simply to listen.
The Sales Mistake: New salespeople often jump on the first opportunity to pitch a product without listening (much like generic LinkedIn spam). The best professionals ask questions, listen to the answers, and seek to understand the true need long before they ever offer a solution.
Kindness is the literal definition of benevolence—doing things to make someone else's day better with absolutely zero expectation of getting anything in return.
Drop the Scorecard: If you are keeping score of who does what in your relationships, you've already lost the game. Hold doors, buy the coffee for the person behind you, and do it simply because it's the right thing to do.
The Three High-Fives: Theron shares a tradition used with the dojo's leadership and demo teams. They trade three fast high-fives—"one for you, and two to give away." It plants the immediate responsibility in their minds to go out and positively impact someone else's day.
Lend a Hand: True benevolence means volunteering your time or resources. Since the lockdowns, volunteer organizations everywhere are short-handed. Find something you are passionate about and go help. Kindness is free, and it alters the trajectory of someone's day.
Gratitude is one of the most powerful tools a leader or parent can possess. It isn't about manipulation; it's about making people feel genuinely appreciated.
Get Specific: Vague praise doesn't stick. Telling a child or an employee they are "great" doesn't help them grow. Telling them, "Thank you for being an exceptional listener today," gives them a standard to live up to. They will actively strive to repeat that behavior because you valued it.
The 80/20 Rule of Conversation: If 80% of your daily conversations consist of lazy gossip, complaining, and talking about bad experiences, you are actively becoming a toxic person. Flip the matrix. Ensure 80% of your talk centers on goals, gratitude, lifting people up, and planting positive seeds for the future.
The Takeaway: Benevolence requires mindfulness. It is the conscious goal of asking yourself how you can be a slightly better human being today than you were yesterday. Pack your day with empathy, free kindness, and specific gratitude.
ARN Suggested Reading:
Blessings In the Bullshit: A Guided Journal for Finding the BEST In Every Day – by Mark Cardone & Theron Feidt
Full List of Recommended Books: https://www.achieveresultsnow.com/readers-are-leaders
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