I remember a meme from a while ago. The concept was simple yet powerful: Get Sh*t done as a way of life. Much like Bushido, the Way of the Samurai, Gyshido is the art of thriving in our complex, chaotic world (quick note: apparently the term was coined by Will Butler and Daniel Auster during a run through Aspen’s Maroon Bells. While this post reflects my own views about the topic, it is worth mentioning that there’s a dedicated website, as well as some rules to spread the word about it).
Does Gyshido sound a bit unconventional? Maybe. But when it comes to hiring someone, or collaborating with a professional, that’s exactly the trait I look for. Is this person a talker, or an executor? Is this professional an ordinary executor or a smart one? Does she take accountability for what has been done?
Having been surrounded by lawyers for over twenty years, I’ve started noticing the differences. We love to talk, but actually showing results is something else entirely.
So, what is Gyshido?
Gyshido is first and foremost a discipline of limitation. It’s about limiting the number of decisions we make to avoid decision fatigue and focusing on what truly matters. It means starting small, mastering the basics, and then growing from there without overwhelming ourselves.
The next pillar of Gyshido is the discipline of execution. We need to fully commit to our actions. Do or do not; there is no try, as Yoda wisely said. This discipline rejects excuses, as they are the enemy of progress, and emphasizes the importance of knowing when to act and when to delegate tasks to others.
Gyshido also embodies the discipline of accountability. This means owning our outcomes and taking responsibility, whether the results are good or bad. It involves being transparent in our actions, learning from our mistakes, and holding others to the same standards of accountability. Promises and plans are only valuable if they are followed through.
Lastly, Gyshido is a discipline of ego management. It requires us to assess every situation with clarity, leaving pride and ego at the door. Some examples? Embracing humility and understanding that we don’t have all the answers opens the door to learning from others, accepting feedback gracefully, knowing when to step back, and celebrating the successes of others.
Is There More?
Maybe. Gyshido is a discipline, which means we start as trainees and grow over time. We could accelerate the progress through mentors and masters, but remember: in martial arts, the real masters are the ones you pay with your blood, sweat, and tears, not money.
And Gyshido is not an exception to that rule.
