February 24, 2025 • 53 mins
In this episode, Steven breaks down One Piece Chapter 19 – Devil Fruit, uncovering the deeper lessons behind power, confidence, and leadership. Through Luffy and Buggy’s battle, we see how strengths come with trade-offs, why true confidence is a game-changer, and how leadership is about influence—not just authority.
Listeners will learn how to embrace their unique strengths, develop unshakable confidence, and understand the responsibilities that come with success. Steven shares personal experiences about using strengths effectively, trusting oneself, and leading with respect instead of fear.
If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt, leadership challenges, or the fear of not having the right abilities, this episode will inspire you to take ownership of your strengths, push through limitations, and rise to your full potential. The question is—are you ready to unlock your own Devil Fruit power?
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:21):
As the battle heats up, we get to seeLuffy fully unleash the power of his
Gum-Gum abilities.
And it's, honestly, incredible.
He stretches, he bounces-I mean, he'spractically untouchable in certain
moments.
But here's where it getsinteresting-these powers come with one
(00:44):
big, glaring drawback.
Luffy, the pirate who dreams of beingKing of the Pirates, well... he can't swim.
That's the trade-off.
And in a world of endless oceans, thatweakness could literally mean life or
death.It's something we all kinda face,isn't it?
(01:07):
Every strength we have, everyadvantage-it usually comes with a
flipside.
A trade-off that forces us to not justuse our strengths, but really understand
them.
I mean, think about it.
How often do we get stuck focusing onwhat we don't have, what we can't do?
(01:30):
But Luffy doesn't let that stop him.
He doesn't waste time-he knows he can'tswim, and he knows he's already eaten the
Devil Fruit.
But instead of dwelling on it, he divesstraight into pushing his stretchable
body to its fullest.
Quite literally, right?You know, when Ithink back to some of the advantages I've
(01:57):
gained over the years, there's always acatch-it's almost like life's way of
keeping balance.
Like when I started this podcast.
I had built this deep passion for animeand self-development, right?
But talking about heavy themes, likeself-doubt or resilience-it wasn't easy.
(02:21):
Sometimes it felt like laying myselfbare, exposing parts of me I wasn't sure
I wanted to share, ya know?
But embracing that vulnerability?
That's where the growth came from.
It's like leaning into both the strengthand the discomfort is what allowed me to
(02:43):
connect deeply with people like you.
And I think we all have that.
It's not about being perfect or having itall-it's about knowing how to work with
what you've got.
Because the truth is, the most successfulpeople out there aren't really the ones
(03:04):
without weaknesses-it's the ones who'vefigured out how to maneuver around their
limitations.
It's not just power; it's wisdom in howyou use it.So here's something to think
about (03:22):
Are you spending too much time focusing on your weaknesses, instead of
leaning into your strengths?
What if you made a list-right now-ofthree things you're really good at?
Three strengths you already have that youcould use more effectively?
(03:43):
And what if, instead of seeinglimitations as roadblocks, you saw them
as challenges to creatively work around?
I mean, look at Luffy.
He doesn't sit around sulking over thefact that he can't swim.
He puts all his effort into what he cando.
(04:03):
And that's exactly why he's so inspiring.
It's not just his powers-it's hisattitude.
The ability to focus on what's possible,not on what's missing.
And there's power in that.
So, how can you start doing the same inyour own life?
But Luffy's not the only one with DevilFruit powers.
(04:26):
This battle isn't a one-sided match.
Buggy, the infamous pirate clown, has atrick of his own up his sleeve...So,
Buggy has his own Devil Fruit powers, andthey're pretty wild.
He can literally split his body intopieces-his legs over here, his arms over
(04:48):
there, his head just kind of floatingaround.
It's-I mean, it's both ridiculous andterrifying at the same time, right?
And the kicker?
It makes him completely immune to swordattacks.
Zoro, who's practically unstoppable witha blade, suddenly doesn't stand a chance
(05:11):
in that department.
It's an ability that gives Buggy a reallyunique edge in battle.
But here's the thing-Buggy's Chop-Choppowers are so different from Luffy's
Gum-Gum abilities.
I mean, they're worlds apart.
And, honestly, that's such a greatreminder for all of us.
(05:33):
Luffy and Buggy are both strong, butthey've got completely different
strengths, and, well, completelydifferent weaknesses too.
It's kinda like life-everyone has theirown thing, their own path.
Comparing yourself to someone else?
It's like comparing, I don't know, applesto oranges.
(05:57):
It doesn't make sense.Look, I get it.
It's so easy to fall into that trap ofseeing what someone else has and feeling
like, "Why not me?" I used to do that allthe time.
When I first started diving into theanime community, I'd see people with huge
followings, people who seemed soeffortlessly charismatic, and I'd think,
(06:24):
"What am I doing wrong?" But, you knowwhat?
The more I focused on that, the more itheld me back.
I wasn't them-and trying to be like themwasn't doing me any favors.
So instead, I started honing what I wasgood at-connecting anime to life in a way
that felt personal and authentic.
(06:46):
And honestly?
That made all the difference.
And that's the point here.
Success, real success, isn't about havingthe best abilities.
It's about knowing how to use your ownabilities to their fullest.
It's not about being Luffy or Buggy-it'sabout being you, and learning to work
(07:10):
with what you've got in a way that setsyou apart.So let me ask you this: Are you
spending too much time looking at whatother people have, instead of sharpening
what's already in your toolbox?
What if you could embrace your own uniquestrength and build it up?
(07:31):
Maybe you're great at something you'vebeen brushing off because it doesn't look
like what someone else is doing.
This week, why not double down on thatone thing-commit to getting better at it
instead of wishing you had something else?
The next time you catch yourselfcomparing paths, stop and ask, "How can I
(07:58):
make my path stronger?" Because, at theend of the day, envying Buggy's abilities
doesn't make Luffy less of a fighter-itjust distracts him from keeping his eye
on the prize.Alright, so let's talk aboutLuffy's secret weapon-and no, I'm not
(08:19):
just talking about his Gum-Gum powers.
It's his confidence.
The guy never wavers.
I mean, even when he's up against someonelike Buggy, who has his own Devil Fruit
tricks, Luffy's belief in himself isunshakable.
And that confidence?
It's a game-changer.
You can see it in the way he fights-hedoesn't hold back, he doesn't second
(08:44):
guess, he just goes all in.
Here's the thing about confidencethough-it's not about having all the
answers.
Trust me, Luffy's not sitting there withsome grand, foolproof plan.
His confidence comes from this deep trustin himself-the belief that no matter what
(09:06):
happens, he can figure it out as he goes.
And, honestly?
That's the kind of confidence we allneed, isn't it?I mean, think about it.
The way you carry yourself-not justphysically but mentally-it totally shapes
how the world responds to you.
If you trust yourself, if you commitfully to your actions, people see that.
(09:30):
They feel that energy.
But if you're hesitant, if you'redoubting yourself, it shows too.
And you know what?
The only person who can really changethat is you.
Look, I'll be real with you.
Confidence wasn't always my strong suit.
Actually, there was this one time when Ihad an opportunity to lead a big project.
(09:54):
And instead of believing in my ability topull it off, I let doubt creep in.
I overthought every little thing.
And, well, let's just say things didn'tgo great.
But when I finally stopped overthinking,when I told myself, "You don't need to
(10:17):
have every detail figured out-juststart," everything changed.
Suddenly, I wasn't frozen anymore.
And, like Luffy, I realized that trustingmyself was enough to move forward.So ask
yourself (10:32):
where are you holding back right now because of doubt?
Maybe it's starting something new, ormaybe it's stepping up in a situation
where you feel out of your depth.
Whatever it is, just remember this-youdon't need to be perfect.
You don't need all the answers.
You just need to trust yourself.
(10:54):
Because that trust?
That's where confidence begins.
And here's a challenge for you (10:58):
pick one area of your life where you've been
holding back.
What's one step you can take today, rightnow, to push past the doubt?
And when that doubt pops up again-and itwill-remind yourself: I don't need to
know everything.
I just need to trust myself to figure itout.
(11:21):
Despite Luffy's self-assurance, not allleaders approach their battles the same
way.
Buggy, for instance, chooses a paththat's, well, very different...So when it
(11:44):
comes to Buggy as a leader, one thingbecomes painfully clear-he doesn't
inspire loyalty; he demands obedience.
He uses fear and manipulation to keep hiscrew in line, almost like he's ruling
over them with an iron fist.
And honestly?
It's not just ineffective-it's fragile.
(12:09):
Fear-based leadership might work in theshort term, but over time?
It crumbles.
It always does.
Now compare that to someone like Luffy.
Luffy's a leader, too, but he doesn'tneed to force anyone to follow him.
His crew?
They're there because they believe in him.
(12:29):
They trust him.
And that's the difference.
Leadership isn't about power, you know.
It's about influence.
And the best leaders-the ones who aretruly respected-they lift people up.
They make their team stronger, notweaker, by giving them space to rise to
(12:50):
their potential.I remember this one timeI worked with two very different leaders.
One of them used this fear-drivenapproach-constant micromanaging,
criticism, making people feel like theycould never quite measure up.
And while the team technically got thingsdone, man, the morale was just...
(13:16):
nonexistent.
No one wanted to be there, you know?
But then there was this otherleader-completely opposite style.
They showed respect, they encouragedgrowth, and when you messed up, they
helped you learn instead of tearing youdown.
Working with them?
It didn't just feel productive-it feltmeaningful.
(13:39):
It was inspiring.
And that's the thing.
If you want lasting success as aleader-in work, friendships, life-you've
gotta build relationships, not fear.
Real relationships.
Because the most respected leaders?
They don't need to force loyalty.
(13:59):
They earn it.
They empower the people around them togrow and succeed, and that's what makes
them unforgettable.So here's a questionfor you: in your own life, are you
leading in a way that lifts others up, orare you trying to control everything?
And if you're following somebody else,are they genuinely inspiring you, or are
(14:23):
they just demanding power?
If it's the latter, maybe it's worthstepping back and asking yourself if
that's the environment where you cantruly thrive.
Take a moment this week to reflect on howyou're leading or how you're being led.
If you're in a leadership position, findjust one way to empower the people around
(14:51):
you-to show them you believe in theirpotential.
And if you're following someone who leadsthrough fear, maybe it's time to explore
whether that's the best place for yourgrowth.So let's step back for a minute
and look at the bigger picture-what doDevil Fruits really represent?
(15:13):
Sure, they give these incredibleabilities, these powers that can make or
break a character.
But they're more than just flashy moves.
They're symbols, right?
They stand for the unique talents andgifts we all have.
And with those gifts?
(15:34):
Well, comes the responsibility to usethem wisely.
Look at Luffy.
His Gum-Gum abilities are amazing-I mean,no one fights quite like him.
But it's not the powers themselves thatmake him a great fighter or even a great
leader.
It's how he uses them.
(15:55):
He doesn't just swing wildly hoping forsomething to land; he's intentional.
He's creative.
And that's the difference.
Having power isn't enough-you've gottafigure out how to wield it with purpose,
so it actually makes a difference.Thisapplies to all of us.
(16:15):
Whether it's in your career, yourrelationships, or even just personal
growth-success or talent, it's only halfthe story.
The other half?
Learning to manage it.
Learning to take what you've got andfocus it wisely.
I mean, think about it (16:34):
how often do people chase after big wins-more money,
more influence, more recognition-only toget completely overwhelmed when they
achieve it?
A lot of times, it's not the success thattrips us up.
It's the responsibility that comes withit.I remember hitting this milestone with
(16:57):
this podcast.
For so long, the goal was just to connectwith people who love anime and to share
some thoughts about self-growth.
But when it started gaining traction, itwasn't just about sitting down and
talking to a mic anymore.
There were deadlines, collaborations,expectations-it felt like there was
(17:22):
suddenly this weight on my shoulders.
And it took some time to realize that theonly way forward was to step up.
To take ownership of that responsibilityand let it shape how I approached things.
Because managing power?
It's a skill in itself.
(17:43):
It's just as important as gaining it inthe first place.
So let me ask you-are you ready for theresponsibilities that come with the
success you're chasing?
It's a pretty big question.
But it's one we all need to think about,right?
Because more often than not, it's notlack of talent that holds people
(18:07):
back-it's not being prepared for whathappens when they reach that next
level.Here's something you can do.
Take a moment to think about an area ofyour life where you've been growing
lately-maybe something you're better atnow than you used to be.
(18:29):
How can you step up and takeresponsibility for that growth?
Like, how can you make sure you're usingit for the right reasons and not just
letting it sit there?
Because at the end of the day, successisn't about just having something-it's
(18:50):
about making it matter.
And as we start looking at Luffy's nextmove, one thing becomes clear-you don't
always need to rely on raw power to win.
Sometimes, it's all about using yourstrengths with creativity and
adaptability...Luffy's Devil Fruitpowers, no doubt, pack a punch.
(19:15):
I mean, his Gum-Gum abilities give himthe kind of edge most people can only
dream of.
But here's the catch-he doesn't lean onbrute force to scrape by.
Instead, he fights smart.
He's always observing, adapting, andfinding ways to use his strengths
(19:35):
creatively in the moment.
Take his battle with Buggy, for example.
Buggy's Chop-Chop powers are impressive,sure.
The guy can literally split his body intopieces and avoid attacks most others
couldn't dream of dodging.
But what does Luffy do?
He doesn't let Buggy's ability psych himout.
(19:58):
Instead, he flips the script-literallyreflecting Buggy's own attack back at him.
It's like he's saying, "Hey, use all thepowers you want-it doesn't mean you're
unbeatable."And that right there?
That's such a powerful life lesson.
Because in so many cases, raw strength oreven raw talent just isn't enough.
(20:24):
Success isn't about pushing harder everytime; it's about stepping back to look at
the bigger picture and figuring out howto work smarter.
And, honestly, that can be harder than itsounds.
It's, like, we're wired to think thateffort alone equals results-but
(20:45):
creativity?
Adaptability?
That's where the magic happens.
You know, this reminds me of a challengeI faced not too long ago.
I was working on a project-something Ipoured all my energy into.
And when I hit a wall, my first instinctwas to just grind harder, hoping brute
(21:07):
force would do the trick.
Spoiler alert (21:08):
it didn't.
Eventually, I took a step back,reconsidered my approach, and started
looking for smarter ways to solve theproblem.
And, boom, suddenly things clicked.
It wasn't about getting more done; it wasabout working in a way that made the work
count.So let me ask you this (21:32):
is there an area in your life where you've been
tackling things head-on, but maybe it'stime to shift gears?
Maybe a problem you've been poweringthrough instead of stepping back to find
a more strategic way forward?
What if you challenged yourself to thinkoutside the box?
(21:56):
It might mean pausing, reflecting, andtrying something new, even if it feels
awkward at first.
Luffy's approach teaches us an importanttruth: being adaptable is more powerful
than being the strongest.
It's the willingness to evolve that winsbattles-not just in fights, but in life.
(22:18):
So, how can you start finding smarterways to tackle your own challenges?
Of course, even the best strategiessometimes need a little something extra.
And in Luffy's case, well, let's just sayhe's no stranger to a bit of luck...How
(22:40):
much does luck really matter?
In *One Piece*, Luffy often seems to,like, stumble into success.
I mean, just look at how many times he'snarrowly escaped danger or found exactly
what he needed at the right moment.
But is it really luck?
Or is it something else entirely?
(23:02):
Here's what I think.
Luck isn't just random chance.
It's not some magical thing that justhappens to you.
More often than not, it's something youcreate.
And Luffy?
He's the perfect example of that.
He doesn't sit around waiting foropportunities to come to him.
(23:23):
He dives in-headfirst, fearlessly-puttinghimself in situations where, honestly,
anything can happen.
And because he's willing to take thoserisks, he gets opportunities that others
might miss altogether.You know, it'skinda funny.
(23:43):
People love to look at someone successfuland say, "Wow, they're so lucky." But
they don't always notice the bold stepsthat person took to create those chances
in the first place.
Those risks, those moments ofcourage-that's the real secret ingredient
to luck.
It's like this invisible thread thatconnects action to opportunity.
(24:09):
I'll give you an example from my own life.
There was this one time when I gotinvited to speak at an anime event.
It wasn't something planned months inadvance.
I had just started putting myself outthere-sharing my thoughts online,
connecting with others-and out ofnowhere, someone reached out to me.
(24:33):
On the surface, it might've looked likeluck.
But honestly?
If I hadn't been putting myself outthere, making those small, bold moves,
that opportunity wouldn't have found me.
I could've just stayed quiet, stayed safein my little bubble, and, well, nothing
(24:56):
would've happened.So let me ask youthis-are you waiting for luck to find
you, or are you putting yourself insituations where it can happen?
Are you taking risks, trying new things,stepping into the unknown?
Or are you stuck, hoping for the"perfect" opportunity to come along?
(25:17):
Because I've gotta tell you, the perfectopportunity never just shows up.
You've gotta, you know, make the room forit.
And here's a challenge for you (25:26):
take one bold step this week.
Just one.
Maybe it's reaching out to someone youadmire, trying that thing you've been
putting off, or even risking a littlediscomfort in pursuit of something bigger.
Because, honestly?
That's how you create those lucky breaks.
(25:49):
That's how you open the door toopportunities you never saw
coming.Luffy's story shows us that luckisn't about sitting around waiting-it's
about charging forward, no matter howuncertain things seem.
But not everyone faces challenges thesame way.
Take Buggy, for example.
(26:10):
He, well, let's just say he sees theworld a little differently...Alright, so
let's talk about one of Buggy's biggestdownfalls-his overconfidence.
He genuinely believes that his Chop-Choppowers make him unbeatable, like there's
no way someone like Luffy could outsmarthim.
(26:34):
And that arrogance?
That's exactly what blinds him.
Because while Buggy is busy looking downon Luffy, he totally misses the
creativity and determination that Luffybrings to the fight.
And, well, you can guess how that worksout for him.
It's something we see all the time, isn'tit?
(26:57):
People don't always fail because they'reless skilled or less capable.
Sometimes, it's because they don't takethe challenges ahead seriously enough.
They underestimate their competition, orthe difficulty of the task, and kinda
(27:18):
just assume they'll breeze through it.
But life has a funny way of humbling youwhen you let your guard down.You know,
there was a time when I fell into thisexact trap.
I remember getting invited to collaborateon a project, and I thought, "Oh, I've
got this.
No problem." I didn't take the time toreally prepare-I figured my experience
(27:44):
alone would carry me through.
But when the day came, well, let's justsay I was caught off guard.
The others were so much more preparedthan me, and I ended up scrambling to
keep up.
It wasn't that I lacked the skills; Ijust underestimated the effort it would
(28:08):
take to really deliver.
And honestly, it was a humbling moment.
One that taught me to always respect thechallenge ahead, no matter how confident
I feel.
And that's the real key, right?
True confidence isn't about ignoring yourweaknesses or overestimating your
(28:30):
strengths.
It's about finding that balance-trustingin what you're capable of while also
staying realistic about the obstacles infront of you.
Because blind arrogance?
That's just asking for trouble.So let meask you: are there moments in your life
where you've underestimated thechallenges?
(28:52):
Maybe it's a work project, a personalgoal, or even just a relationship.
Are you walking in with assumptionsinstead of preparation?
Take a moment to think about how youcould approach things differently.
What would it look like to respect thechallenges ahead, instead of assuming
(29:16):
they'll be easy?
Here's a little exercise you can try nexttime you're faced with a task or
challenge.
Before diving in, pause and really assessit.
Ask yourself, "What's the worst-casescenario here?
What could I be overlooking?" It's notabout doubting yourself-it's about
(29:38):
preparing yourself.
And, honestly, that preparation?
It sets you apart from everyone who'swalking in blind.It's like Luffy vs.
Buggy all over again.
Buggy's arrogance?
That's what trips him up.
But Luffy?
He respects the fight.
He takes it seriously, and that's whatgives him the upper hand.
(30:03):
And speaking of Luffy, there's somethingelse about him that really stands out-and
it has everything to do with the way heleads...Leadership is such an interesting
concept, isn't it?
Like, a lot of people think it's aboutgiving orders, laying down the law, and,
(30:25):
you know, being in charge.
But when you look at Luffy's style ofleadership, it's really none of that.
He doesn't command his crew withauthority or force them to follow his
vision.
No, they follow him because they trulybelieve in him-and that's such a powerful
(30:45):
thing.
Think about it-why do people want tofollow Luffy?
He doesn't sit there trying to convincethem with words.
He leads by example.
Every single action he takes shows hiscrew exactly who he is and what he stands
for.
It's not about flashy speeches ormanipulation-it's about showing them that
(31:11):
if they put their trust in him, he'llnever let them down.
And that kind of leadership?
It's earned, not demanded.
It's built on mutual trust andrespect.I'll be honest, I've been on both
sides of this coin.
(31:31):
I've worked with people who led throughfear and people who led through
inspiration, and let me tell you, thedifference is night and day.
One time, I had this manager whomicromanaged every single thing I did.
Nothing I did ever felt good enough, andover time, it just drained all my
(31:55):
motivation.
Compare that to someone I worked withlater-a mentor who genuinely believed in
me.
They didn't bark orders or nitpick-theysupported me, gave me the space to grow,
and trusted me to make decisions.
And because of that, I wanted to givethem my best.
(32:18):
I wanted to succeed, not just for me butfor them too.
That's the kind of leadership that stickswith you.And that's what makes Luffy's
crew so loyal to him.
It's not just about what he says-it'swhat he does.
It's the way he dives into dangerheadfirst, always fighting for his dreams
(32:42):
and his crew's safety.
It's his unwavering belief in somethingbigger than himself.
That's what inspires them to stand besidehim, even in the most chaotic,
life-threatening situations.
So let me ask you this (32:57):
are you leading through your actions?
Whether it's at work, in yourfriendships, or even just in your own
personal life-are you showing people whatyou stand for?
Or are you just hoping they'll followwithout really giving them a reason to?
(33:18):
Because true leadership?
It's not about controlling others-it'sabout inspiring them to trust and believe
in what you're doing.Here's a littlechallenge for the week.
Think about one area of your life whereyou can lead by example.
(33:41):
Maybe it's stepping up for a friend,taking extra care with your work, or
showing kindness to someone who reallyneeds it.
Whatever it is, focus less on what you'resaying and more on what you're doing.
Because at the end of the day, the bestleaders don't demand respect-they earn
(34:10):
it.When we look at Zoro, there'ssomething that really stands out-his
loyalty to Luffy.
And what's wild is how quickly thatloyalty forms.
I mean, they've barely known each other,right?
But already, we see Zoro standing firmlybehind Luffy's vision.
(34:30):
He's not just tagging along-he's all in,aligning his own dream of becoming the
world's greatest swordsman with Luffy'squest for the One Piece.
And that?
That makes them a force to be reckonedwith.
It's such a testament to the power ofcommitment.
You see, success-real success-doesn'tcome from half-hearted efforts.
(34:57):
You can't just tiptoe toward greatness.
You've gotta fully commit.
You've gotta, like, throw yourself intoit, even when it's uncomfortable, even
when the stakes are high.
That's exactly what Zoro does.
He's not holding back-it's everything ornothing.
(35:19):
And that's why he's such a strongcharacter in every sense of the word.You
know, this reminds me of something I wentthrough when I first decided to create
this podcast.
At the start, I kind of dabbled-testingthe waters, wondering if I should really
go for it.
(35:39):
But I was... hesitant.
And honestly?
It showed.
My episodes didn't feel focused.
My growth felt stuck.
But the moment I burned those bridges ofdoubt and committed fully?
That's when things started to change.
I stopped holding back and pouredeverything into making this the best
(36:03):
space it could be, to connect with peoplelike you and share these stories that
have shaped my life.But it's not justabout your own commitment-it's also about
the people you surround yourself with.
Look at Zoro and Luffy.
Their shared dedication, theirwillingness to push each other forward,
(36:24):
it creates this unstoppable momentum.
And honestly, that's something we shouldall strive for.
Because when you're surrounded by peoplewho are just as committed as you are?
It's like fuel for your fire.
It keeps you moving even when things gettough.
(36:45):
So, here's a question for you-are youtruly committed to your goals?
Or are you holding back, keeping one footout the door just in case?
And what about the people around you?
Do they push you to grow, to move closerto your dream?
Or are they holding you back, keeping youin a place you've outgrown?Take a moment
(37:10):
to reflect.
This week, what's one bold step you cantake to show your commitment to your
biggest goal?
Maybe it's cutting out distractions,maybe it's investing more time or
resources-but make sure it's somethingthat really pushes you forward.
And while you're at it, think aboutsomeone in your life who shares that same
(37:36):
drive-someone who's just as fired upabout chasing their dreams.
How can you support each other, push eachother to keep going?
Because if there's one thing Zoro showsus, it's that there's strength in
commitment.
It's not just about having a dream.
(37:57):
It's about showing up for it, everysingle day, no matter what.
And speaking of showing up... Luffy, well,he takes that to a whole other level.
No matter how many times he gets knockeddown, this guy just keeps getting back
up.When it comes to Luffy, one of thethings I admire most is how he handles
(38:22):
failure.
No matter how many times he gets knockeddown, this guy, like, always gets back up.
Always.
He never lets setbacks keep him down forlong, and I think that resilience?
It's one of his greatest strengths.
It's what keeps him moving forward evenwhen the odds are stacked against him.
(38:46):
And honestly, that's the thing thatreally separates those who succeed from
those who don't.
It's not about never failing-it's aboutnever stopping.
Because everyone, and I mean everyone, isgoing to face failures at some point.
(39:06):
It's inevitable.
The real question is-what do you do whenit happens?
Do you let it hold you back, or do youpush forward despite it?I'll share a
personal story here.
There was a time when I was working on areally important project, something I was
super passionate about.
But things fell apart, big time.
(39:29):
I felt like I had completely failed, andfor a while, I let that stop me.
I started second-guessing myself,replaying the mistakes in my head over
and over, you know?
But eventually, I realized something.
Failure?
It's temporary.
It's just a moment.
(39:49):
But quitting?
That's permanent.
And that's not how I wanted my story toend.
So, I decided to pick myself up and tryagain.
And that mindset shift-that persistence?
It changed everything.
It's important to remember that everygreat success story out there is filled
(40:13):
with failures.
But what defines the winners isn't thatthey never fail-it's that they keep going.
They rise again and again, no matter howmany times they get knocked down.So, let
me ask you (40:30):
are you letting failures hold you back?
Are you stuck replaying setbacks insteadof using them as lessons to move forward?
Take a moment to think about it.
What's one recent failure you've faced,and how can you reframe it as a stepping
(40:50):
stone instead of a roadblock?
Because the truth is, failure isn't theend-it's part of the journey.
This week, I want to challenge you tomake a commitment.
Pick one area in your life where you'vebeen hesitating because of a past
failure, and take one small step forward.
(41:13):
Just one.
Because resilience?
It's built one step at a time-one smallact of courage stacked on top of another.
And the thing about resilience is... itdoesn't just show up out of nowhere.
It's something you cultivate.
(41:33):
You show up, you keep going, and overtime, it grows stronger, just like Luffy.
But not everyone faces challenges thesame way.
Zoro, for example, he fights with acompletely different kind of fire...Zoro
is such a fascinating character when youthink about it.
(41:55):
Here's this guy who's fighting not justfor survival, not even just for his
captain.
He's fighting for his dream-to become theworld's greatest swordsman.
And what stands out to me so much aboutZoro is just how committed he is.
Like, he's willing to endure any amountof pain, even self-inflicted wounds, just
(42:22):
to prove his determination.
That's not... that's not something you seeevery day, right?
It's this all-or-nothing mentality thatreally makes him so compelling.And, you
know, that's what dreams demandsometimes, isn't it?
If you want to achieve something great,it almost always means sacrificing
(42:44):
comfort or short-term security.
I mean, it's not just about asking, "Whatdo I want?" It's also about asking, "What
am I willing to give up to get there?"And that's a tough question.
So many of us, we dream big, but when thetime comes to face the hardship, we pull
(43:06):
back.
And honestly?
I get that.
It's-it's not easy to trade comfort fordiscomfort, even if the reward is
huge.You know, this reminds me of a timewhen I had to make a really difficult
choice.
I was starting this podcast, and it wassuch a big dream for me-this space where
(43:30):
I could connect anime and self-growth,share stories from shows like *One Piece*
that shaped my life.
But to fully commit to it, I had to givesomething up.
I had to say no to weekends of relaxationor those endless hours of scrolling
through social media.
(43:50):
Basically, I had to learn to prioritizesomething that felt far away over things
that gave me instant gratification.
And let me tell you-it wasn't, it wasn'teasy.
It's still not.
But the more I leaned into thatdiscomfort, the more I realized it was
(44:11):
shaping me, just as much as this podcastwas growing.And I think Zoro teaches us
that so beautifully.
He doesn't shy away from the pain or thesacrifices.
In fact, he almost embraces them, becausehe understands that they're part of the
(44:31):
process.
It's like, success isn't just abouttalent, right?
Talent's important, sure, but it's notthe whole story.
Persistence, discipline, and yeah, acrazy-high tolerance for pain-those are
what separate the interested from thecommitted.
And in Zoro's case?
(44:52):
He's as committed as it gets.So let meask you-are you truly committed to your
dreams, or are you just interested inthem?
Like, are you showing up every day,making choices that align with your
vision, or are you holding back becausethe sacrifices feel too heavy?
(45:14):
And I get it-that's not an easy questionto sit with.
But think about it.
If you're really honest with yourself,what's one comfort or habit that's
holding you back?
Maybe it's procrastination, maybe it'sfear of failure, or maybe it's just not
(45:36):
wanting to feel uncomfortable.
Whatever it is, what would it look liketo give that up, even just a little, to
move forward this week?Here's a challengefor you.
Write down the biggest challenge standingbetween you and your goal right now.
(45:56):
Maybe it's something external, likeresources or connections, or maybe it's
something internal, like doubt.
And then, create a small plan-not a bigone, just a small, manageable step-to
start working through it.
(46:17):
Because, you know, those little steps,they add up over time.
They're how the sacrifices start to makesense.
And looking at Zoro, well, it'sclear-he's ready to give everything for
his dream.
But what about trust?
Because trust, especially in the peoplearound you, that's another kind of
(46:43):
strength altogether...Trust-it's such asimple word, but when you think about it,
it holds so much power.
I mean, just look at Luffy.
He trusts his crew, flaws and all.
And we're not talking about small flawshere-Nami was a thief, Zoro was a bounty
(47:04):
hunter.
Most people would hesitate, right?
But not Luffy.
He puts his faith in them fully, andbecause of that, they rise to the
occasion.
They step up because they know hebelieves in them.
And that?
That's what makes his crew so strong.
You see, people perform so much betterwhen they feel trusted and valued,
(47:31):
instead of being controlled ormicromanaged.
When there's trust, there's space to grow.
Luffy doesn't second-guess Nami and Zorobecause of their pasts.
He sees their potential, what they canbring to the team, and he chooses to
focus on that.
And, honestly, I think we can learn a lotfrom that approach.You know, I remember
(47:58):
this one time I had to put my trust insomeone, and-if I'm being real-it wasn't
easy.
I had this project I was super investedin.
It felt like my baby, you know?
Like, handing it over to someone else,even partially, was terrifying.
(48:19):
But I knew that if I tried to controlevery little thing, it wouldn't work.
So, I let go.
I trusted this person to take it in theirown direction, even if it wasn't perfect.
And, wow, they delivered something beyondwhat I imagined.
I almost couldn't believe it-but if Ihadn't stepped back and let them rise to
(48:46):
their potential, I never would've seenthat outcome.
It was such a humbling lesson for meabout how powerful trust can be.And
here's the thing-trust isn't blind.
It's not about ignoring flaws or risks.
It's about creating a space where peoplecan be their best selves.
(49:06):
It's about giving others the room tosucceed, just like Luffy does with his
crew.
That's what builds strong teams-not fear,not control, but mutual respect and
belief in each other's abilities.
So, let me ask you this (49:22):
Are you trusting the people around you, or are you trying
to control everything?
Are you giving them the opportunity toshow what they're capable of, or are you
holding too tightly onto the reins?
(49:43):
And-I think this is an important questiontoo-do you feel trusted by the people
you're working or living with?
Because trust has to flow both ways.
When it does, that's when the magichappens.Here's something you can try this
(50:07):
week.
Identify one person in your life who youcould trust more-someone who might
surprise you if you gave them the chance.
Maybe it's at work, maybe it's at home,wherever it feels right.
Delegating something to them, even ifit's small, and resisting the urge to
(50:29):
micromanage?
That can be a game-changer.
You might be amazed at what they'recapable of when you step back.
Because here's the thing about trust-itempowers people.
It pushes them to do more, to believe inthemselves, to rise to levels they didn't
(50:49):
think possible.
And that's exactly what we see with Luffyand his crew.
His trust in them is what makes them sopowerful.
It's what turns a group of misfits into afamily, into a force that can take on
anything.
But trust is only part of the story.
(51:10):
When we take a step back and look atDevil Fruits-and what they symbolize-we
start to see an even bigger pictureforming...Devil Fruits.
They're more than just these supernaturalpowers that turn the tide in
battles-they're a metaphor.
A symbol of the risks and rewards thatcome with chasing something extraordinary.
(51:35):
And what really stands out is howcharacters like Luffy, Buggy, and even
Shanks approach that power so differently.
Take Luffy.
He shows us that true strength isn't justabout what you have-it's about how you
use it.
His boldness, his ability to leanentirely into his unique traits?
(51:59):
That's what sets him apart.
Buggy, on the other hand, clings toarrogance and greed, seeing power as a
shortcut to greatness.
And Shanks?
Shanks reminds us that true power isn'tflashy-it's wise, it's steady-it's
knowing when and how to use itresponsibly.So as we wrap up today's
(52:21):
episode, let me leave you with a fewquestions to think about.
Are you embracing your unique strengths,or are you hesitating out of fear?
Are you chasing power for the rightreasons, or are you letting greed or
comparison cloud your judgment?
And-maybe most importantly-are you makingthe most of the opportunities in front of
(52:49):
you?
You don't need all the answers right now,but just starting to ask these questions
can be a powerful first step.
And that's all for today.
Thank you so much for joining me on thisdive into One Piece, into resilience,
leadership, and self-belief.
(53:10):
These stories, these lessons from anime,they're so much more than
entertainment-they're insights for how wecan live, grow, and face life's
challenges head-on.
So until next time-keep growing, keepbelieving in yourself, and as always,
(53:33):
keep watching anime.
As the battle heats up, we get to seeLuffy fully unleash the power of his
Gum-Gum abilities.
And it's, honestly, incredible.
He stretches, he bounces-I mean, he'spractically untouchable in certain
moments.
But here's where it getsinteresting-these powers come with one
(00:44):
big, glaring drawback.
Luffy, the pirate who dreams of beingKing of the Pirates, well... he can't swim.
That's the trade-off.
And in a world of endless oceans, thatweakness could literally mean life or
death.It's something we all kinda face,isn't it?
(01:07):
Every strength we have, everyadvantage-it usually comes with a
flipside.
A trade-off that forces us to not justuse our strengths, but really understand
them.
I mean, think about it.
How often do we get stuck focusing onwhat we don't have, what we can't do?
(01:30):
But Luffy doesn't let that stop him.
He doesn't waste time-he knows he can'tswim, and he knows he's already eaten the
Devil Fruit.
But instead of dwelling on it, he divesstraight into pushing his stretchable
body to its fullest.
Quite literally, right?You know, when Ithink back to some of the advantages I've
(01:57):
gained over the years, there's always acatch-it's almost like life's way of
keeping balance.
Like when I started this podcast.
I had built this deep passion for animeand self-development, right?
But talking about heavy themes, likeself-doubt or resilience-it wasn't easy.
(02:21):
Sometimes it felt like laying myselfbare, exposing parts of me I wasn't sure
I wanted to share, ya know?
But embracing that vulnerability?
That's where the growth came from.
It's like leaning into both the strengthand the discomfort is what allowed me to
(02:43):
connect deeply with people like you.
And I think we all have that.
It's not about being perfect or having itall-it's about knowing how to work with
what you've got.
Because the truth is, the most successfulpeople out there aren't really the ones
(03:04):
without weaknesses-it's the ones who'vefigured out how to maneuver around their
limitations.
It's not just power; it's wisdom in howyou use it.So here's something to think
about (03:22):
Are you spending too much time focusing on your weaknesses, instead of
leaning into your strengths?
What if you made a list-right now-ofthree things you're really good at?
Three strengths you already have that youcould use more effectively?
(03:43):
And what if, instead of seeinglimitations as roadblocks, you saw them
as challenges to creatively work around?
I mean, look at Luffy.
He doesn't sit around sulking over thefact that he can't swim.
He puts all his effort into what he cando.
(04:03):
And that's exactly why he's so inspiring.
It's not just his powers-it's hisattitude.
The ability to focus on what's possible,not on what's missing.
And there's power in that.
So, how can you start doing the same inyour own life?
But Luffy's not the only one with DevilFruit powers.
(04:26):
This battle isn't a one-sided match.
Buggy, the infamous pirate clown, has atrick of his own up his sleeve...So,
Buggy has his own Devil Fruit powers, andthey're pretty wild.
He can literally split his body intopieces-his legs over here, his arms over
(04:48):
there, his head just kind of floatingaround.
It's-I mean, it's both ridiculous andterrifying at the same time, right?
And the kicker?
It makes him completely immune to swordattacks.
Zoro, who's practically unstoppable witha blade, suddenly doesn't stand a chance
(05:11):
in that department.
It's an ability that gives Buggy a reallyunique edge in battle.
But here's the thing-Buggy's Chop-Choppowers are so different from Luffy's
Gum-Gum abilities.
I mean, they're worlds apart.
And, honestly, that's such a greatreminder for all of us.
(05:33):
Luffy and Buggy are both strong, butthey've got completely different
strengths, and, well, completelydifferent weaknesses too.
It's kinda like life-everyone has theirown thing, their own path.
Comparing yourself to someone else?
It's like comparing, I don't know, applesto oranges.
(05:57):
It doesn't make sense.Look, I get it.
It's so easy to fall into that trap ofseeing what someone else has and feeling
like, "Why not me?" I used to do that allthe time.
When I first started diving into theanime community, I'd see people with huge
followings, people who seemed soeffortlessly charismatic, and I'd think,
(06:24):
"What am I doing wrong?" But, you knowwhat?
The more I focused on that, the more itheld me back.
I wasn't them-and trying to be like themwasn't doing me any favors.
So instead, I started honing what I wasgood at-connecting anime to life in a way
that felt personal and authentic.
(06:46):
And honestly?
That made all the difference.
And that's the point here.
Success, real success, isn't about havingthe best abilities.
It's about knowing how to use your ownabilities to their fullest.
It's not about being Luffy or Buggy-it'sabout being you, and learning to work
(07:10):
with what you've got in a way that setsyou apart.So let me ask you this: Are you
spending too much time looking at whatother people have, instead of sharpening
what's already in your toolbox?
What if you could embrace your own uniquestrength and build it up?
(07:31):
Maybe you're great at something you'vebeen brushing off because it doesn't look
like what someone else is doing.
This week, why not double down on thatone thing-commit to getting better at it
instead of wishing you had something else?
The next time you catch yourselfcomparing paths, stop and ask, "How can I
(07:58):
make my path stronger?" Because, at theend of the day, envying Buggy's abilities
doesn't make Luffy less of a fighter-itjust distracts him from keeping his eye
on the prize.Alright, so let's talk aboutLuffy's secret weapon-and no, I'm not
(08:19):
just talking about his Gum-Gum powers.
It's his confidence.
The guy never wavers.
I mean, even when he's up against someonelike Buggy, who has his own Devil Fruit
tricks, Luffy's belief in himself isunshakable.
And that confidence?
It's a game-changer.
You can see it in the way he fights-hedoesn't hold back, he doesn't second
(08:44):
guess, he just goes all in.
Here's the thing about confidencethough-it's not about having all the
answers.
Trust me, Luffy's not sitting there withsome grand, foolproof plan.
His confidence comes from this deep trustin himself-the belief that no matter what
(09:06):
happens, he can figure it out as he goes.
And, honestly?
That's the kind of confidence we allneed, isn't it?I mean, think about it.
The way you carry yourself-not justphysically but mentally-it totally shapes
how the world responds to you.
If you trust yourself, if you commitfully to your actions, people see that.
(09:30):
They feel that energy.
But if you're hesitant, if you'redoubting yourself, it shows too.
And you know what?
The only person who can really changethat is you.
Look, I'll be real with you.
Confidence wasn't always my strong suit.
Actually, there was this one time when Ihad an opportunity to lead a big project.
(09:54):
And instead of believing in my ability topull it off, I let doubt creep in.
I overthought every little thing.
And, well, let's just say things didn'tgo great.
But when I finally stopped overthinking,when I told myself, "You don't need to
(10:17):
have every detail figured out-juststart," everything changed.
Suddenly, I wasn't frozen anymore.
And, like Luffy, I realized that trustingmyself was enough to move forward.So ask
yourself (10:32):
where are you holding back right now because of doubt?
Maybe it's starting something new, ormaybe it's stepping up in a situation
where you feel out of your depth.
Whatever it is, just remember this-youdon't need to be perfect.
You don't need all the answers.
You just need to trust yourself.
(10:54):
Because that trust?
That's where confidence begins.
And here's a challenge for you (10:58):
pick one area of your life where you've been
holding back.
What's one step you can take today, rightnow, to push past the doubt?
And when that doubt pops up again-and itwill-remind yourself: I don't need to
know everything.
I just need to trust myself to figure itout.
(11:21):
Despite Luffy's self-assurance, not allleaders approach their battles the same
way.
Buggy, for instance, chooses a paththat's, well, very different...So when it
(11:44):
comes to Buggy as a leader, one thingbecomes painfully clear-he doesn't
inspire loyalty; he demands obedience.
He uses fear and manipulation to keep hiscrew in line, almost like he's ruling
over them with an iron fist.
And honestly?
It's not just ineffective-it's fragile.
(12:09):
Fear-based leadership might work in theshort term, but over time?
It crumbles.
It always does.
Now compare that to someone like Luffy.
Luffy's a leader, too, but he doesn'tneed to force anyone to follow him.
His crew?
They're there because they believe in him.
(12:29):
They trust him.
And that's the difference.
Leadership isn't about power, you know.
It's about influence.
And the best leaders-the ones who aretruly respected-they lift people up.
They make their team stronger, notweaker, by giving them space to rise to
(12:50):
their potential.I remember this one timeI worked with two very different leaders.
One of them used this fear-drivenapproach-constant micromanaging,
criticism, making people feel like theycould never quite measure up.
And while the team technically got thingsdone, man, the morale was just...
(13:16):
nonexistent.
No one wanted to be there, you know?
But then there was this otherleader-completely opposite style.
They showed respect, they encouragedgrowth, and when you messed up, they
helped you learn instead of tearing youdown.
Working with them?
It didn't just feel productive-it feltmeaningful.
(13:39):
It was inspiring.
And that's the thing.
If you want lasting success as aleader-in work, friendships, life-you've
gotta build relationships, not fear.
Real relationships.
Because the most respected leaders?
They don't need to force loyalty.
(13:59):
They earn it.
They empower the people around them togrow and succeed, and that's what makes
them unforgettable.So here's a questionfor you: in your own life, are you
leading in a way that lifts others up, orare you trying to control everything?
And if you're following somebody else,are they genuinely inspiring you, or are
(14:23):
they just demanding power?
If it's the latter, maybe it's worthstepping back and asking yourself if
that's the environment where you cantruly thrive.
Take a moment this week to reflect on howyou're leading or how you're being led.
If you're in a leadership position, findjust one way to empower the people around
(14:51):
you-to show them you believe in theirpotential.
And if you're following someone who leadsthrough fear, maybe it's time to explore
whether that's the best place for yourgrowth.So let's step back for a minute
and look at the bigger picture-what doDevil Fruits really represent?
(15:13):
Sure, they give these incredibleabilities, these powers that can make or
break a character.
But they're more than just flashy moves.
They're symbols, right?
They stand for the unique talents andgifts we all have.
And with those gifts?
(15:34):
Well, comes the responsibility to usethem wisely.
Look at Luffy.
His Gum-Gum abilities are amazing-I mean,no one fights quite like him.
But it's not the powers themselves thatmake him a great fighter or even a great
leader.
It's how he uses them.
(15:55):
He doesn't just swing wildly hoping forsomething to land; he's intentional.
He's creative.
And that's the difference.
Having power isn't enough-you've gottafigure out how to wield it with purpose,
so it actually makes a difference.Thisapplies to all of us.
(16:15):
Whether it's in your career, yourrelationships, or even just personal
growth-success or talent, it's only halfthe story.
The other half?
Learning to manage it.
Learning to take what you've got andfocus it wisely.
I mean, think about it (16:34):
how often do people chase after big wins-more money,
more influence, more recognition-only toget completely overwhelmed when they
achieve it?
A lot of times, it's not the success thattrips us up.
It's the responsibility that comes withit.I remember hitting this milestone with
(16:57):
this podcast.
For so long, the goal was just to connectwith people who love anime and to share
some thoughts about self-growth.
But when it started gaining traction, itwasn't just about sitting down and
talking to a mic anymore.
There were deadlines, collaborations,expectations-it felt like there was
(17:22):
suddenly this weight on my shoulders.
And it took some time to realize that theonly way forward was to step up.
To take ownership of that responsibilityand let it shape how I approached things.
Because managing power?
It's a skill in itself.
(17:43):
It's just as important as gaining it inthe first place.
So let me ask you-are you ready for theresponsibilities that come with the
success you're chasing?
It's a pretty big question.
But it's one we all need to think about,right?
Because more often than not, it's notlack of talent that holds people
(18:07):
back-it's not being prepared for whathappens when they reach that next
level.Here's something you can do.
Take a moment to think about an area ofyour life where you've been growing
lately-maybe something you're better atnow than you used to be.
(18:29):
How can you step up and takeresponsibility for that growth?
Like, how can you make sure you're usingit for the right reasons and not just
letting it sit there?
Because at the end of the day, successisn't about just having something-it's
(18:50):
about making it matter.
And as we start looking at Luffy's nextmove, one thing becomes clear-you don't
always need to rely on raw power to win.
Sometimes, it's all about using yourstrengths with creativity and
adaptability...Luffy's Devil Fruitpowers, no doubt, pack a punch.
(19:15):
I mean, his Gum-Gum abilities give himthe kind of edge most people can only
dream of.
But here's the catch-he doesn't lean onbrute force to scrape by.
Instead, he fights smart.
He's always observing, adapting, andfinding ways to use his strengths
(19:35):
creatively in the moment.
Take his battle with Buggy, for example.
Buggy's Chop-Chop powers are impressive,sure.
The guy can literally split his body intopieces and avoid attacks most others
couldn't dream of dodging.
But what does Luffy do?
He doesn't let Buggy's ability psych himout.
(19:58):
Instead, he flips the script-literallyreflecting Buggy's own attack back at him.
It's like he's saying, "Hey, use all thepowers you want-it doesn't mean you're
unbeatable."And that right there?
That's such a powerful life lesson.
Because in so many cases, raw strength oreven raw talent just isn't enough.
(20:24):
Success isn't about pushing harder everytime; it's about stepping back to look at
the bigger picture and figuring out howto work smarter.
And, honestly, that can be harder than itsounds.
It's, like, we're wired to think thateffort alone equals results-but
(20:45):
creativity?
Adaptability?
That's where the magic happens.
You know, this reminds me of a challengeI faced not too long ago.
I was working on a project-something Ipoured all my energy into.
And when I hit a wall, my first instinctwas to just grind harder, hoping brute
(21:07):
force would do the trick.
Spoiler alert (21:08):
it didn't.
Eventually, I took a step back,reconsidered my approach, and started
looking for smarter ways to solve theproblem.
And, boom, suddenly things clicked.
It wasn't about getting more done; it wasabout working in a way that made the work
count.So let me ask you this (21:32):
is there an area in your life where you've been
tackling things head-on, but maybe it'stime to shift gears?
Maybe a problem you've been poweringthrough instead of stepping back to find
a more strategic way forward?
What if you challenged yourself to thinkoutside the box?
(21:56):
It might mean pausing, reflecting, andtrying something new, even if it feels
awkward at first.
Luffy's approach teaches us an importanttruth: being adaptable is more powerful
than being the strongest.
It's the willingness to evolve that winsbattles-not just in fights, but in life.
(22:18):
So, how can you start finding smarterways to tackle your own challenges?
Of course, even the best strategiessometimes need a little something extra.
And in Luffy's case, well, let's just sayhe's no stranger to a bit of luck...How
(22:40):
much does luck really matter?
In *One Piece*, Luffy often seems to,like, stumble into success.
I mean, just look at how many times he'snarrowly escaped danger or found exactly
what he needed at the right moment.
But is it really luck?
Or is it something else entirely?
(23:02):
Here's what I think.
Luck isn't just random chance.
It's not some magical thing that justhappens to you.
More often than not, it's something youcreate.
And Luffy?
He's the perfect example of that.
He doesn't sit around waiting foropportunities to come to him.
(23:23):
He dives in-headfirst, fearlessly-puttinghimself in situations where, honestly,
anything can happen.
And because he's willing to take thoserisks, he gets opportunities that others
might miss altogether.You know, it'skinda funny.
(23:43):
People love to look at someone successfuland say, "Wow, they're so lucky." But
they don't always notice the bold stepsthat person took to create those chances
in the first place.
Those risks, those moments ofcourage-that's the real secret ingredient
to luck.
It's like this invisible thread thatconnects action to opportunity.
(24:09):
I'll give you an example from my own life.
There was this one time when I gotinvited to speak at an anime event.
It wasn't something planned months inadvance.
I had just started putting myself outthere-sharing my thoughts online,
connecting with others-and out ofnowhere, someone reached out to me.
(24:33):
On the surface, it might've looked likeluck.
But honestly?
If I hadn't been putting myself outthere, making those small, bold moves,
that opportunity wouldn't have found me.
I could've just stayed quiet, stayed safein my little bubble, and, well, nothing
(24:56):
would've happened.So let me ask youthis-are you waiting for luck to find
you, or are you putting yourself insituations where it can happen?
Are you taking risks, trying new things,stepping into the unknown?
Or are you stuck, hoping for the"perfect" opportunity to come along?
(25:17):
Because I've gotta tell you, the perfectopportunity never just shows up.
You've gotta, you know, make the room forit.
And here's a challenge for you (25:26):
take one bold step this week.
Just one.
Maybe it's reaching out to someone youadmire, trying that thing you've been
putting off, or even risking a littlediscomfort in pursuit of something bigger.
Because, honestly?
That's how you create those lucky breaks.
(25:49):
That's how you open the door toopportunities you never saw
coming.Luffy's story shows us that luckisn't about sitting around waiting-it's
about charging forward, no matter howuncertain things seem.
But not everyone faces challenges thesame way.
Take Buggy, for example.
(26:10):
He, well, let's just say he sees theworld a little differently...Alright, so
let's talk about one of Buggy's biggestdownfalls-his overconfidence.
He genuinely believes that his Chop-Choppowers make him unbeatable, like there's
no way someone like Luffy could outsmarthim.
(26:34):
And that arrogance?
That's exactly what blinds him.
Because while Buggy is busy looking downon Luffy, he totally misses the
creativity and determination that Luffybrings to the fight.
And, well, you can guess how that worksout for him.
It's something we see all the time, isn'tit?
(26:57):
People don't always fail because they'reless skilled or less capable.
Sometimes, it's because they don't takethe challenges ahead seriously enough.
They underestimate their competition, orthe difficulty of the task, and kinda
(27:18):
just assume they'll breeze through it.
But life has a funny way of humbling youwhen you let your guard down.You know,
there was a time when I fell into thisexact trap.
I remember getting invited to collaborateon a project, and I thought, "Oh, I've
got this.
No problem." I didn't take the time toreally prepare-I figured my experience
(27:44):
alone would carry me through.
But when the day came, well, let's justsay I was caught off guard.
The others were so much more preparedthan me, and I ended up scrambling to
keep up.
It wasn't that I lacked the skills; Ijust underestimated the effort it would
(28:08):
take to really deliver.
And honestly, it was a humbling moment.
One that taught me to always respect thechallenge ahead, no matter how confident
I feel.
And that's the real key, right?
True confidence isn't about ignoring yourweaknesses or overestimating your
(28:30):
strengths.
It's about finding that balance-trustingin what you're capable of while also
staying realistic about the obstacles infront of you.
Because blind arrogance?
That's just asking for trouble.So let meask you: are there moments in your life
where you've underestimated thechallenges?
(28:52):
Maybe it's a work project, a personalgoal, or even just a relationship.
Are you walking in with assumptionsinstead of preparation?
Take a moment to think about how youcould approach things differently.
What would it look like to respect thechallenges ahead, instead of assuming
(29:16):
they'll be easy?
Here's a little exercise you can try nexttime you're faced with a task or
challenge.
Before diving in, pause and really assessit.
Ask yourself, "What's the worst-casescenario here?
What could I be overlooking?" It's notabout doubting yourself-it's about
(29:38):
preparing yourself.
And, honestly, that preparation?
It sets you apart from everyone who'swalking in blind.It's like Luffy vs.
Buggy all over again.
Buggy's arrogance?
That's what trips him up.
But Luffy?
He respects the fight.
He takes it seriously, and that's whatgives him the upper hand.
(30:03):
And speaking of Luffy, there's somethingelse about him that really stands out-and
it has everything to do with the way heleads...Leadership is such an interesting
concept, isn't it?
Like, a lot of people think it's aboutgiving orders, laying down the law, and,
(30:25):
you know, being in charge.
But when you look at Luffy's style ofleadership, it's really none of that.
He doesn't command his crew withauthority or force them to follow his
vision.
No, they follow him because they trulybelieve in him-and that's such a powerful
(30:45):
thing.
Think about it-why do people want tofollow Luffy?
He doesn't sit there trying to convincethem with words.
He leads by example.
Every single action he takes shows hiscrew exactly who he is and what he stands
for.
It's not about flashy speeches ormanipulation-it's about showing them that
(31:11):
if they put their trust in him, he'llnever let them down.
And that kind of leadership?
It's earned, not demanded.
It's built on mutual trust andrespect.I'll be honest, I've been on both
sides of this coin.
(31:31):
I've worked with people who led throughfear and people who led through
inspiration, and let me tell you, thedifference is night and day.
One time, I had this manager whomicromanaged every single thing I did.
Nothing I did ever felt good enough, andover time, it just drained all my
(31:55):
motivation.
Compare that to someone I worked withlater-a mentor who genuinely believed in
me.
They didn't bark orders or nitpick-theysupported me, gave me the space to grow,
and trusted me to make decisions.
And because of that, I wanted to givethem my best.
(32:18):
I wanted to succeed, not just for me butfor them too.
That's the kind of leadership that stickswith you.And that's what makes Luffy's
crew so loyal to him.
It's not just about what he says-it'swhat he does.
It's the way he dives into dangerheadfirst, always fighting for his dreams
(32:42):
and his crew's safety.
It's his unwavering belief in somethingbigger than himself.
That's what inspires them to stand besidehim, even in the most chaotic,
life-threatening situations.
So let me ask you this (32:57):
are you leading through your actions?
Whether it's at work, in yourfriendships, or even just in your own
personal life-are you showing people whatyou stand for?
Or are you just hoping they'll followwithout really giving them a reason to?
(33:18):
Because true leadership?
It's not about controlling others-it'sabout inspiring them to trust and believe
in what you're doing.Here's a littlechallenge for the week.
Think about one area of your life whereyou can lead by example.
(33:41):
Maybe it's stepping up for a friend,taking extra care with your work, or
showing kindness to someone who reallyneeds it.
Whatever it is, focus less on what you'resaying and more on what you're doing.
Because at the end of the day, the bestleaders don't demand respect-they earn
(34:10):
it.When we look at Zoro, there'ssomething that really stands out-his
loyalty to Luffy.
And what's wild is how quickly thatloyalty forms.
I mean, they've barely known each other,right?
But already, we see Zoro standing firmlybehind Luffy's vision.
(34:30):
He's not just tagging along-he's all in,aligning his own dream of becoming the
world's greatest swordsman with Luffy'squest for the One Piece.
And that?
That makes them a force to be reckonedwith.
It's such a testament to the power ofcommitment.
You see, success-real success-doesn'tcome from half-hearted efforts.
(34:57):
You can't just tiptoe toward greatness.
You've gotta fully commit.
You've gotta, like, throw yourself intoit, even when it's uncomfortable, even
when the stakes are high.
That's exactly what Zoro does.
He's not holding back-it's everything ornothing.
(35:19):
And that's why he's such a strongcharacter in every sense of the word.You
know, this reminds me of something I wentthrough when I first decided to create
this podcast.
At the start, I kind of dabbled-testingthe waters, wondering if I should really
go for it.
(35:39):
But I was... hesitant.
And honestly?
It showed.
My episodes didn't feel focused.
My growth felt stuck.
But the moment I burned those bridges ofdoubt and committed fully?
That's when things started to change.
I stopped holding back and pouredeverything into making this the best
(36:03):
space it could be, to connect with peoplelike you and share these stories that
have shaped my life.But it's not justabout your own commitment-it's also about
the people you surround yourself with.
Look at Zoro and Luffy.
Their shared dedication, theirwillingness to push each other forward,
(36:24):
it creates this unstoppable momentum.
And honestly, that's something we shouldall strive for.
Because when you're surrounded by peoplewho are just as committed as you are?
It's like fuel for your fire.
It keeps you moving even when things gettough.
(36:45):
So, here's a question for you-are youtruly committed to your goals?
Or are you holding back, keeping one footout the door just in case?
And what about the people around you?
Do they push you to grow, to move closerto your dream?
Or are they holding you back, keeping youin a place you've outgrown?Take a moment
(37:10):
to reflect.
This week, what's one bold step you cantake to show your commitment to your
biggest goal?
Maybe it's cutting out distractions,maybe it's investing more time or
resources-but make sure it's somethingthat really pushes you forward.
And while you're at it, think aboutsomeone in your life who shares that same
(37:36):
drive-someone who's just as fired upabout chasing their dreams.
How can you support each other, push eachother to keep going?
Because if there's one thing Zoro showsus, it's that there's strength in
commitment.
It's not just about having a dream.
(37:57):
It's about showing up for it, everysingle day, no matter what.
And speaking of showing up... Luffy, well,he takes that to a whole other level.
No matter how many times he gets knockeddown, this guy just keeps getting back
up.When it comes to Luffy, one of thethings I admire most is how he handles
(38:22):
failure.
No matter how many times he gets knockeddown, this guy, like, always gets back up.
Always.
He never lets setbacks keep him down forlong, and I think that resilience?
It's one of his greatest strengths.
It's what keeps him moving forward evenwhen the odds are stacked against him.
(38:46):
And honestly, that's the thing thatreally separates those who succeed from
those who don't.
It's not about never failing-it's aboutnever stopping.
Because everyone, and I mean everyone, isgoing to face failures at some point.
(39:06):
It's inevitable.
The real question is-what do you do whenit happens?
Do you let it hold you back, or do youpush forward despite it?I'll share a
personal story here.
There was a time when I was working on areally important project, something I was
super passionate about.
But things fell apart, big time.
(39:29):
I felt like I had completely failed, andfor a while, I let that stop me.
I started second-guessing myself,replaying the mistakes in my head over
and over, you know?
But eventually, I realized something.
Failure?
It's temporary.
It's just a moment.
(39:49):
But quitting?
That's permanent.
And that's not how I wanted my story toend.
So, I decided to pick myself up and tryagain.
And that mindset shift-that persistence?
It changed everything.
It's important to remember that everygreat success story out there is filled
(40:13):
with failures.
But what defines the winners isn't thatthey never fail-it's that they keep going.
They rise again and again, no matter howmany times they get knocked down.So, let
me ask you (40:30):
are you letting failures hold you back?
Are you stuck replaying setbacks insteadof using them as lessons to move forward?
Take a moment to think about it.
What's one recent failure you've faced,and how can you reframe it as a stepping
(40:50):
stone instead of a roadblock?
Because the truth is, failure isn't theend-it's part of the journey.
This week, I want to challenge you tomake a commitment.
Pick one area in your life where you'vebeen hesitating because of a past
failure, and take one small step forward.
(41:13):
Just one.
Because resilience?
It's built one step at a time-one smallact of courage stacked on top of another.
And the thing about resilience is... itdoesn't just show up out of nowhere.
It's something you cultivate.
(41:33):
You show up, you keep going, and overtime, it grows stronger, just like Luffy.
But not everyone faces challenges thesame way.
Zoro, for example, he fights with acompletely different kind of fire...Zoro
is such a fascinating character when youthink about it.
(41:55):
Here's this guy who's fighting not justfor survival, not even just for his
captain.
He's fighting for his dream-to become theworld's greatest swordsman.
And what stands out to me so much aboutZoro is just how committed he is.
Like, he's willing to endure any amountof pain, even self-inflicted wounds, just
(42:22):
to prove his determination.
That's not... that's not something you seeevery day, right?
It's this all-or-nothing mentality thatreally makes him so compelling.And, you
know, that's what dreams demandsometimes, isn't it?
If you want to achieve something great,it almost always means sacrificing
(42:44):
comfort or short-term security.
I mean, it's not just about asking, "Whatdo I want?" It's also about asking, "What
am I willing to give up to get there?"And that's a tough question.
So many of us, we dream big, but when thetime comes to face the hardship, we pull
(43:06):
back.
And honestly?
I get that.
It's-it's not easy to trade comfort fordiscomfort, even if the reward is
huge.You know, this reminds me of a timewhen I had to make a really difficult
choice.
I was starting this podcast, and it wassuch a big dream for me-this space where
(43:30):
I could connect anime and self-growth,share stories from shows like *One Piece*
that shaped my life.
But to fully commit to it, I had to givesomething up.
I had to say no to weekends of relaxationor those endless hours of scrolling
through social media.
(43:50):
Basically, I had to learn to prioritizesomething that felt far away over things
that gave me instant gratification.
And let me tell you-it wasn't, it wasn'teasy.
It's still not.
But the more I leaned into thatdiscomfort, the more I realized it was
(44:11):
shaping me, just as much as this podcastwas growing.And I think Zoro teaches us
that so beautifully.
He doesn't shy away from the pain or thesacrifices.
In fact, he almost embraces them, becausehe understands that they're part of the
(44:31):
process.
It's like, success isn't just abouttalent, right?
Talent's important, sure, but it's notthe whole story.
Persistence, discipline, and yeah, acrazy-high tolerance for pain-those are
what separate the interested from thecommitted.
And in Zoro's case?
(44:52):
He's as committed as it gets.So let meask you-are you truly committed to your
dreams, or are you just interested inthem?
Like, are you showing up every day,making choices that align with your
vision, or are you holding back becausethe sacrifices feel too heavy?
(45:14):
And I get it-that's not an easy questionto sit with.
But think about it.
If you're really honest with yourself,what's one comfort or habit that's
holding you back?
Maybe it's procrastination, maybe it'sfear of failure, or maybe it's just not
(45:36):
wanting to feel uncomfortable.
Whatever it is, what would it look liketo give that up, even just a little, to
move forward this week?Here's a challengefor you.
Write down the biggest challenge standingbetween you and your goal right now.
(45:56):
Maybe it's something external, likeresources or connections, or maybe it's
something internal, like doubt.
And then, create a small plan-not a bigone, just a small, manageable step-to
start working through it.
(46:17):
Because, you know, those little steps,they add up over time.
They're how the sacrifices start to makesense.
And looking at Zoro, well, it'sclear-he's ready to give everything for
his dream.
But what about trust?
Because trust, especially in the peoplearound you, that's another kind of
(46:43):
strength altogether...Trust-it's such asimple word, but when you think about it,
it holds so much power.
I mean, just look at Luffy.
He trusts his crew, flaws and all.
And we're not talking about small flawshere-Nami was a thief, Zoro was a bounty
(47:04):
hunter.
Most people would hesitate, right?
But not Luffy.
He puts his faith in them fully, andbecause of that, they rise to the
occasion.
They step up because they know hebelieves in them.
And that?
That's what makes his crew so strong.
You see, people perform so much betterwhen they feel trusted and valued,
(47:31):
instead of being controlled ormicromanaged.
When there's trust, there's space to grow.
Luffy doesn't second-guess Nami and Zorobecause of their pasts.
He sees their potential, what they canbring to the team, and he chooses to
focus on that.
And, honestly, I think we can learn a lotfrom that approach.You know, I remember
(47:58):
this one time I had to put my trust insomeone, and-if I'm being real-it wasn't
easy.
I had this project I was super investedin.
It felt like my baby, you know?
Like, handing it over to someone else,even partially, was terrifying.
(48:19):
But I knew that if I tried to controlevery little thing, it wouldn't work.
So, I let go.
I trusted this person to take it in theirown direction, even if it wasn't perfect.
And, wow, they delivered something beyondwhat I imagined.
I almost couldn't believe it-but if Ihadn't stepped back and let them rise to
(48:46):
their potential, I never would've seenthat outcome.
It was such a humbling lesson for meabout how powerful trust can be.And
here's the thing-trust isn't blind.
It's not about ignoring flaws or risks.
It's about creating a space where peoplecan be their best selves.
(49:06):
It's about giving others the room tosucceed, just like Luffy does with his
crew.
That's what builds strong teams-not fear,not control, but mutual respect and
belief in each other's abilities.
So, let me ask you this (49:22):
Are you trusting the people around you, or are you trying
to control everything?
Are you giving them the opportunity toshow what they're capable of, or are you
holding too tightly onto the reins?
(49:43):
And-I think this is an important questiontoo-do you feel trusted by the people
you're working or living with?
Because trust has to flow both ways.
When it does, that's when the magichappens.Here's something you can try this
(50:07):
week.
Identify one person in your life who youcould trust more-someone who might
surprise you if you gave them the chance.
Maybe it's at work, maybe it's at home,wherever it feels right.
Delegating something to them, even ifit's small, and resisting the urge to
(50:29):
micromanage?
That can be a game-changer.
You might be amazed at what they'recapable of when you step back.
Because here's the thing about trust-itempowers people.
It pushes them to do more, to believe inthemselves, to rise to levels they didn't
(50:49):
think possible.
And that's exactly what we see with Luffyand his crew.
His trust in them is what makes them sopowerful.
It's what turns a group of misfits into afamily, into a force that can take on
anything.
But trust is only part of the story.
(51:10):
When we take a step back and look atDevil Fruits-and what they symbolize-we
start to see an even bigger pictureforming...Devil Fruits.
They're more than just these supernaturalpowers that turn the tide in
battles-they're a metaphor.
A symbol of the risks and rewards thatcome with chasing something extraordinary.
(51:35):
And what really stands out is howcharacters like Luffy, Buggy, and even
Shanks approach that power so differently.
Take Luffy.
He shows us that true strength isn't justabout what you have-it's about how you
use it.
His boldness, his ability to leanentirely into his unique traits?
(51:59):
That's what sets him apart.
Buggy, on the other hand, clings toarrogance and greed, seeing power as a
shortcut to greatness.
And Shanks?
Shanks reminds us that true power isn'tflashy-it's wise, it's steady-it's
knowing when and how to use itresponsibly.So as we wrap up today's
(52:21):
episode, let me leave you with a fewquestions to think about.
Are you embracing your unique strengths,or are you hesitating out of fear?
Are you chasing power for the rightreasons, or are you letting greed or
comparison cloud your judgment?
And-maybe most importantly-are you makingthe most of the opportunities in front of
(52:49):
you?
You don't need all the answers right now,but just starting to ask these questions
can be a powerful first step.
And that's all for today.
Thank you so much for joining me on thisdive into One Piece, into resilience,
leadership, and self-belief.
(53:10):
These stories, these lessons from anime,they're so much more than
entertainment-they're insights for how wecan live, grow, and face life's
challenges head-on.
So until next time-keep growing, keepbelieving in yourself, and as always,
(53:33):
keep watching anime.
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