March 6, 2025 • 56 mins
In this episode, Steven breaks down One Piece Chapter 23 – The Dread Captain Usopp, exploring the power of perception, the role of fear, and the paradox of confidence. Usopp’s exaggerated tales reveal deeper truths about storytelling, belief, and leadership—lessons that apply far beyond the world of pirates.
Listeners will learn why personal narratives shape opportunities, how to overcome self-imposed fears, and why confidence often comes after action, not before. Through personal insights and practical strategies, Steven helps listeners step into their own leadership potential and embrace a stronger, more fearless version of themselves.
If you’ve ever struggled with imposter syndrome, hesitated out of fear, or wondered how to project confidence even when you don’t feel it, this episode is packed with insights to push you forward. It’s time to stop waiting and start believing—just like the Dread Captain Usopp.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
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(00:14):
So, let's talk about Captain Usopp.
He's this fascinating mix of absurdself-confidence and, well,
not-so-reliable actions.
He calls himself
"the Dread Captain Usopp,"
but, when you look closer, you realizehis reputation is built on tall tales
(00:34):
more than anything real.
And you know what?
It works.
It actually works-that's the wild part.
People believe his legend because of theway it's told, not because of the facts
behind it.
It's such a powerful reminder that, forbetter or worse, perception can shape
(00:55):
reality.
I mean, think about it.
How often do we respond to what webelieve about someone's story rather than
what's actually true?
Usopp's whole dynamic taps into thisbroader idea that personal narrative
holds serious power.
It's why you see so many leaders andinfluencers out there crafting their
(01:22):
stories so carefully.
They're not just telling people who theyare; they're shaping what people believe
about them.
And that belief?
That opens doors.But there's a flip side.
If your story doesn't align with youractions-if it's all fiction with no
follow-through-then it kinda falls apart,right?
(01:44):
Usopp might get away with it for a whilein One Piece, but in real life, there's
only so far you can go by exaggerating.
Aligning narrative with action?
That's where the real magic happens.
I'll tell you, I've had to do this in myown life.
(02:05):
Reshape my narrative, I mean.
There was a time when I realized the wayI was presenting myself professionally
wasn't matching where I wanted to go.
And honestly, it was holding me back.
So, I made a conscious effort to rewritethat story-to highlight the qualities I
(02:27):
wanted to be known for and then actuallyback them up with action.
And it's funny, once you control yournarrative, opportunities seem to find you.
It's like they're drawn to the personyou're becoming.So let me ask you: What
(02:49):
story are you telling about yourself?
And not just the one you say out loud,but the one your actions are narrating
too.
Is that story aligned with who you reallyare-or who you want to be?
Here's what I think could be helpful.
Write down three qualities you want to beknown for-just three.
(03:14):
Then, think about how you can frame yourpersonal narrative around those qualities.
And, more importantly, take one actionthis week that reinforces that story in
your day-to-day life.
It doesn't have to be huge, just one steptoward aligning who you are with the
(03:36):
story you want people to believe.
And, I'll leave you with this (03:38):
Usopp doesn't stop at just making claims-he
acts, even if those actions sometimesfeel...
let's call it inventive.
It's that subtle balance of storytellingand action that we can all learn from.
But what happens when the stories we tellare a shield-hiding fears or insecurities
(04:03):
underneath?Alright, so let's shift gearsand talk about the other side of Usopp's
bravado-fear.
It's funny, isn't it?
On the surface, he acts larger thanlife-this fearless captain with a hundred
adventures under his belt.
But, deep down, you can tell it's all amask.
(04:26):
He's scared.
And honestly?
That's a little relatable, right?
How many times have we exaggeratedconfidence just to hide what we're really
feeling beneath the surface?
What's going on here is whatpsychologists sometimes call
overcompensation.
(04:47):
When we're unsure of ourselves-or evendownright scared-we build these external
personas.
A shield, so we don't have to confrontwhat's actually making us nervous.
And that's exactly what Usopp does.
But here's the twist (05:02):
The more we play into these personas, the more power fear
actually has over us.You see, fear istricky.
Our minds are so good at building it upinto something massive, something way
bigger than it really is.
And nine times out of ten, the thingswe're terrified of?
(05:25):
They never actually happen.
It's like our brains have this talent forconjuring worst-case scenarios that don't
exist.
And yet, those imagined fears?
They're strong enough to keep uscompletely stuck.
There's this one moment I always comeback to in my own life-when I had to
(05:49):
speak in front of a pretty big crowd forthe first time.
I was, well...
let's just say, internally screaming.
I ran through every possible way I couldmess up.
I mean, I was convinced I'd trip walkingon stage or completely blank mid-sentence.
(06:13):
But then, you do it, right?
You get up there, you take the leap, andsuddenly, it's manageable.
And you're like-wait a second.
That wasn't as bad as I thought.I thinkthe key is separating real fears from
imagined ones.
Sure, some fears exist to protect us,like...
(06:36):
don't jump off that ledge, right?
But most of what we're scared of is inour heads-things like failure, judgment,
or just not being enough.
And here's the secret (06:47):
The only way to break through that wall is to face it.
To look fear square in the eyes and say,
"You're not as big as I thought you were."
So, let me ask this.
What's one fear that's been holding youback lately?
And if you really think about it-if youbreak it down rationally-how likely is
(07:12):
that worst-case scenario?
Like, really?
What would actually happen if you facedit instead of avoiding it?Here's a little
exercise for you.
Write down one fear, and next to it, listout the actual consequences of
confronting it versus avoiding it.
What's the real cost of staying stuck?
(07:36):
And then, just take one small step thisweek to move toward it.
That one action-no matter how tiny-canshatter the illusion of fear and show you
it's way more fragile than it seems.So,here's the thing about Captain Usopp-his
confidence is almost...
(07:56):
magical, in a way.
He struts around, making these big claimsabout being this mighty, feared captain.
And you know what?
People buy it.
At least for a while.
Because that's the funny thing aboutconfidence.
Sometimes, just acting like you believein yourself is enough to make others
(08:19):
believe in you too.
But-and this is important-that confidenceonly works until it doesn't.
Right?
Usopp's facade crumbles when real dangershows up, because bravado isn't the same
as ability.
It's not enough to fake it forever.
There's this delicate balance betweenprojecting confidence and actually doing
(08:44):
the work.
Between, let's say,
"talking the talk"
and
"walking the walk."
Here's an interesting thought (08:51):
Confidence often comes after action-not before.
We wait to feel ready, to feel sure ofourselves, as though confidence is some
magical signal that we're prepared totake the leap.
But the reality?
Most successful people-whether inleadership, entrepreneurship, or personal
(09:18):
growth-didn't wait to feel ready.
They leapt, and then they learned.
And through that learning cameconfidence.I've experienced this
firsthand.
There was this one time when I had tolead a team on a project that, quite
honestly, felt way out of my skillset.
(09:40):
I mean, I-I kept thinking,
"Why me? Why now? I'm not even remotelyready for this."
But the thing is-you don't really get tochoose when opportunities show up, do you?
So, I decided to fake just enoughconfidence to get started.
I told myself,
(10:02):
"Okay, I might not know everything, but Ican figure it out."
And, slowly, that action-not sittingaround, not overthinking-helped me build
the actual competence I needed.
Step by step, day by day.
It's not an overnight process, but that'sthe beauty of it.
(10:24):
So, let me ask you this.
Where in your life are you waiting tofeel ready?
To feel 100% prepared before startingsomething?
What if, instead, you juststarted-imperfectly, maybe even
clumsily-but started anyway?
Could projecting just a littleconfidence, even before you're fully
(10:48):
there, help you move forward?Here's anidea to try this week.
Take one step outside your comfort zone.
Just one.
And when you hear yourself say,
"I'm not ready,"
try this instead:
"I'm becoming ready."
Because that's what it's reallyabout-taking the leap and learning to be
(11:11):
ready along the way.Let's talk aboutUsopp's crew for a moment.
They're not blindly following him becausehe's the strongest or has the best battle
strategies-because, let's be honest, hedoesn't.
No, they're following him because of onething: his unshakable belief in himself.
(11:33):
Even when it's clear he might not be theguy to get them out of a sticky
situation, his sheer conviction makesthem think,
"Well, maybe he's onto something."
And, you know, this doesn't just stopwith Usopp.
This happens all the time-in leadership,in sales, even in our everyday
(11:56):
relationships.
Confidence is magnetic, almost contagious.
When someone believes in themselves, it'slike they give you permission to believe
in them too.
It's not about having all the rightanswers or every skill in the book.
It's about projecting that energy, thatspark of conviction that makes people
(12:21):
trust you'll figure it out no matterwhat.It's funny, isn't it?
Success rarely comes down to knowingeverything from the get-go.
It's more about believing in yourselfenough to figure things out as you go.
And here's the kicker-how you carryyourself?
That starts to dictate how others see you.
(12:46):
People pick up on your energy, your bodylanguage, your tone, and they mirror that
back.
It's like this loop of confidence-youproject it, they believe in you, and
that, in turn, solidifies your ownbelief.I've seen this play out in my own
life too.
There was this time when I had to stepinto a leadership role under
(13:10):
circumstances that felt...
overwhelming, let's say.
I didn't have all the experience, and Iwasn't sure I was ready.
But I also knew that if I let thosedoubts show, people around me would start
doubting too.
So, I chose to trust myself.
Not because I felt invincible, butbecause I believed I could figure it out
(13:34):
piece by piece.
And you know what?
That belief created this ripple effect.
It made others trust me more, which mademe trust myself more.
You see how that works?
Let me turn this question over to you.
How do you carry yourself in thosemoments where confidence is required?
(13:57):
Do you project belief in yourself, or areyou waiting for someone else to validate
you first?
Because here's the truth (14:05):
That validation you're waiting for?
It might not come.
You have to give it to yourself.
It starts with you.Here's somethingsimple to try.
Start paying attention to how you presentyourself.
Your body language, your tone, even theway you walk into a room-it all tells a
(14:29):
story.
And then, practice making decisions withconfidence, even in the small stuff.
Because the more you practice, the morenatural it'll feel.
Confidence is like a muscle-it growsevery time you use it.
And let's not forget, Usopp might notalways win every fight, but that belief
(14:52):
he projects?
That's why people stick by him, why theylisten.
There's something immensely powerfulabout a person who wholeheartedly
believes in their own vision.
But what happens when the power of thatvision-of storytelling itself-goes beyond
(15:13):
confidence?Usopp's got this uncanny wayof drawing people in with his words,
doesn't he?
Even when they doubt him, when it'sobvious he's stretching the
truth-somehow, his storytelling makesthem listen.
And honestly, that's more than just aquirk.
(15:35):
That's a skill.
It's the kind of skill that, when youthink about it, sits right at the heart
of effective leadership.
Because here's the thing (15:44):
The best leaders?
They're not just giving instructions.
They're painting a vision, somethingcompelling enough that people want to
follow.
It's not about saying, "Do this, dothat." It's about showing people why they
(16:05):
should care, why it matters.
Usopp might be...
well, a little unconventional with hismethods, but he taps into that same
principle.
His crew doesn't follow orders-theyfollow the story he's telling.You know,
(16:32):
this isn't just a pirate thing.
Look back at history, or even at modernbusiness leaders.
The ones who really stand out?
It's not because they had the most dataor the best spreadsheets, right?
It's because they knew how to communicate.
They understood that, at the end of theday, people don't remember facts.
(16:57):
They remember feelings.
They remember the sense of purpose thatonly a good story can give.
And-I'll admit-I've learned this the hardway.
There was this time when I was pitchingan idea to a group of colleagues.
And I-I got caught up in all the details,the numbers, the logic.
(17:20):
I remember thinking, "This is rock solid.
It's bulletproof." But you know what?
It didn't work.
People just...
weren't connecting with it.
And that's when it clicked for me.
Presenting facts wasn't enough.
I needed to turn those facts into astory-something people could see
(17:41):
themselves in, something to inspireaction.
The moment I made that shift?
Everything changed.So, here's a questionfor you: When you're trying to influence,
to lead, are you just giving facts, orare you crafting a narrative?
Are you pulling people into a story thatthey want to be part of?
(18:05):
Because that's where real changestarts-not with instructions, but with
inspiration.
And maybe here's a way to practice.
Take one message, maybe something reallyimportant to you, and reframe it as a
story.
Don't just state it-shape it.
Give it context, make it relatable.
(18:27):
Think about how great leaders weave theirmessages into narratives, and see how you
could apply that in your own life.
Because, at the end of the day,leadership isn't just about authority.
It's about creating belief-making peoplesee a vision so vividly that they can't
(18:49):
help but follow.
And storytelling?
That's where it all begins.
But what happens when confidence in thatstorytelling starts pushing beyond belief
into something...
more fragile?You know, there's somethingfascinating about Usopp.
His confidence-it's big, bold, kindainfectious-but, sometimes, it crosses
(19:15):
that invisible line into, well, delusion.
He genuinely believes he's capable ofpulling off these grand feats...
until reality catches up, and suddenly,we see the cracks in that facade.
And the thing is, this isn't just anUsopp problem.
It's something we can all relate to,right?
(19:38):
Because projecting confidence?
It's a skill-it opens doors, buildstrust-but it's not without its risks.
When confidence tips too far intooverconfidence, it can backfire.
You start missing crucial feedback,overlooking blind spots, and before you
(19:58):
know it, mistakes pile up.
I mean, how often do we convinceourselves we've got it all figured out,
only to face a situation where...
well, it turns out we didn't?The truthis, real confidence doesn't mean
pretending to have all the answers.
It's about acknowledging where we'restrong, sure, but also being honest with
(20:23):
ourselves about where we need to grow.
True self-assurance comes from thisbalance-believing in your abilities while
staying adaptable enough to learn andimprove.
Without that balance, confidence can feela lot like arrogance to the people around
you.
And that's when credibility takes a hit.
(20:45):
I've been there myself.
There was a moment where I thought,
"I've got this. No questions, no doubts."
And, let's just say, reality brought meright back down to earth.
I missed a critical step in preparing fora project because I was so convinced of
(21:07):
my expertise.
And honestly?
That misstep taught me more than anysuccess could have.
It reminded me of the importance ofkeeping my ego in check and staying open
to feedback, no matter how confident Ifelt.So, let me ask: How are you
(21:28):
balancing confidence with self-awarenessright now?
Are you projecting strength while stayingopen to adapt?
Or does your conviction sometimesovershadow the willingness to step back
and admit-maybe I need to learn more here?
It might be helpful to try this.
Ask someone you trust for honestfeedback-how you come across, whether
(21:53):
it's more confidence or arrogance.
And then, take their insights seriously.
Listen closely.
Another step?
Identify an area where you think yourconfidence might be a bit, let's say,
overinflated.
Once you've got that, make a plan to workon it-whether that's by deepening your
(22:16):
knowledge or simply practicing humilityin the way you approach it.Because here's
the thing (22:21):
The leaders and people we respect the most aren't the ones who act
like they know everything.
They're the ones who stay humble, stayteachable, and combine their belief in
themselves with the flexibility to adapt.
That's where lasting influence comesfrom-not from bravado, but from
(22:47):
balance.Let's dive back into Usopp for amoment.
His ability to bluff, to act like he'sgot it all figured out, it's worked for
him time and time again.
But here's the catch-those bluffs onlycarry him so far.
Because, eventually, confidence withoutthe skills to back it up?
(23:09):
That leads to trouble.
It's kinda like building a boat on shakywood-it floats for a while, but sooner or
later, those cracks start showing.
And honestly, this happens in real lifetoo.
Acting confident can open doors, sure-butkeeping them open?
(23:30):
That's a different story.
That takes real growth, and real growthdoesn't happen overnight.
It requires deliberate action.
It's about stepping up consistently,putting yourself in spaces that challenge
you, and then rising to meet thosechallenges.
(23:51):
Over and over again.
I mean, yeah-it's uncomfortable, butthat's where the progress lies.Here's
something I've learned through my ownexperience.
There was a time when I leaned heavily onprojecting confidence.
I was in a situation where, honestly, Iwasn't as prepared as I wanted to be.
(24:13):
I thought,
"Alright, I'll just fake it till I makeit."
And initially?
That worked.
It gave me a seat at the table.
But as things progressed, I realized thatif I didn't start leveling up my actual
skills, I wouldn't be able to stay there.
So, what did I do?
I buckled down.
(24:35):
I pushed past that initial discomfort offeeling out of my depth and committed
myself to learning.
And, step by step, I built the expertiseI needed to thrive in that role.
That feeling?
That's real confidence, not just aperformance.So, how about you?
(24:56):
Are there areas in your life where you'remostly relying on projected confidence?
And, if so, what's stopping you fromtaking the steps toward deeper growth?
Because here's the thing (25:08):
The world rewards confidence at first, but
long-term success comes from ability.
And that ability gets built in thoseunglamorous moments of trial and error,
of stepping into the unknown and stickingwith it.
Here's a little exercise I'd recommend.
(25:30):
Think about one skill or area in yourlife where you might be, let's say,
skating by on confidence instead of realmastery.
Write it down.
Then, brainstorm a plan to improve thatskill-whether it's signing up for a
class, finding a mentor, or justcommitting to daily practice.
(25:55):
Small, consistent steps add up over time.
Trust me, there's no substitute forconsistent effort when it comes to
turning potential into reality.Andremember, true confidence isn't something
you just
"have"
-it's something you earn.
(26:17):
It's built piece by piece, experience byexperience.
And the more you invest in that growth,the stronger that confidence becomes.
It stops being something you project andstarts being something you truly embody.
But what happens when avoiding the hardpart-the real growth-starts to create
(26:43):
even bigger issues down the line?So,let's talk about avoidance.
It's something Usopp does a lot-he ducksout of direct conflict, hoping, maybe
even betting, that things will somehowresolve themselves.
And it's tempting, right?
(27:04):
Avoidance feels easier in the moment-itlets us escape the discomfort, the fear
of confrontation.
But the trouble is, that short-termrelief?
It usually comes with a much higher costdown the road.
Because avoiding problems doesn't makethem disappear.
In fact, it often does the opposite.
(27:26):
Those small issues?
They grow, they fester, and before youknow it, what was once manageable isn't
anymore.
Usopp's avoidance might get him through afew sticky situations in One Piece, but
in real life, running away fromchallenges...
well, it tends to make them worse,doesn't it?I've definitely learned this
(27:54):
lesson myself.
There was a time when I was avoiding atough conversation I really needed to
have-something that was hanging over mefor weeks.
I'll admit, I kept pushing it off,convincing myself that maybe it wasn't so
urgent after all.
(28:15):
But the longer I waited, the more anxiousI felt, and-and here's the kicker-the
situation only got more complicated.
When I finally tackled it head-on?
It wasn't fun, but it was like a weightimmediately lifted.
The solution was much simpler than I hadbuilt it up to be in my head.
(28:36):
And that's the thing-procrastinating onproblems doesn't just delay the
inevitable; it adds unnecessary stress.
It's like carrying around a backpack fullof rocks that you could've just set down
sooner.
Leaders, successful entrepreneurs, and,honestly, anyone who's thriving?
(28:58):
They don't wait for issues to snowball.
They handle them early, directly, andwith as much clarity as possible.So, let
me pose this to you (29:08):
Is there something in your life you've been avoiding?
Maybe it's a conversation you'redreading, a task that feels overwhelming,
or even just a decision you've beenputting off.
Whatever it is, ask yourself-what's theactual cost of waiting?
(29:29):
And more importantly, how can you starttackling it today?
Here's something practical.
Take one issue you've been avoiding andwrite it down.
Break it into smaller, manageableparts-what's the very first step you can
take?
Don't focus on fixing everything all atonce; focus on just starting.
(29:53):
And if it's a conversation you've beenavoiding, maybe sit down and draft out
what you'd want to say.
Preparing doesn't just make the problemclearer-it makes it feel less
intimidating.And here's the best part: The sooner you face an issue, the more (30:08):
undefined
manageable it usually becomes.
That terrible thing you're imagining?
It's almost always worse in your mindthan in reality.
Taking action turns worry into resolution.
Because at the end of the day, facingchallenges head-on?
(30:31):
That's what separates progress fromstagnation.Let's think about Usopp's crew
for a minute.
Here's a guy who's not the strongest, notthe fastest, and let's be honest, not
always the bravest.
And yet, they follow him.
Why?
Because Usopp acts like he belongs there.
(30:53):
He genuinely believes he's a leader, andthat self-belief is contagious.
It's like his crew can't help but believein him too-just because he carries
himself with that conviction.
And this isn't just storytelling magicfrom One Piece.
(31:14):
You see this in real life all the time,don't you?
The way you see yourself-what you believeabout your potential-directly impacts how
others see you.
It's almost like people's perceptionsmirror back what you project.
If you walk into a room confident, withyour head high, people pick up on that
(31:37):
energy.
But if you're hesitant, doubting,second-guessing yourself... well, that's
what they see too.There's actually someresearch backing this up.
Studies have shown that people whobelieve they're capable of something,
even if they're not quite there yet, tendto achieve more over time.
(32:00):
Why?
Because that belief drives their actions.
It pushes them to take risks, to keepshowing up.
It's not that they're foolingeveryone-it's that their self-belief
opens doors they wouldn't have otherwisewalked through.I can tell you from my own
(32:21):
life that the shift in how othersperceive you really does start within.
There was a turning point for me, when Irealized that a lot-if not most-of the
doubt I thought others had about me?
That doubt was actually coming frominside my own head.
(32:41):
I wasn't seeing myself as capable enough,and it showed.
The second I made the decision to own mypotential, to stop waiting for external
validation?
Everything changed.
People started reacting differently,trusting me more, giving me opportunities
(33:02):
I hadn't had before.
And looking back, all of that startedwith me believing I belonged in those
spaces.
So, let me ask you this (33:10):
How do you carry yourself, especially in situations where
confidence is required?
Are you walking in with self-assurance,projecting belief in your abilities?
Or are you waiting for someone else tovalidate you first?
Because here's the thing (33:30):
That validation may never come if you don't offer it to
yourself first.Here's a little challengefor you.
Start observing how you presentyourself-everything from your posture to
your tone of voice.
The next time you interact with someone,take note of their reactions.
(33:56):
Are their responses a reflection ofconfidence you're putting out, or
hesitation?
And if you catch yourselfsecond-guessing, try to reframe those
doubts.
Replace them with affirmations, even ifit's something simple, like,
"I've got this"
or
(34:16):
"I belong here."
Because real influence starts withself-perception.
When you own your potential and trustthat you're capable, others pick up on
that signal, and that energy opens doors.
The world starts to see you the way yousee yourself.
And speaking of seeing yourself-whathappens when we dream of being something
(34:43):
more, but fear holds us back from takingthe leap?You know, Usopp dreams of being
this adventurous, brave soul, a truewarrior of the sea.
But he also hesitates-caught betweenwanting greatness and fearing the risks
it takes to get there.
(35:05):
And honestly, that's a struggle so manyof us can relate to, isn't it?
The thought of stepping outside ourcomfort zones can feel... overwhelming.
Playing it safe?
It feels comfortable.
It's predictable, secure.
(35:25):
But it also comes at a cost.
When we stay in those safe zones, we'renot just avoiding failure; we're also
avoiding opportunities.
The reality is, success often demandstaking those leaps of faith-not
(35:46):
recklessly, but courageously.Think aboutit.
Every successful person you know, whetherin business or their personal life, has
taken a gamble at some point.
They've had to step into uncertainty,risking failure for a shot at something
greater.
Those moments?
(36:06):
They're where real growth happens-on theedge of discomfort, not in the middle of
routine.
And often, the risks we avoid?
They end up being the biggest ones ofall, because we lose what could have been.
I can tell you from experience, takingthat leap isn't easy.
(36:27):
One moment that stands out for me was adecision to completely pivot in my career.
On paper, it looked foolish-leaving astable path for something untested.
And I was scared, I'll admit.
But deep down, I knew staying put wasn'tan option either-not if I wanted to grow.
(36:51):
So I made the choice, a calculated one.
And you know what?
That risk ended up shaping my life forthe better.
Not because it was smooth sailing, butbecause every challenge along the way
helped me grow into the person I neededto be.So, let me ask you.
(37:13):
Where in your life are you holding back?
What area feels "too risky," but deepdown, you know it could lead to something
special if you just gave it a chance?
And, here's the kicker (37:26):
Imagine if fear wasn't part of the equation-what would
you do differently?
What doors would you try to open?
Here's something you can try.
Think of one risk you've been hesitant totake and break it into smaller,
(37:46):
manageable steps.
What's the tiniest action you could taketoward it today?
And while you're at it, stop asking,"What if I fail?" Start asking, "What if
I succeed?" Because sometimes, the bestgrowth comes not just from taking the
(38:06):
leap, but from realizing it was worth itall along.Let's take a closer look at
Usopp here.
Beneath all of his bravado and talltales, there's this guy who's desperate
to prove himself.
He wants to be seen as a brave warrior,someone worthy of admiration, maybe even
(38:27):
respect.
But, deep down, there's a fear-one we'veall felt-that he's not enough.
And that struggle?
That's what makes him so relatable.
Because isn't that what we all face atsome point?
This tension between the person we are,the person we want to become, and the
(38:49):
expectations hanging over us-whether theycome from society, family, or even
ourselves.
It's like we're trying to balance on thistightrope, constantly wondering,
"Am I living for me, or for what otherswant from me?"
Here's the thing.
(39:10):
Living for validation-it's exhausting.
Trust me, I've been there.
You start shaping your goals, yourdecisions, even your identity, around
what you think will make others happy.
And at first, it might work.
You feel that brief sense of satisfactionwhen someone approves or praises you.
(39:35):
But it doesn't last, does it?
Because deep down, there's a part of youthat knows-you're not chasing your own
dreams.
You're just playing a role.
For me, this realization hit hard a fewyears ago.
I had spent so much time trying to meetexpectations that weren't even mine.
(39:59):
And yeah, breaking free from that mindset?
It was one of the toughest things I'veever done.
The fear of disappointing others-it'sreal, and it's heavy.
But the moment I decided to step back andask myself,
"What do I truly want?"
it was like...
(40:19):
the weight started to lift.
Choosing your own path isn't justfreeing-it's fulfilling in a way external
approval could never be.So, let me posethis to you.
Are the goals you're chasing truly yours?
Not the ones you think you should want,but the ones that light that spark inside
(40:42):
you.
And if no one else's opinion mattered-notyour parents, not your friends, not
society-how would your dreams change?
Would you be making different choices?
Here's something I think might help.
Write down your biggest goals, the onesthat occupy your mind the most.
(41:04):
And then, take a hard look at them.
Ask yourself (41:07):
Are these truly my dreams?
Or have I absorbed them from someone else?
Once you've identified which ones feeldisconnected from who you are, choose
just one expectation you can let go of.
It can be small-something just foryou-and then, take one action this week
(41:32):
aligned with your real wants, notexternal pressure.Because here's the
truth-true success isn't about meetingthe standards others have set for you.
It's about aligning with your own visionof fulfillment.
And that might mean disappointing a fewpeople along the way, sure.
(41:55):
But the payoff?
That's finding out who you really are.
And isn't that worth it?Alright, let'stalk about courage-because when I think
about Usopp, one word immediately comesto mind: fear.
(42:15):
He's scared in almost every battle,sometimes to the point where he's visibly
trembling.
But here's the thing-he still chooses tofight.
And that's what makes him stand out.
You see, courage isn't about not feelingfear.
It's about moving forward anyway, despiteit.
(42:39):
And honestly, isn't that a littlecomforting?
Because so many of us fall into this trapof thinking that we've got to wait until
we're fearless before we take action.
Like, there's this magical point wherewe'll wake up one day, and all the doubt,
hesitation, and anxiety will suddenly begone.
But here's the truth (43:01):
That moment?
It never comes.
Waiting to feel fearless?
It's just another way fear keeps usstuck.You know, confidence-it doesn't
show up before you take the first step.
It grows after you've taken it, throughthe small victories, the proof that
(43:23):
you're capable.
That's the paradox.
The people we admire, the ones who seembrave, even unstoppable?
They feel fear too.
The difference is, they've learned not tolet it stop them.
Every great achievement-every one-startedwith someone deciding to push past their
(43:48):
doubts and act anyway.I'll give you anexample from my own life.
There was this one time I was asked tolead a seminar, and, let me tell you, I
was terrified.
I replayed every way it could go wrong inmy head, over and over.
Public speaking wasn't exactly my strongsuit back then, and the stakes felt huge.
(44:11):
But you know what forced me through it?
The realization that waiting wasn't goingto make me less scared.
The only way to break the cycle was tostep up-even if I didn't feel ready.
And, guess what?
The outcome wasn't as perfect as I hadhoped, sure, but it wasn't the disaster
(44:33):
I'd built up in my mind either.
And more importantly?
I became braver because of it.
So let me ask (44:40):
What's one thing fear has been holding you back from?
Maybe it's an opportunity you've beenhesitant to go after, or a change you've
been too scared to make.
And if you really zoom out, if you breakit down logically-what's the worst-case
scenario?
(45:00):
Chances are, it's not nearly as bad as itfeels in your head right now.Here's a
small exercise to try.
Write down one fear that's beenparalyzing you lately.
Next to it, list out the actualconsequences of facing it versus avoiding
(45:22):
it.
Most of the time, you'll find thatinaction costs you far more than the
temporary discomfort of stepping forward.
And then I want you to take oneactionable step-just one-towards that
fear this week.
No matter how small, even if it's justpicking up the phone or sending that
(45:46):
email, the act of doing something willstart to chip away at the fear.
And maybe-just maybe-start seeing fear asa sign of growth instead of a red flag.
Because every time you face it, you'removing closer to the person you're meant
(46:06):
to become.Let's talk about humor-because,say what you will about Usopp, he knows
how to bring the laughs, even in thetensest moments.
Whether he's clumsily dodging an attackor exaggerating his own bravery, he's
always quick with a joke.
And, honestly?
(46:27):
That's more than just comedic relief.
It's, well, a survival skill.
It's how he copes, how he connects, and,sometimes, how he defuses situations that
could spiral out of control.
And it's got me thinking-are weunderestimating humor as a tool in our
(46:49):
own lives?
Laughter isn't just entertainment.
Science shows it reduces stress,strengthens relationships, even boosts
problem-solving.
Yeah, really.
There's research out there that's like,
"Hey, laughter might actually make yousmarter in a pinch."
(47:10):
And, you know, when you can laugh atyourself, suddenly failure doesn't feel
as heavy-it becomes...
manageable.
Almost, dare I say, a little funny.I canthink of countless moments in my own life
where humor saved me from spiraling.
(47:33):
There was this one time-picture this-I'mgiving a presentation to a roomful of
people, and my laptop just...
decides it's time to restart.
Right there in the middle of everything.
The panic?
Oh, it was real.
But instead of freezing up, I just said,
(47:54):
"Well, good thing I memorized the nextten minutes... even though I didn't!"
And everyone laughed.
It broke the tension, for me and for them.
Was it ideal?
No.
Did it work?
Yeah.
And, honestly, it reminded me that nottaking myself too seriously made me more,
(48:16):
I don't know, approachable.
It's like the stakes didn't feel soimpossibly high anymore.And here's the
thing (48:23):
Humor doesn't magically fix everything, but it helps you navigate
challenges.
Think about the times you've facedsetbacks.
Could you reframe those moments, findjust one funny takeaway?
Maybe it's something small, like trippingover your words in a big meeting, or
(48:48):
something bigger, like a failed project.
The point isn't to diminish whathappened-it's to turn it into a learning
experience that you can laugh about later.
Because, really, what's the alternative?
Let it weigh down your confidence?
Nah, that's not it.And look, if you'resomeone who feels the weight of stress or
(49:15):
seriousness often, think about this.
Who's in your circle that bringslightness to heavy moments?
Who helps you laugh when things feeloverwhelming?
Surrounding yourself with those people,those little sparks of joy, can genuinely
make tackling challenges feel...
(49:37):
easier.
You don't have to go it alone, and humor,as small as it seems, can be a bridge
that gets you through tough times with alittle more grace.Alright, let's dig into
Usopp's journey a bit more-becausethere's this fascinating pattern with him.
(49:58):
Nobody expects much from Usopp.
I mean, let's be honest, he's not exactlyLuffy or Zoro when it comes to combat
skills.
But you know what?
Being underestimated actually becomes hissecret weapon.
It gives him the chance to surprisepeople, to rise to the occasion in ways
(50:22):
that nobody saw coming.
And think about it-how relatable is that?
For so many of us, being underestimatedcan feel frustrating, even discouraging.
Like, why can't people just see whatwe're capable of, right?
But, at the same time, there's freedom init.
When no one's placing huge expectationson you, you've got room to take risks, to
(50:48):
experiment, and, honestly, to growwithout the fear of messing up in front
of a big audience.I mean, history ispacked with stories of underdogs who
succeeded because people overlooked them.
It's kind of...
poetic, in a way.
Less pressure from others often meansmore space to think, to adapt, to try out
(51:13):
new approaches.
It's like-you're invisible just longenough to build something incredible.
By the time they notice you, you'vealready leveled up.
Do you see how that can be an advantage?
I'll tell you, I've experienced thisfirsthand.
There were moments in my life where Ifelt completely underestimated-people
(51:39):
didn't think I was ready or capable, andyeah, that hurt.
But instead of letting it defeat me, Istarted to see it differently.
I thought, okay, if people aren'texpecting much, that also means they're
not watching for missteps, so I can usethat to my advantage.
(52:03):
I gave myself permission to try, to failprivately, and then keep going until I
got it right.
And when I finally succeeded, those lowexpectations?
They made the victory feel evensweeter.So, let me turn this over to you
for a second.
Have you ever felt underestimated?
(52:24):
And how did you respond to that-did ithold you back, or did it drive you
forward?
More importantly, what strengths do youhave that people might not immediately
see?
Are there hidden skills or talents you'vebeen overlooking just because others
(52:44):
don't notice them?
Here's something worth trying this week.
Reframe being underestimated, not as aninsult, but as an opportunity.
Think about one area where lowexpectations could work to your advantage.
Use that freedom to experiment-whetherit's learning a new skill or pitching an
(53:07):
out-of-the-box idea at work.
Even small steps can make a difference.
Remember, being seen as an underdog isn'ta limitation unless you let it
be.Confidence-it's such a strange thingwhen you think about it.
It's not really about being fearless, isit?
(53:29):
I mean, from everything we've exploredtoday, whether it's Usopp bluffing his
way through danger or those moments inour own lives when we hesitate, it's
clear that confidence is really aboutchoosing to act, even when fear is
sitting right there next to us.
(53:49):
And Usopp?
He's such a good reminder of that.
His journey is messy, full of doubts andmissteps, but somehow, the stories he
tells-about himself, about what'spossible-change not just how others see
him but even how he starts to see himself.
(54:09):
It's a mix of belief and action, showingus that the story you tell doesn't have
to be perfect.
It just needs to be yours and somethingyou're willing to back with effort.So,
let me ask you as we wrap this up-whatstory are you telling yourself right now?
Is it one that's pushing you towardgrowth, or is it keeping you in your
(54:35):
comfort zone, holding you back?
It's worth thinking about, you know?
Because at the end of the day, yourstory-how you see yourself, how you
choose to stride forward through fear ordoubt-yeah, that shapes everything.
And if there's one thing to take awayfrom today, it's this: Confidence isn't
(55:00):
about waiting for the stars to align, orfor fear to completely vanish.
It's showing up when you're unsure,pushing through the noise of self-doubt.
It's about taking that first step, thenthe next, and letting belief catch up
with action.So here's my challenge foryou.
(55:22):
This week, I want you to think about onestep you can take toward a goal, however
small.
Don't wait to feel totally
"ready."
Just take a step.
Show up.
Rewrite that narrative.
And little by little, you might startrealizing that, yeah, maybe this newer
(55:44):
story is the one worth believing in.
Alright, that's where we'll leave it fortoday.
Until next time-keep pushing forward,keep believing in yourself, and hey, keep
watching anime.
And remember, you're capable of so muchmore than you think, as long as you
(56:05):
decide that today's the day to act.
So, go out there, tell your story, andmake it one worth living.
So, let's talk about Captain Usopp.
He's this fascinating mix of absurdself-confidence and, well,
not-so-reliable actions.
He calls himself
"the Dread Captain Usopp,"
but, when you look closer, you realizehis reputation is built on tall tales
(00:34):
more than anything real.
And you know what?
It works.
It actually works-that's the wild part.
People believe his legend because of theway it's told, not because of the facts
behind it.
It's such a powerful reminder that, forbetter or worse, perception can shape
(00:55):
reality.
I mean, think about it.
How often do we respond to what webelieve about someone's story rather than
what's actually true?
Usopp's whole dynamic taps into thisbroader idea that personal narrative
holds serious power.
It's why you see so many leaders andinfluencers out there crafting their
(01:22):
stories so carefully.
They're not just telling people who theyare; they're shaping what people believe
about them.
And that belief?
That opens doors.But there's a flip side.
If your story doesn't align with youractions-if it's all fiction with no
follow-through-then it kinda falls apart,right?
(01:44):
Usopp might get away with it for a whilein One Piece, but in real life, there's
only so far you can go by exaggerating.
Aligning narrative with action?
That's where the real magic happens.
I'll tell you, I've had to do this in myown life.
(02:05):
Reshape my narrative, I mean.
There was a time when I realized the wayI was presenting myself professionally
wasn't matching where I wanted to go.
And honestly, it was holding me back.
So, I made a conscious effort to rewritethat story-to highlight the qualities I
(02:27):
wanted to be known for and then actuallyback them up with action.
And it's funny, once you control yournarrative, opportunities seem to find you.
It's like they're drawn to the personyou're becoming.So let me ask you: What
(02:49):
story are you telling about yourself?
And not just the one you say out loud,but the one your actions are narrating
too.
Is that story aligned with who you reallyare-or who you want to be?
Here's what I think could be helpful.
Write down three qualities you want to beknown for-just three.
(03:14):
Then, think about how you can frame yourpersonal narrative around those qualities.
And, more importantly, take one actionthis week that reinforces that story in
your day-to-day life.
It doesn't have to be huge, just one steptoward aligning who you are with the
(03:36):
story you want people to believe.
And, I'll leave you with this (03:38):
Usopp doesn't stop at just making claims-he
acts, even if those actions sometimesfeel...
let's call it inventive.
It's that subtle balance of storytellingand action that we can all learn from.
But what happens when the stories we tellare a shield-hiding fears or insecurities
(04:03):
underneath?Alright, so let's shift gearsand talk about the other side of Usopp's
bravado-fear.
It's funny, isn't it?
On the surface, he acts larger thanlife-this fearless captain with a hundred
adventures under his belt.
But, deep down, you can tell it's all amask.
(04:26):
He's scared.
And honestly?
That's a little relatable, right?
How many times have we exaggeratedconfidence just to hide what we're really
feeling beneath the surface?
What's going on here is whatpsychologists sometimes call
overcompensation.
(04:47):
When we're unsure of ourselves-or evendownright scared-we build these external
personas.
A shield, so we don't have to confrontwhat's actually making us nervous.
And that's exactly what Usopp does.
But here's the twist (05:02):
The more we play into these personas, the more power fear
actually has over us.You see, fear istricky.
Our minds are so good at building it upinto something massive, something way
bigger than it really is.
And nine times out of ten, the thingswe're terrified of?
(05:25):
They never actually happen.
It's like our brains have this talent forconjuring worst-case scenarios that don't
exist.
And yet, those imagined fears?
They're strong enough to keep uscompletely stuck.
There's this one moment I always comeback to in my own life-when I had to
(05:49):
speak in front of a pretty big crowd forthe first time.
I was, well...
let's just say, internally screaming.
I ran through every possible way I couldmess up.
I mean, I was convinced I'd trip walkingon stage or completely blank mid-sentence.
(06:13):
But then, you do it, right?
You get up there, you take the leap, andsuddenly, it's manageable.
And you're like-wait a second.
That wasn't as bad as I thought.I thinkthe key is separating real fears from
imagined ones.
Sure, some fears exist to protect us,like...
(06:36):
don't jump off that ledge, right?
But most of what we're scared of is inour heads-things like failure, judgment,
or just not being enough.
And here's the secret (06:47):
The only way to break through that wall is to face it.
To look fear square in the eyes and say,
"You're not as big as I thought you were."
So, let me ask this.
What's one fear that's been holding youback lately?
And if you really think about it-if youbreak it down rationally-how likely is
(07:12):
that worst-case scenario?
Like, really?
What would actually happen if you facedit instead of avoiding it?Here's a little
exercise for you.
Write down one fear, and next to it, listout the actual consequences of
confronting it versus avoiding it.
What's the real cost of staying stuck?
(07:36):
And then, just take one small step thisweek to move toward it.
That one action-no matter how tiny-canshatter the illusion of fear and show you
it's way more fragile than it seems.So,here's the thing about Captain Usopp-his
confidence is almost...
(07:56):
magical, in a way.
He struts around, making these big claimsabout being this mighty, feared captain.
And you know what?
People buy it.
At least for a while.
Because that's the funny thing aboutconfidence.
Sometimes, just acting like you believein yourself is enough to make others
(08:19):
believe in you too.
But-and this is important-that confidenceonly works until it doesn't.
Right?
Usopp's facade crumbles when real dangershows up, because bravado isn't the same
as ability.
It's not enough to fake it forever.
There's this delicate balance betweenprojecting confidence and actually doing
(08:44):
the work.
Between, let's say,
"talking the talk"
and
"walking the walk."
Here's an interesting thought (08:51):
Confidence often comes after action-not before.
We wait to feel ready, to feel sure ofourselves, as though confidence is some
magical signal that we're prepared totake the leap.
But the reality?
Most successful people-whether inleadership, entrepreneurship, or personal
(09:18):
growth-didn't wait to feel ready.
They leapt, and then they learned.
And through that learning cameconfidence.I've experienced this
firsthand.
There was this one time when I had tolead a team on a project that, quite
honestly, felt way out of my skillset.
(09:40):
I mean, I-I kept thinking,
"Why me? Why now? I'm not even remotelyready for this."
But the thing is-you don't really get tochoose when opportunities show up, do you?
So, I decided to fake just enoughconfidence to get started.
I told myself,
(10:02):
"Okay, I might not know everything, but Ican figure it out."
And, slowly, that action-not sittingaround, not overthinking-helped me build
the actual competence I needed.
Step by step, day by day.
It's not an overnight process, but that'sthe beauty of it.
(10:24):
So, let me ask you this.
Where in your life are you waiting tofeel ready?
To feel 100% prepared before startingsomething?
What if, instead, you juststarted-imperfectly, maybe even
clumsily-but started anyway?
Could projecting just a littleconfidence, even before you're fully
(10:48):
there, help you move forward?Here's anidea to try this week.
Take one step outside your comfort zone.
Just one.
And when you hear yourself say,
"I'm not ready,"
try this instead:
"I'm becoming ready."
Because that's what it's reallyabout-taking the leap and learning to be
(11:11):
ready along the way.Let's talk aboutUsopp's crew for a moment.
They're not blindly following him becausehe's the strongest or has the best battle
strategies-because, let's be honest, hedoesn't.
No, they're following him because of onething: his unshakable belief in himself.
(11:33):
Even when it's clear he might not be theguy to get them out of a sticky
situation, his sheer conviction makesthem think,
"Well, maybe he's onto something."
And, you know, this doesn't just stopwith Usopp.
This happens all the time-in leadership,in sales, even in our everyday
(11:56):
relationships.
Confidence is magnetic, almost contagious.
When someone believes in themselves, it'slike they give you permission to believe
in them too.
It's not about having all the rightanswers or every skill in the book.
It's about projecting that energy, thatspark of conviction that makes people
(12:21):
trust you'll figure it out no matterwhat.It's funny, isn't it?
Success rarely comes down to knowingeverything from the get-go.
It's more about believing in yourselfenough to figure things out as you go.
And here's the kicker-how you carryyourself?
That starts to dictate how others see you.
(12:46):
People pick up on your energy, your bodylanguage, your tone, and they mirror that
back.
It's like this loop of confidence-youproject it, they believe in you, and
that, in turn, solidifies your ownbelief.I've seen this play out in my own
life too.
There was this time when I had to stepinto a leadership role under
(13:10):
circumstances that felt...
overwhelming, let's say.
I didn't have all the experience, and Iwasn't sure I was ready.
But I also knew that if I let thosedoubts show, people around me would start
doubting too.
So, I chose to trust myself.
Not because I felt invincible, butbecause I believed I could figure it out
(13:34):
piece by piece.
And you know what?
That belief created this ripple effect.
It made others trust me more, which mademe trust myself more.
You see how that works?
Let me turn this question over to you.
How do you carry yourself in thosemoments where confidence is required?
(13:57):
Do you project belief in yourself, or areyou waiting for someone else to validate
you first?
Because here's the truth (14:05):
That validation you're waiting for?
It might not come.
You have to give it to yourself.
It starts with you.Here's somethingsimple to try.
Start paying attention to how you presentyourself.
Your body language, your tone, even theway you walk into a room-it all tells a
(14:29):
story.
And then, practice making decisions withconfidence, even in the small stuff.
Because the more you practice, the morenatural it'll feel.
Confidence is like a muscle-it growsevery time you use it.
And let's not forget, Usopp might notalways win every fight, but that belief
(14:52):
he projects?
That's why people stick by him, why theylisten.
There's something immensely powerfulabout a person who wholeheartedly
believes in their own vision.
But what happens when the power of thatvision-of storytelling itself-goes beyond
(15:13):
confidence?Usopp's got this uncanny wayof drawing people in with his words,
doesn't he?
Even when they doubt him, when it'sobvious he's stretching the
truth-somehow, his storytelling makesthem listen.
And honestly, that's more than just aquirk.
(15:35):
That's a skill.
It's the kind of skill that, when youthink about it, sits right at the heart
of effective leadership.
Because here's the thing (15:44):
The best leaders?
They're not just giving instructions.
They're painting a vision, somethingcompelling enough that people want to
follow.
It's not about saying, "Do this, dothat." It's about showing people why they
(16:05):
should care, why it matters.
Usopp might be...
well, a little unconventional with hismethods, but he taps into that same
principle.
His crew doesn't follow orders-theyfollow the story he's telling.You know,
(16:32):
this isn't just a pirate thing.
Look back at history, or even at modernbusiness leaders.
The ones who really stand out?
It's not because they had the most dataor the best spreadsheets, right?
It's because they knew how to communicate.
They understood that, at the end of theday, people don't remember facts.
(16:57):
They remember feelings.
They remember the sense of purpose thatonly a good story can give.
And-I'll admit-I've learned this the hardway.
There was this time when I was pitchingan idea to a group of colleagues.
And I-I got caught up in all the details,the numbers, the logic.
(17:20):
I remember thinking, "This is rock solid.
It's bulletproof." But you know what?
It didn't work.
People just...
weren't connecting with it.
And that's when it clicked for me.
Presenting facts wasn't enough.
I needed to turn those facts into astory-something people could see
(17:41):
themselves in, something to inspireaction.
The moment I made that shift?
Everything changed.So, here's a questionfor you: When you're trying to influence,
to lead, are you just giving facts, orare you crafting a narrative?
Are you pulling people into a story thatthey want to be part of?
(18:05):
Because that's where real changestarts-not with instructions, but with
inspiration.
And maybe here's a way to practice.
Take one message, maybe something reallyimportant to you, and reframe it as a
story.
Don't just state it-shape it.
Give it context, make it relatable.
(18:27):
Think about how great leaders weave theirmessages into narratives, and see how you
could apply that in your own life.
Because, at the end of the day,leadership isn't just about authority.
It's about creating belief-making peoplesee a vision so vividly that they can't
(18:49):
help but follow.
And storytelling?
That's where it all begins.
But what happens when confidence in thatstorytelling starts pushing beyond belief
into something...
more fragile?You know, there's somethingfascinating about Usopp.
His confidence-it's big, bold, kindainfectious-but, sometimes, it crosses
(19:15):
that invisible line into, well, delusion.
He genuinely believes he's capable ofpulling off these grand feats...
until reality catches up, and suddenly,we see the cracks in that facade.
And the thing is, this isn't just anUsopp problem.
It's something we can all relate to,right?
(19:38):
Because projecting confidence?
It's a skill-it opens doors, buildstrust-but it's not without its risks.
When confidence tips too far intooverconfidence, it can backfire.
You start missing crucial feedback,overlooking blind spots, and before you
(19:58):
know it, mistakes pile up.
I mean, how often do we convinceourselves we've got it all figured out,
only to face a situation where...
well, it turns out we didn't?The truthis, real confidence doesn't mean
pretending to have all the answers.
It's about acknowledging where we'restrong, sure, but also being honest with
(20:23):
ourselves about where we need to grow.
True self-assurance comes from thisbalance-believing in your abilities while
staying adaptable enough to learn andimprove.
Without that balance, confidence can feela lot like arrogance to the people around
you.
And that's when credibility takes a hit.
(20:45):
I've been there myself.
There was a moment where I thought,
"I've got this. No questions, no doubts."
And, let's just say, reality brought meright back down to earth.
I missed a critical step in preparing fora project because I was so convinced of
(21:07):
my expertise.
And honestly?
That misstep taught me more than anysuccess could have.
It reminded me of the importance ofkeeping my ego in check and staying open
to feedback, no matter how confident Ifelt.So, let me ask: How are you
(21:28):
balancing confidence with self-awarenessright now?
Are you projecting strength while stayingopen to adapt?
Or does your conviction sometimesovershadow the willingness to step back
and admit-maybe I need to learn more here?
It might be helpful to try this.
Ask someone you trust for honestfeedback-how you come across, whether
(21:53):
it's more confidence or arrogance.
And then, take their insights seriously.
Listen closely.
Another step?
Identify an area where you think yourconfidence might be a bit, let's say,
overinflated.
Once you've got that, make a plan to workon it-whether that's by deepening your
(22:16):
knowledge or simply practicing humilityin the way you approach it.Because here's
the thing (22:21):
The leaders and people we respect the most aren't the ones who act
like they know everything.
They're the ones who stay humble, stayteachable, and combine their belief in
themselves with the flexibility to adapt.
That's where lasting influence comesfrom-not from bravado, but from
(22:47):
balance.Let's dive back into Usopp for amoment.
His ability to bluff, to act like he'sgot it all figured out, it's worked for
him time and time again.
But here's the catch-those bluffs onlycarry him so far.
Because, eventually, confidence withoutthe skills to back it up?
(23:09):
That leads to trouble.
It's kinda like building a boat on shakywood-it floats for a while, but sooner or
later, those cracks start showing.
And honestly, this happens in real lifetoo.
Acting confident can open doors, sure-butkeeping them open?
(23:30):
That's a different story.
That takes real growth, and real growthdoesn't happen overnight.
It requires deliberate action.
It's about stepping up consistently,putting yourself in spaces that challenge
you, and then rising to meet thosechallenges.
(23:51):
Over and over again.
I mean, yeah-it's uncomfortable, butthat's where the progress lies.Here's
something I've learned through my ownexperience.
There was a time when I leaned heavily onprojecting confidence.
I was in a situation where, honestly, Iwasn't as prepared as I wanted to be.
(24:13):
I thought,
"Alright, I'll just fake it till I makeit."
And initially?
That worked.
It gave me a seat at the table.
But as things progressed, I realized thatif I didn't start leveling up my actual
skills, I wouldn't be able to stay there.
So, what did I do?
I buckled down.
(24:35):
I pushed past that initial discomfort offeeling out of my depth and committed
myself to learning.
And, step by step, I built the expertiseI needed to thrive in that role.
That feeling?
That's real confidence, not just aperformance.So, how about you?
(24:56):
Are there areas in your life where you'remostly relying on projected confidence?
And, if so, what's stopping you fromtaking the steps toward deeper growth?
Because here's the thing (25:08):
The world rewards confidence at first, but
long-term success comes from ability.
And that ability gets built in thoseunglamorous moments of trial and error,
of stepping into the unknown and stickingwith it.
Here's a little exercise I'd recommend.
(25:30):
Think about one skill or area in yourlife where you might be, let's say,
skating by on confidence instead of realmastery.
Write it down.
Then, brainstorm a plan to improve thatskill-whether it's signing up for a
class, finding a mentor, or justcommitting to daily practice.
(25:55):
Small, consistent steps add up over time.
Trust me, there's no substitute forconsistent effort when it comes to
turning potential into reality.Andremember, true confidence isn't something
you just
"have"
-it's something you earn.
(26:17):
It's built piece by piece, experience byexperience.
And the more you invest in that growth,the stronger that confidence becomes.
It stops being something you project andstarts being something you truly embody.
But what happens when avoiding the hardpart-the real growth-starts to create
(26:43):
even bigger issues down the line?So,let's talk about avoidance.
It's something Usopp does a lot-he ducksout of direct conflict, hoping, maybe
even betting, that things will somehowresolve themselves.
And it's tempting, right?
(27:04):
Avoidance feels easier in the moment-itlets us escape the discomfort, the fear
of confrontation.
But the trouble is, that short-termrelief?
It usually comes with a much higher costdown the road.
Because avoiding problems doesn't makethem disappear.
In fact, it often does the opposite.
(27:26):
Those small issues?
They grow, they fester, and before youknow it, what was once manageable isn't
anymore.
Usopp's avoidance might get him through afew sticky situations in One Piece, but
in real life, running away fromchallenges...
well, it tends to make them worse,doesn't it?I've definitely learned this
(27:54):
lesson myself.
There was a time when I was avoiding atough conversation I really needed to
have-something that was hanging over mefor weeks.
I'll admit, I kept pushing it off,convincing myself that maybe it wasn't so
urgent after all.
(28:15):
But the longer I waited, the more anxiousI felt, and-and here's the kicker-the
situation only got more complicated.
When I finally tackled it head-on?
It wasn't fun, but it was like a weightimmediately lifted.
The solution was much simpler than I hadbuilt it up to be in my head.
(28:36):
And that's the thing-procrastinating onproblems doesn't just delay the
inevitable; it adds unnecessary stress.
It's like carrying around a backpack fullof rocks that you could've just set down
sooner.
Leaders, successful entrepreneurs, and,honestly, anyone who's thriving?
(28:58):
They don't wait for issues to snowball.
They handle them early, directly, andwith as much clarity as possible.So, let
me pose this to you (29:08):
Is there something in your life you've been avoiding?
Maybe it's a conversation you'redreading, a task that feels overwhelming,
or even just a decision you've beenputting off.
Whatever it is, ask yourself-what's theactual cost of waiting?
(29:29):
And more importantly, how can you starttackling it today?
Here's something practical.
Take one issue you've been avoiding andwrite it down.
Break it into smaller, manageableparts-what's the very first step you can
take?
Don't focus on fixing everything all atonce; focus on just starting.
(29:53):
And if it's a conversation you've beenavoiding, maybe sit down and draft out
what you'd want to say.
Preparing doesn't just make the problemclearer-it makes it feel less
intimidating.And here's the best part: The sooner you face an issue, the more (30:08):
undefined
manageable it usually becomes.
That terrible thing you're imagining?
It's almost always worse in your mindthan in reality.
Taking action turns worry into resolution.
Because at the end of the day, facingchallenges head-on?
(30:31):
That's what separates progress fromstagnation.Let's think about Usopp's crew
for a minute.
Here's a guy who's not the strongest, notthe fastest, and let's be honest, not
always the bravest.
And yet, they follow him.
Why?
Because Usopp acts like he belongs there.
(30:53):
He genuinely believes he's a leader, andthat self-belief is contagious.
It's like his crew can't help but believein him too-just because he carries
himself with that conviction.
And this isn't just storytelling magicfrom One Piece.
(31:14):
You see this in real life all the time,don't you?
The way you see yourself-what you believeabout your potential-directly impacts how
others see you.
It's almost like people's perceptionsmirror back what you project.
If you walk into a room confident, withyour head high, people pick up on that
(31:37):
energy.
But if you're hesitant, doubting,second-guessing yourself... well, that's
what they see too.There's actually someresearch backing this up.
Studies have shown that people whobelieve they're capable of something,
even if they're not quite there yet, tendto achieve more over time.
(32:00):
Why?
Because that belief drives their actions.
It pushes them to take risks, to keepshowing up.
It's not that they're foolingeveryone-it's that their self-belief
opens doors they wouldn't have otherwisewalked through.I can tell you from my own
(32:21):
life that the shift in how othersperceive you really does start within.
There was a turning point for me, when Irealized that a lot-if not most-of the
doubt I thought others had about me?
That doubt was actually coming frominside my own head.
(32:41):
I wasn't seeing myself as capable enough,and it showed.
The second I made the decision to own mypotential, to stop waiting for external
validation?
Everything changed.
People started reacting differently,trusting me more, giving me opportunities
(33:02):
I hadn't had before.
And looking back, all of that startedwith me believing I belonged in those
spaces.
So, let me ask you this (33:10):
How do you carry yourself, especially in situations where
confidence is required?
Are you walking in with self-assurance,projecting belief in your abilities?
Or are you waiting for someone else tovalidate you first?
Because here's the thing (33:30):
That validation may never come if you don't offer it to
yourself first.Here's a little challengefor you.
Start observing how you presentyourself-everything from your posture to
your tone of voice.
The next time you interact with someone,take note of their reactions.
(33:56):
Are their responses a reflection ofconfidence you're putting out, or
hesitation?
And if you catch yourselfsecond-guessing, try to reframe those
doubts.
Replace them with affirmations, even ifit's something simple, like,
"I've got this"
or
(34:16):
"I belong here."
Because real influence starts withself-perception.
When you own your potential and trustthat you're capable, others pick up on
that signal, and that energy opens doors.
The world starts to see you the way yousee yourself.
And speaking of seeing yourself-whathappens when we dream of being something
(34:43):
more, but fear holds us back from takingthe leap?You know, Usopp dreams of being
this adventurous, brave soul, a truewarrior of the sea.
But he also hesitates-caught betweenwanting greatness and fearing the risks
it takes to get there.
(35:05):
And honestly, that's a struggle so manyof us can relate to, isn't it?
The thought of stepping outside ourcomfort zones can feel... overwhelming.
Playing it safe?
It feels comfortable.
It's predictable, secure.
(35:25):
But it also comes at a cost.
When we stay in those safe zones, we'renot just avoiding failure; we're also
avoiding opportunities.
The reality is, success often demandstaking those leaps of faith-not
(35:46):
recklessly, but courageously.Think aboutit.
Every successful person you know, whetherin business or their personal life, has
taken a gamble at some point.
They've had to step into uncertainty,risking failure for a shot at something
greater.
Those moments?
(36:06):
They're where real growth happens-on theedge of discomfort, not in the middle of
routine.
And often, the risks we avoid?
They end up being the biggest ones ofall, because we lose what could have been.
I can tell you from experience, takingthat leap isn't easy.
(36:27):
One moment that stands out for me was adecision to completely pivot in my career.
On paper, it looked foolish-leaving astable path for something untested.
And I was scared, I'll admit.
But deep down, I knew staying put wasn'tan option either-not if I wanted to grow.
(36:51):
So I made the choice, a calculated one.
And you know what?
That risk ended up shaping my life forthe better.
Not because it was smooth sailing, butbecause every challenge along the way
helped me grow into the person I neededto be.So, let me ask you.
(37:13):
Where in your life are you holding back?
What area feels "too risky," but deepdown, you know it could lead to something
special if you just gave it a chance?
And, here's the kicker (37:26):
Imagine if fear wasn't part of the equation-what would
you do differently?
What doors would you try to open?
Here's something you can try.
Think of one risk you've been hesitant totake and break it into smaller,
(37:46):
manageable steps.
What's the tiniest action you could taketoward it today?
And while you're at it, stop asking,"What if I fail?" Start asking, "What if
I succeed?" Because sometimes, the bestgrowth comes not just from taking the
(38:06):
leap, but from realizing it was worth itall along.Let's take a closer look at
Usopp here.
Beneath all of his bravado and talltales, there's this guy who's desperate
to prove himself.
He wants to be seen as a brave warrior,someone worthy of admiration, maybe even
(38:27):
respect.
But, deep down, there's a fear-one we'veall felt-that he's not enough.
And that struggle?
That's what makes him so relatable.
Because isn't that what we all face atsome point?
This tension between the person we are,the person we want to become, and the
(38:49):
expectations hanging over us-whether theycome from society, family, or even
ourselves.
It's like we're trying to balance on thistightrope, constantly wondering,
"Am I living for me, or for what otherswant from me?"
Here's the thing.
(39:10):
Living for validation-it's exhausting.
Trust me, I've been there.
You start shaping your goals, yourdecisions, even your identity, around
what you think will make others happy.
And at first, it might work.
You feel that brief sense of satisfactionwhen someone approves or praises you.
(39:35):
But it doesn't last, does it?
Because deep down, there's a part of youthat knows-you're not chasing your own
dreams.
You're just playing a role.
For me, this realization hit hard a fewyears ago.
I had spent so much time trying to meetexpectations that weren't even mine.
(39:59):
And yeah, breaking free from that mindset?
It was one of the toughest things I'veever done.
The fear of disappointing others-it'sreal, and it's heavy.
But the moment I decided to step back andask myself,
"What do I truly want?"
it was like...
(40:19):
the weight started to lift.
Choosing your own path isn't justfreeing-it's fulfilling in a way external
approval could never be.So, let me posethis to you.
Are the goals you're chasing truly yours?
Not the ones you think you should want,but the ones that light that spark inside
(40:42):
you.
And if no one else's opinion mattered-notyour parents, not your friends, not
society-how would your dreams change?
Would you be making different choices?
Here's something I think might help.
Write down your biggest goals, the onesthat occupy your mind the most.
(41:04):
And then, take a hard look at them.
Ask yourself (41:07):
Are these truly my dreams?
Or have I absorbed them from someone else?
Once you've identified which ones feeldisconnected from who you are, choose
just one expectation you can let go of.
It can be small-something just foryou-and then, take one action this week
(41:32):
aligned with your real wants, notexternal pressure.Because here's the
truth-true success isn't about meetingthe standards others have set for you.
It's about aligning with your own visionof fulfillment.
And that might mean disappointing a fewpeople along the way, sure.
(41:55):
But the payoff?
That's finding out who you really are.
And isn't that worth it?Alright, let'stalk about courage-because when I think
about Usopp, one word immediately comesto mind: fear.
(42:15):
He's scared in almost every battle,sometimes to the point where he's visibly
trembling.
But here's the thing-he still chooses tofight.
And that's what makes him stand out.
You see, courage isn't about not feelingfear.
It's about moving forward anyway, despiteit.
(42:39):
And honestly, isn't that a littlecomforting?
Because so many of us fall into this trapof thinking that we've got to wait until
we're fearless before we take action.
Like, there's this magical point wherewe'll wake up one day, and all the doubt,
hesitation, and anxiety will suddenly begone.
But here's the truth (43:01):
That moment?
It never comes.
Waiting to feel fearless?
It's just another way fear keeps usstuck.You know, confidence-it doesn't
show up before you take the first step.
It grows after you've taken it, throughthe small victories, the proof that
(43:23):
you're capable.
That's the paradox.
The people we admire, the ones who seembrave, even unstoppable?
They feel fear too.
The difference is, they've learned not tolet it stop them.
Every great achievement-every one-startedwith someone deciding to push past their
(43:48):
doubts and act anyway.I'll give you anexample from my own life.
There was this one time I was asked tolead a seminar, and, let me tell you, I
was terrified.
I replayed every way it could go wrong inmy head, over and over.
Public speaking wasn't exactly my strongsuit back then, and the stakes felt huge.
(44:11):
But you know what forced me through it?
The realization that waiting wasn't goingto make me less scared.
The only way to break the cycle was tostep up-even if I didn't feel ready.
And, guess what?
The outcome wasn't as perfect as I hadhoped, sure, but it wasn't the disaster
(44:33):
I'd built up in my mind either.
And more importantly?
I became braver because of it.
So let me ask (44:40):
What's one thing fear has been holding you back from?
Maybe it's an opportunity you've beenhesitant to go after, or a change you've
been too scared to make.
And if you really zoom out, if you breakit down logically-what's the worst-case
scenario?
(45:00):
Chances are, it's not nearly as bad as itfeels in your head right now.Here's a
small exercise to try.
Write down one fear that's beenparalyzing you lately.
Next to it, list out the actualconsequences of facing it versus avoiding
(45:22):
it.
Most of the time, you'll find thatinaction costs you far more than the
temporary discomfort of stepping forward.
And then I want you to take oneactionable step-just one-towards that
fear this week.
No matter how small, even if it's justpicking up the phone or sending that
(45:46):
email, the act of doing something willstart to chip away at the fear.
And maybe-just maybe-start seeing fear asa sign of growth instead of a red flag.
Because every time you face it, you'removing closer to the person you're meant
(46:06):
to become.Let's talk about humor-because,say what you will about Usopp, he knows
how to bring the laughs, even in thetensest moments.
Whether he's clumsily dodging an attackor exaggerating his own bravery, he's
always quick with a joke.
And, honestly?
(46:27):
That's more than just comedic relief.
It's, well, a survival skill.
It's how he copes, how he connects, and,sometimes, how he defuses situations that
could spiral out of control.
And it's got me thinking-are weunderestimating humor as a tool in our
(46:49):
own lives?
Laughter isn't just entertainment.
Science shows it reduces stress,strengthens relationships, even boosts
problem-solving.
Yeah, really.
There's research out there that's like,
"Hey, laughter might actually make yousmarter in a pinch."
(47:10):
And, you know, when you can laugh atyourself, suddenly failure doesn't feel
as heavy-it becomes...
manageable.
Almost, dare I say, a little funny.I canthink of countless moments in my own life
where humor saved me from spiraling.
(47:33):
There was this one time-picture this-I'mgiving a presentation to a roomful of
people, and my laptop just...
decides it's time to restart.
Right there in the middle of everything.
The panic?
Oh, it was real.
But instead of freezing up, I just said,
(47:54):
"Well, good thing I memorized the nextten minutes... even though I didn't!"
And everyone laughed.
It broke the tension, for me and for them.
Was it ideal?
No.
Did it work?
Yeah.
And, honestly, it reminded me that nottaking myself too seriously made me more,
(48:16):
I don't know, approachable.
It's like the stakes didn't feel soimpossibly high anymore.And here's the
thing (48:23):
Humor doesn't magically fix everything, but it helps you navigate
challenges.
Think about the times you've facedsetbacks.
Could you reframe those moments, findjust one funny takeaway?
Maybe it's something small, like trippingover your words in a big meeting, or
(48:48):
something bigger, like a failed project.
The point isn't to diminish whathappened-it's to turn it into a learning
experience that you can laugh about later.
Because, really, what's the alternative?
Let it weigh down your confidence?
Nah, that's not it.And look, if you'resomeone who feels the weight of stress or
(49:15):
seriousness often, think about this.
Who's in your circle that bringslightness to heavy moments?
Who helps you laugh when things feeloverwhelming?
Surrounding yourself with those people,those little sparks of joy, can genuinely
make tackling challenges feel...
(49:37):
easier.
You don't have to go it alone, and humor,as small as it seems, can be a bridge
that gets you through tough times with alittle more grace.Alright, let's dig into
Usopp's journey a bit more-becausethere's this fascinating pattern with him.
(49:58):
Nobody expects much from Usopp.
I mean, let's be honest, he's not exactlyLuffy or Zoro when it comes to combat
skills.
But you know what?
Being underestimated actually becomes hissecret weapon.
It gives him the chance to surprisepeople, to rise to the occasion in ways
(50:22):
that nobody saw coming.
And think about it-how relatable is that?
For so many of us, being underestimatedcan feel frustrating, even discouraging.
Like, why can't people just see whatwe're capable of, right?
But, at the same time, there's freedom init.
When no one's placing huge expectationson you, you've got room to take risks, to
(50:48):
experiment, and, honestly, to growwithout the fear of messing up in front
of a big audience.I mean, history ispacked with stories of underdogs who
succeeded because people overlooked them.
It's kind of...
poetic, in a way.
Less pressure from others often meansmore space to think, to adapt, to try out
(51:13):
new approaches.
It's like-you're invisible just longenough to build something incredible.
By the time they notice you, you'vealready leveled up.
Do you see how that can be an advantage?
I'll tell you, I've experienced thisfirsthand.
There were moments in my life where Ifelt completely underestimated-people
(51:39):
didn't think I was ready or capable, andyeah, that hurt.
But instead of letting it defeat me, Istarted to see it differently.
I thought, okay, if people aren'texpecting much, that also means they're
not watching for missteps, so I can usethat to my advantage.
(52:03):
I gave myself permission to try, to failprivately, and then keep going until I
got it right.
And when I finally succeeded, those lowexpectations?
They made the victory feel evensweeter.So, let me turn this over to you
for a second.
Have you ever felt underestimated?
(52:24):
And how did you respond to that-did ithold you back, or did it drive you
forward?
More importantly, what strengths do youhave that people might not immediately
see?
Are there hidden skills or talents you'vebeen overlooking just because others
(52:44):
don't notice them?
Here's something worth trying this week.
Reframe being underestimated, not as aninsult, but as an opportunity.
Think about one area where lowexpectations could work to your advantage.
Use that freedom to experiment-whetherit's learning a new skill or pitching an
(53:07):
out-of-the-box idea at work.
Even small steps can make a difference.
Remember, being seen as an underdog isn'ta limitation unless you let it
be.Confidence-it's such a strange thingwhen you think about it.
It's not really about being fearless, isit?
(53:29):
I mean, from everything we've exploredtoday, whether it's Usopp bluffing his
way through danger or those moments inour own lives when we hesitate, it's
clear that confidence is really aboutchoosing to act, even when fear is
sitting right there next to us.
(53:49):
And Usopp?
He's such a good reminder of that.
His journey is messy, full of doubts andmissteps, but somehow, the stories he
tells-about himself, about what'spossible-change not just how others see
him but even how he starts to see himself.
(54:09):
It's a mix of belief and action, showingus that the story you tell doesn't have
to be perfect.
It just needs to be yours and somethingyou're willing to back with effort.So,
let me ask you as we wrap this up-whatstory are you telling yourself right now?
Is it one that's pushing you towardgrowth, or is it keeping you in your
(54:35):
comfort zone, holding you back?
It's worth thinking about, you know?
Because at the end of the day, yourstory-how you see yourself, how you
choose to stride forward through fear ordoubt-yeah, that shapes everything.
And if there's one thing to take awayfrom today, it's this: Confidence isn't
(55:00):
about waiting for the stars to align, orfor fear to completely vanish.
It's showing up when you're unsure,pushing through the noise of self-doubt.
It's about taking that first step, thenthe next, and letting belief catch up
with action.So here's my challenge foryou.
(55:22):
This week, I want you to think about onestep you can take toward a goal, however
small.
Don't wait to feel totally
"ready."
Just take a step.
Show up.
Rewrite that narrative.
And little by little, you might startrealizing that, yeah, maybe this newer
(55:44):
story is the one worth believing in.
Alright, that's where we'll leave it fortoday.
Until next time-keep pushing forward,keep believing in yourself, and hey, keep
watching anime.
And remember, you're capable of so muchmore than you think, as long as you
(56:05):
decide that today's the day to act.
So, go out there, tell your story, andmake it one worth living.
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On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!