Lately, I’ve been thinking and reflecting a lot about life, both professionally and personally. I believe this process should be part of any adult’s life at some point because, as time goes by, you start to value different things, different thoughts, and, why not, a different lifestyle?
The Japanese people (whom I admire greatly, by the way) have some philosophies for certain situations that I find very interesting:
Ikigai 生き甲斐: Discover your purpose in life! Something that motivates you, that gets you out of bed every day! And most of the time, when taken seriously, this has nothing to do with money, wealth, or fame! Try meditating on this; it’s liberating!
Kaizen 改善: Focus on improving a little each day, even if it’s just by 0.00001%! The important thing is to do something, to get out of inertia! Focus on something instead of trying to do everything at once!
Shoshin 初心: Imagine approaching each task as if you’re doing it for the first time, with the same curiosity and intensity. That’s what this philosophy teaches!
Hara hachi bu 腹八分目/はらはちぶんめ: When at the table, eat a little and leave while still hungry instead of eating until you’re full! This will invigorate your body, give you vitality, and won’t cloud your mind!
Wabi sabi 侘寂: Embrace imperfection instead of trying to deliver everything down to the last detail. Value the imperfect, the inconsistent, and the incomplete that serves a purpose rather than always striving for perfection.
So, have you adopted any of these philosophies? How has it worked for you?
