7 Japanese concepts to help you transition your life

Carrying out my daily reading and research a few weeks ago, I came across a post on my Instagram account that aroused my curiosity and, since then, has helped me be more conscious about my daily acts.?

I have much respect for cultural diversity, and I want to continue learning from Eastern culture, while in this episode, I want to share with you seven practical concepts, hoping that they are helpful to you as well.

1 IKIGAI: Discover your purpose in life

Everyone has a purpose, or perhaps more than one, and in the end, it is essential to discover what it/they is/are. What is the reason that makes us get up every morning? This is our key to finding Happiness in life and at work.

The term in Japanese comprises two words: iki, which means life, and gai, which describes value or merit. In the West, this concept is often associated with a Venn diagram with four overlapping qualities: what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for.

If you still need to find your purpose, if you're still not in your element (in the words of Ken Robinson), it's never too late, and I'm here to help you.

2. SHIKITA GA NAI: Let go of what you cannot change

This seems trivial, but it is not, and most of us experience stressful and overwhelming situations because we do not want to accept reality and we remain trapped in the past, tied to resentment (be careful with this word because I refer to the fact of going back to feel over and over again).

The Japanese once again show us the way and suggest that we be aware that there are things in life that we cannot change, that are out of our control, and that it is okay to be so (acceptance); therefore, we can and should focus our energy on the things we can change. "The best way to predict the future is to create it" A. Lincoln.

3. WABI-SABI: Find peace in imperfections

Wabi-sabi is a term that originated in Taoism during the Song Dynasty in China (960 -1279) and was later transmitted to Zen Buddhism.

Let's recognize that in life, nothing is perfect, we are not, and no one else is. So instead of striving for perfection, find joy in the imperfections that make life unique.

4. GAMAN: Preserve your dignity even in difficult times

Gaman is the art of patience and perseverance that defines Japanese society. Show emotional maturity and self-control even when facing challenges, and always remember to act with patience, resilience, and consciousness. This self-discipline helps us face personal and professional life turbulence and is seen as a sign of self-improvement.

5. OUBAITORI: Don't compare yourself to others

My grandmother Rosa used to say, "Each person is a world" (I hope this expression has a similar meaning in English), so avoiding comparisons is very healthy. Measuring our progress on our own terms is highly recommended, as getting consciousness about the areas of improvement we achieve day by day.

It is essential to focus on our progress instead of measuring ourselves by the progress of others because our journeys and timeframe are unique.

6. KAIZEN: Always try to improve all aspects of your life

It is scientifically proven that even the tiny changes, the small achievements that we reap every day, are part of a whole and have a massive impact on the final result. Let's learn from our mistakes because no growth or learning exists without them.

7. GANBATTE: Always give the best version of yourself

Perhaps another of the great teachings of oriental culture is manifested in this concept. "The journey is more important than the final destination" and we should never stop pursuing excellence while we go there. Let's not confuse excellence with perfection; in this case, I mean presenting ourselves in front of life with a high commitment and coherence between what we think, say, and do. We give it all, and we don't hold anything back.

What I like the most is that we can apply these concepts individually. Still, they are even more powerful when we relate them because, ultimately, we are looking for Growth, Recognition, Transcendence, and Happiness.

If you apply some of these concepts and want to share them with others, please leave me your comments, and if you need help applying these concepts, remember you can always book a session with me. Thanks