I recently came upon a certain post on Instagram on 7 Japanese techniques to overcome "Laziness". I was intrigued at how specific it was to being lazy. Anyway, the title was enough to get me to start reading on these Japanese techniques. While a few of these were common sense, there were a couple that struck a cord with me and that got me on a "reading spree" - and from that I have shortlisted 4 techniques that I feel will allow everyone to embrace a transformations journey, creating a life that is not only meaningful and harmonious but also beautifully imperfect and profoundly purposeful.
Ikigai: I knew of this from the very popular book Ikigai by Hector Garcia and Francesc Mirrales, but wasn't aware of the philosophy behind it. I now have bought myself the book - so hoping to get enlightened! Anyways, the philosophy here is that at core of your being lies your Ikigai, your reason for being. It’s the essence that propels you out of bed each morning with a heart full of passion. By intertwining what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for, Ikigai unveils the profound purpose that fuels your existence. Discovering your Ikigai is akin to finding your life’s melody, harmonizing your passions and talents in a way that serves both you and the world. LOKTAA could very well be my Ikigai!
Wabi-Sabi: Amidst the rush for perfection, Wabi-Sabi whispers the beauty of imperfection. I love this one as I always encourage my audience to see the beauty in imperfection! It’s the art of finding serenity in life’s natural cycles, embracing the allure of the weathered, worn, and imperfect. In a world constantly seeking flawlessness, Wabi-Sabi encourages us to see the charm in the asymmetrical, the simplicity in the complex, and the grace in the transient. By embracing the imperfect, we embrace life itself, finding peace in its ephemeral nature.
Kaizen: On the path to self-improvement, Kaizen acts as our gentle guide. It embodies the philosophy of continuous improvement through small, consistent efforts. Instead of overwhelming transformations, Kaizen nudges us to take tiny steps daily, fostering progress in every aspect of our lives. Another one that is just a very practical one that we could adopt in our day to day. By focusing on gradual, manageable changes, Kaizen empowers us to conquer challenges, develop new skills, and cultivate positive habits, one step at a time.
Kanban: Amidst the chaos of modern life, Kanban stands as a beacon of organization and efficiency. Originating from the Japanese manufacturing industry, Kanban has transcended its origins and found its way into various aspects of life. By visualizing tasks on a Kanban board—moving them from ‘To Do’ to ‘Doing’ to ‘Done’—we gain clarity, prioritize effectively, and enhance productivity. This method fosters a sense of accomplishment, making even the most daunting tasks manageable. And I can vouch for this approach as I use this on a daily basis managing complex IT projects!
Together, I think Ikigai, Wabi-Sabi, Kaizen, and Kanban create a tapestry of purpose, acceptance, progress, and organization. Embracing these 4 core principles could guide you towards a life filled with balance, growth, and fulfillment.
