The following is a brief inspirational story shared by a successful CEO of a software company during one of my journeys to the IMA CWC Meets. As our conversation unfolded in a staccato fashion, the topic of early burnout among doctors emerged, leading to a discussion about the growing dissatisfaction among medical professionals and the unsafe working environment that has been affecting their well-being.
The story unfolds...
"I had always prided myself on my relentless work ethic, convinced that success was proportional to the hours you clocked in. My mornings began at 6 AM with a hurried trip to the gym, followed by a gruelling day of back-to-back meetings that often stretched into the late hours. By the time midnight rolled around, my emails were still unanswered, a perpetual task list gnawing at my subconscious. It was exhausting, yet I wore my fatigue like a badge of honour. After all, I was embracing the hustle culture that many idolized.
Then came the opportunity to work in Japan. The notion of a six-month stint in Tokyo fascinated me—a chance to immerse myself in a different culture, but I had no idea how drastically it would alter my perspective on life and work.
My first week was a whirlwind of exploration and initial overwhelm. The neon lights of Shibuya, the ancient whispers of temples, and the diligent dedication of the locals made an indelible impression. Yet, it was my dinner with a successful Japanese CEO that truly ignited a transformation within me. Sitting in his serene, minimalist office the city had to offer, I was struck by a singular statement: "The most important meeting of my day is with my green tea at 5 PM."
His words hung in the air. I recalled my own calendar, so jam-packed it felt like a strategic war game rather than a balanced life. He continued, "Success isn’t measured by your calendar—it’s measured by how well you live." The calm atmosphere of his office spoke volumes; his employees embodied focus and peace, a stark contrast to the chaos I was used to.
That evening marked the beginning of my journey toward understanding the four transformative habits I would later embrace, habits that would rewrite my definition of success.
1. Hara Hachi Bu
This age-old principle of eating until you are 80% full resonated deeply during my first meals in Tokyo. I was struck by how locals savoured every bite, treating food not merely as fuel but as a form of meditation. They paused between bites, held their chopsticks down for a moment, and savoured textures and flavours without rushing. I felt like I was partaking in a ceremony.
Within a week of practicing Hara Hachi Bu, I noticed a shift. My digestion improved, and I felt a remarkable surge in my energy levels. Each meal became an act of mindfulness, a celebration of life itself. It was all about respect: for the food, for my body, for the world.
2. The Matcha Ritual
In a quaint tea shop tucked away in a quiet alley, I met a wise tea master who taught me that tea is not just a drink—it's a meditation ritual. “Listen to the sound of the water,” he instructed, emphasizing its importance. I learned how to prepare matcha, and each step of the process became a haven of calm amidst the city’s hustle.
In those quiet moments, I discovered something transformative: the morning anxiety that had plagued me evaporated, leaving behind a profound sense of clarity. I traded in coffee crashes for the steady focus that the tea provided and, much to my surprise, my sleep improved significantly. The tea was indeed a teacher, guiding me toward a deeper understanding of mindfulness in all aspects of my life.
3. Shinrin-yoku (Forest Bathing)
One afternoon, a local friend introduced me to the practice of Shinrin-yoku. It felt foreign at first—standing silently in nature, touching tree barks, and absorbing sounds like a curious child. But as I ventured deeper into this ritualized exploration of the forest, I discovered a wellspring of tranquility. The phytoncides released by the trees were like a natural remedy, soothing my stressed mind and body.
With every session in the woods, my sleep tracker indicated deeper, more restorative slumber, and I felt stress melting away like morning fog. Nature became my sanctuary, a soothing balm for the chaos I had known.
4. Natural Movement
Observing my Japanese colleagues brought me to the realization that movement no longer had to be a chore scheduled artificially into my day. They walked through gardens to catch the train, cycled leisurely to markets, and took the stairs instead of elevators, integrating movement gracefully into their lives. This behavior challenged my preconceived notion of exercise—an obligatory activity I crammed into my schedule.
As I began to choose these natural movements, my body felt lighter, my spirit more expansive. I was no longer exercising out of obligation; I was simply engaging with the world around me in a more dynamic way.
These four habits radically reshaped my understanding of life. Eating turned into a practice of presence, nature became my healing retreat, movement flowed naturally, and tea rituals anchored my day.
The relentless hustle I once celebrated was now an anchor dragging me down. I learned from Japan that simple habits performed with intention create extraordinary lives. Instead of being overwhelmed by my calendar, I started living more fully in the present, reminding myself that life wasn't merely about living longer; it was about living better. And with that realization came a newfound joy that I had never known was possible.
After finishing his story, he asked me," why can't you adapt these techniques to your profession &personal life?"
Comments
Post a Comment