8 Japanese Concepts to Create a Life of Meaning
Sand flows, the the hourglass tips, time ticks, never pausing; fleeting. How we spend our moments determines the meaning we create in and for life. Principles from Japanese philosophy offer guidance to make the most of our limited time by facing into the overwhelming and constant assault of the most wicked problems streamed at us; these practices help in overcoming lack of motivation and by working through them, we’re able to live a life with, of and on purpose. By applying concepts like kaizen, ikigai, and shoshin, we can lean back into ancient wisdom, concepts and practices to stay motivated in pursuing a life of meaning, presence, connection, lifelong learning and contribution.
Kaizen (改善) — The Path of Small Improvements
Kaizen means taking tiny steps to get better each day. Rather than dramatic progress, kaizen focuses on 1% improvements consistently over time. Small gains compound into remarkable results. To apply kaizen, set manageable daily goals aligned to a bigger vision. Learn 10 new words from an unfamiliar language. Practice guitar for 10 minutes. Meditate for 5 minutes. Track small wins to stay motivated. Progress not perfection keeps complacency away. With kaizen, feeling as though you’re in a rut can fade through steady strides forward.
Ikigai (生き甲斐) — Discover Your Reason for Being
Ikigai refers to your life purpose and passion. When your work aligns with ikigai, you gain lasting fulfillment that combats the feeling of living in a purpose void. Identify the causes that you feel strongly about and list the skills you want to develop. Experiment with roles until you find the sweet spot at the intersection of what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs and what you can make an income from. Regularly check if activities still inspire as we evolve, for life is fluid and so must we become to grow and evolve. Adapting allows you to sustainably apply ikigai to create value.
Hara Hachi Bu (腹八分) — Eat Mindfully
Hara hachi bu means eat until you are 80% full (dessert included, Unless you indeed have a second stomach 😉). Overeating leads to lethargy while under-eating hurts concentration and slows your metabolism. Hara hachi bu encourages mindful, moderate eating by listening to your body’s signals of fullness. Stay present as you enjoy each bite. Applying this philosophy combats an absence of energy and motivation by maintaining energy levels and self-awareness. It reminds us to savour life’s simple pleasures, and gives us the correct level of sustenance and energy to face the inevitable challenges that come our way.
Shoshin (初心) — Cultivate the Beginner’s Mind
Shoshin refers to a student’s open, eager, inquisitive attitude. Rather than seeing yourself as an expert, approach experiences with a beginner’s mindset. Stay curious, ask questions, and acknowledge how much you have yet to learn. This humility allows you to embrace mistakes as lessons while reducing close-mindedness that restricts growth. Maintaining shoshin combats complacency so you actively seek new knowledge.
Kintsugi (金継ぎ) — Uncover Beauty in Imperfection
Kintsugi embraces and highlights imperfections, and enhances them with gold, finding beauty in flaws and indeed celebrating them. When you repair broken pottery kintsugi style, its scars shine. This metaphor encourages acceptance of our perceived flaws, our missteps and learning from failure. Perfectionism causes procrastination, while embracing imperfection fosters action. We deny our humanity in hiding shortcomings. Progress flows from releasing attachment to hypothetical perfection — done beats perfect, every single time. (Not for surgeons, aircraft engineers or coders 😉)
Wabi-Sabi (侘寂) — Seek Beauty in Authenticity
Wabi-sabi finds beauty in authenticity. Appreciating things “as is” with natural imperfections combats idealised notions of how life should be. Rather than chasing hypothetical perfection, wabi-sabi embraces what is genuine. Progress lies not in resisting life’s dents and scratches but unveiling the beauty already present. Releasing impossibly high and imagined standards allows us to accept and appreciate ourselves as we are.
Shinrin-Yoku (森林浴) — Immerse in Nature
Shinrin-yoku or “forest bathing” reduces stress by immersing in nature. Time among trees and plants clears mental clutter leading to fatigue. Set a daily goal to spend 15 minutes outside without your phone, without turning the experience into an activity – just bestill your senses and connect. Let your senses engage fully. Tune into nature to nourish creativity and boost motivation. Regularly replenishing your reserves makes it easier to find meaning and presence through environmental renewal. Perhaps take the concept of Shinrin-yoku further by holding walking meetings in nature. Magic can happen.
Omotenashi (おもてなし) — Practice Wholehearted Service
Omotenashi means anticipating others’ needs with sincerity. When you’re focused on mindfully serving people, you become less self-absorbed. Rumination and disconnection often comes from only caring about ourselves. Practicing omotenashi through small acts of daily care like helping neighbours, volunteering skills, and listening attentively redirects energy outward. A mindset of service creates meaning and purpose.
Improving life
Applying concepts like kaizen, ikigai, and shoshin allows us to spend our limited time pursuing a life of contribution through action, presence, connection and lifelong learning. Tiny consistent efforts aligned to passion compound into something beautiful. Embracing and repairing imperfections unveils new depths. Curiosity combats complacency. Mindful action propels us forward. By replacing distraction, disconnection and separation with purpose, imagine the legacies we might leave?
Imagine if … and create.
