A Journey through My Diverse Perspectives

It has been almost two years since I retired, but no matter how old I get, I still feel a bit down when I make mistakes due to my shortcomings. These moments make me feel immature as a person. However, if I view these instances of self-reflection as opportunities for self-growth, it not only helps me feel better but also reminds me of the important value that even in old age, we continue to learn significant lessons in life.

  If we cultivate a strong sense of gratitude for our current situation, we can significantly reduce our regrets. This is because many of the past failures we regret can transform into valuable lessons when we genuinely appreciate our present circumstances. As we recognize the importance of these lessons, our past failures no longer seem like failures but stepping stones to our current state of gratitude. When we achieve this mindset, a desire to live in the present with hope gradually emerges from within. We start thinking about how to live without regrets, focusing on making the most of our time. This shift in perspective leads us to put these thoughts into practice, embracing a life that values the present moment. Feeling grateful can be especially challenging when we encounter misfortune, but making gratitude a daily habit, starting with small, happy discoveries around us, can make a big difference. I strive to remember this and practice it in my own life.

  When I was promoted to middle management in an organization, I asked one of my subordinates to complete a certain task. Normally, the work would take about a week, but despite repeated reminders, it remained unfinished even after three months. To address this, I demonstrated how to complete the task within three days, setting an example for my subordinate. From this experience, I learned a valuable lesson: people may struggle to accomplish tasks even if given ample time. Therefore, from a subordinate’s perspective, it is crucial to: 1.     Choose a Fixed or Earlier Delivery Date: Proactively set a deadline by considering a certain margin and work backward from it to manage your progress. 2.     Seek Clarification and Guidance Early: If you're unable to complete the task, ask for clarification and feedback on the expected outcome from your superior as early as possible. Seek advice on how to proceed effectively. From a superior’s perspective, it is equally important to:

Incorporating beneficial or essential activities into our daily routines can significantly advance our progress toward immediate goals. By consistently engaging in these routines, we will likely see results sooner than we expect. However, a common pitfall is that monotony can lead to laziness, as our brains may become bored with repetitive tasks. To counter this, it’s beneficial to occasionally introduce activities that refresh and stimulate our minds. This variety can rejuvenate our routines, making them feel fresh and keeping us motivated. Thus, striking a balance between routine and refreshment enhances our sense of fulfillment in daily life.

  Generally speaking, as people advance in an organization, their responsibilities gradually increase, leading to more complex problems and tougher decision-making. Consequently, mental stress rises due to the constant pressure. However, upon reflecting on my working years after retirement, I realized that my daily work served as practical training for problem-solving and decision-making. This allowed me to hone my management wisdom and skills. Naturally, even if I didn't fully appreciate it at the time, these skills and wisdom have proven to be quite valuable in my post-retirement life as well. Of course, it is important not to become overconfident in our abilities and skills based on limited work experience.

  Immersing ourselves in wholesome activities to the point where we lose track of time is truly a blessing. When people concentrate deeply on a single task, their brains secrete dopamine, making them feel happy. But why does the human brain have this function? If this is programmed for the continuation and prosperity of our species, then as various issues arise with changing environments, each person must focus on the present and live moment by moment. We can imagine a narrative where each person achieves breakthroughs by tapping into their own potential, contributing to the species' continuation and prosperity. In this context, a sense of mental well-being can be seen as a reward. Conversely, when people are distracted, they are less likely to achieve such breakthroughs and feel less happy.

  We live in a delicate balance where countless elements are interconnected at both the micro and macro levels. These include our bodies and minds, human society, the Earth, and the cosmos. If any one of these elements becomes unbalanced, our lives may be in jeopardy. Thus, it is essential for us to continuously cultivate a sense of physical and mental equilibrium without bias. We must summon the courage to seek optimal solutions for issues within our capacity to adjust, using trial and error as our guide, and steer ourselves towards these solutions with purpose and care. The steps to take the helm may be slow, but this process is the shortest path.