A Journey through My Diverse Perspectives

  When solving a problem, gathering too much information from many angles can create too many possible solutions without prioritizing importance, making it difficult to choose an effective one. If we first identify the essence of the problem—by defining it correctly—and then collect only the information truly necessary to solve it, we reduce unnecessary data. This narrows our choices to a small number of meaningful options and makes it easier to reach an effective solution.

  Many people in Japan—especially young people, though this is not limited to them—find themselves in a job without knowing what they truly enjoy or what kind of work suits them. For such people, the first step is to fully commit to their current role: deepen their knowledge, refine their skills, and continuously improve through steady effort. Over time, this process often leads to a turning point, where the work becomes more engaging, results begin to appear, and genuine interest—or even fondness for the job — naturally emerges. Of course, if sincere effort still does not lead to satisfaction, seeking a different profession is also a valid choice.

  People who are highly ambitious and set very high standards for themselves often hold equally high expectations of how things should be. As a result, they tend to judge not only their own words, actions, and outcomes strictly, but also those of the people around them. This mindset can dull sensitivity to others’ kindness and quietly suppress feelings of gratitude. In most everyday situations—apart from a few where strict standards are truly necessary—lowering expectations while increasing satisfaction helps build healthier relationships. When expectations remain too high, these opportunities are easily missed, creating unseen losses in human connection. Lower expectations naturally shift our attention to the “thankful aspects” of daily events, allowing us to appreciate even small gestures and moments, which in turn raises our sense of satisfaction. By contrast, excessively high expectations draw attention to shortcomings. This leads to dissatisfaction over minor matters, strains ...

  I once imagined retirement as a leisurely and comfortable stage of life. In reality, however, we continue to face problems—both large and small—though less frequently than before. As long as our cognitive and mental capacities remain intact, these are challenges we must address ourselves; they cannot simply be left to others. With age, energy and cognitive function naturally decline, and many people find problem-solving increasingly burdensome, leading them to postpone decisions. Through this realization, I have come to believe that cultivating the habit, from a young age, of facing everyday problems proactively—rather than avoiding them out of anxiety or irritation—offers lasting benefits. Such a habit sharpens our ability to grasp the essence of issues while steadily strengthening intuition and problem-solving skills. Taking on challenges early in life not only supports career growth, but also becomes a valuable asset in navigating daily life after retirement.

  When we face too many options, choosing just one can feel overwhelming. Yet when our choices are limited, adding even a few meaningful ones can greatly enrich our lives. This contrast reminds us why knowing what is “enough” — understanding sufficiency — is so valuable when navigating the range of options before us.

  When we face worries or concerns, we often see ourselves as a single, isolated self. But if we learn to recognize the positive presence within us—the inner voice that offers wisdom, confidence, and encouragement—we can draw strength from it. By listening to this quiet but reliable cheerleader, we begin to notice real and lasting positive effects in our lives.

  Everyone experiences both success and failure throughout life. While failures offer lessons we can carry into the future, successes teach us something equally important: the power of confidence. The positive feelings that come from succeeding can lift our mindset in ways that failures cannot. Instead of holding on to the bitterness of past mistakes, allowing ourselves to fully embrace the momentum of success strengthens our belief in what we can achieve. By doing so, we gradually build the habit of overcoming our own self-doubt—one of the biggest obstacles standing between us and our goals.