The Japanese focus on imperfection to prevent burnout

Education & Career Trends: February 17, 2023

Curated by the Knowledge Team of  ICS Career GPS

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• Excerpts are taken from an article written by Kaki Okumura, published on medium.com

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Many of us start our day with the feeling that we are behind. Behind in our relationships, finances, health objectives, jobs, or academic pursuits. When it goes on for too long, we begin to feel as though we are continually trying to catch up—to someone or something that isn’t necessarily immediately apparent. Still, we are aware that we are falling behind.

We consequently become exhausted and burnt out.

Here is an alternative viewpoint if you frequently experience this state of ‘never being productive enough’, being always behind, and feeling overwhelmed by how much work still has to be done: You have already caught up, so whatever progress you make today counts.

Trying to catch up vs just progressing forward are two completely different viewpoints. Even though our daily tasks are exactly the same, we tend to emotionally conclude the day on totally different levels.

When we adopt the mindset of catch-up, we could lie in bed worrying about what we didn’t do and what we need to do the following day. We don’t feel much sympathy or empathy for ourselves. We feel disorganised and uncontrollable. When things go too far, we become exhausted, overburdened, and require much more time to recuperate.

But, when we choose the viewpoint of progress, we allow ourselves to feel successful, productive, and confident. We’re making progress, and this gives us a boost of energy.

Instead of feeling guilty about the idea of doing nothing, we are free to take a break when we need it.

A tradition that values imperfections

Humans have a psychological propensity to view the world negatively because our physiology compels us to dwell on our flaws, errors, and inadequacies. In the modern world, this can harm our ability to find happiness in life, even while it is beneficial in the realm of survival.

Several traditions in Japanese culture place an emphasis on the significance of imperfections.

In the technique of kintsugi, cracked ceramic items are repaired with gold, which not only hides the flaws but also enhances their beauty.

Wabi-sabi is a way of thinking that celebrates flaws and sees the beauty in the unaltered.

Instead of concentrating on your shortcomings, consider your positives.

Self-compassion is essential

Compassion is essential for continuity and perseverance. Instead of concentrating on what has to be done, try to view your life through the lens of continual improvement. At the end of the day, reflect on what you have done and accomplished, and then let tomorrow’s day begin again.

You have already caught up, so whatever progress you make today counts.

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Have you checked out yesterday’s blog yet?

One Question to Ask Yourself to Know Your Future.

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(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the article mentioned above are those of the author(s). They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of ICS Career GPS or its staff.)

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