I am always fascinated with the beliefs and values of other cultures.  When you open your mind to different ways of doing or interpreting things, you create an opportunity to get different results from what you may have experienced previously.

Recently, I was listening to The Little Book of Ikigai audio book by Ken Mogi, which I am fascinated with.  This is my second time listening to it because there are so many great take-aways.  Granted, I am also enthralled with the Japanese culture, which makes it surprising that I have yet to even try Japanese food… a goal for 2021? 

The author talks about ‘kodawari’ in the book which really resonated with me.  The vision that he conjures up is one of passion, personal satisfaction, a sense of purpose.  He creates a vision of a sushi maker who perfects his art.  Before the break of dawn he gets out of bed and heads down to the seaside market to handpick only the most superior quality fresh fish at the market.  From here, he heads to the restaurant kitchen where he graciously slices every piece of fish to perfection ensuring no detail is missed as he prepares his masterpiece.  In fact, each and every plate served is a masterpiece because no details is too small to focus on.

So what is kodawari?  Kodawari is a sincere, unwavering focus on what you are doing.  It is a pursuit of perfection while at the same time recognizing that perfection is impossible.  It brings a personal determination while working hard and knowing that the work itself is most essential. 

It is said that ‘anything worth doing, is worth doing well’ yet all too often in our busy lives the mantra seems to be ‘better done than perfect.’  But just getting it done does not deliver a great experience or end-product, it offers subpar results or a meh experience.  When you can rise above this and bring your best, it will get recognized by others in the way that you made them feel.  But even with that, it is not about the recognition but about the pride you will feel for your accomplishment.

Admittedly, we are all overwhelmed with our busy lives, living in a society where there is so much to do and not enough time to give everything your best.  However, I challenge you to be more conscientious in your day to day on the hamster wheel and bring your kodawari. 

Remember, while everything you do will not be perfect, maybe you can stand to be a little pickier, a little more determined, a little more detailed, or a little more passionate.  From there, see where life takes you.