A Japanese Term - Oubaitouri - Imparting Wonderful Message

Hi, I came across this wonderful Japanese idiom (Oubaitori) while reading an article on Medium. I browsed for its meaning and significance, and came up with this wonderful explanation by AI.

Oubaitori is a Japanese idiom and concept that means everyone grows and blooms at their own pace, promoting self-acceptance and discouraging comparison with others. The word combines the kanji characters (Japanese letters/words) for the four spring-blooming trees—cherry, plum, peach, and apricot—each with its own timing and way of blooming, symbolizing that people should focus on their own unique journey and value.


Origin and Symbolism

The idiom draws from the characters for the four common spring flowers/fruits that bloom around the same time but in distinct ways:


Ou: Cherry blossom

Bai: Plum blossom

Tou: Peach blossom

Ri: Apricot blossom

The Messages

1) Natural Growth:

Just as these flowers/fruits have their own unique blooming processes, the idiom conveys that each person's development, talents, and journey are distinct and should be respected.


2) Self-Acceptance:

It encourages embracing your own pace and journey in life instead of comparing your accomplishments to others.

3) Individuality:

Oubaitori encourages individuals to embrace their own unique traits, skills, and stories, rather than feeling inadequate when compared to others.

4) Focus on Self:

Instead of comparing to others, the idea encourages focusing on your own unique character and growth.

DUST Method for Procrastination

We all like to procrastinate tasks that are confusing or not to our taste. But how far can you escape them? A time will come when you find everything piling up in your life.

We need to face things and execute tasks as and when they arise.

There is a simple method to analyze such scary moments and overcome discomfort.

I came across one "DUST" method to apply in such circumstances to resolve the issue of procrastination.

Simply scrutinize each procrastinated task by asking these four questions (D, U, S, T):

• Is it too Difficult? If so, try to find some easy ways to execute the task.
• Is it that Unclear? Find ways to get a clear picture by analyzing the missing points or parts.
• Is it so Scary? Find ways to face it by gathering courage and self-confidence.
• Is it much Tedious? Do you think you can't afford that much time or control your frustrations? Try to find some means of making it a fun game.

Through this DUST method, you can analyze each procrastination and get it executed successfully.

Some Harsh Truths About Success

Most of us think that success is achievable through a planned program, consistent execution, and reaping the fruits. But it is only a glossy picture.

Success comes from many sessions of hindrances, failures, loneliness, hard work, willpower, etc. 

First of all, you have to decide what your definition of success is. It depends upon your ambitions. So, set your ambitions and define your success before working for it. While pursuing your goal, you will pass through many stages of annoying, painful moments. You have to face them bravely to reach the goal. 

Some of those hardships and challenging situations will be like these:

• Periods of loneliness (working alone as your colleagues alienate you, long working periods, no support from people as they feel you have changed)
• Sessions of Anxiety and Depression (due to work pressure and loneliness)
• You have to adhere to a strict disciplined life that includes doing boring repetitive work. You can't skip work to have some rest.
• Imposter syndrome and self-doubt (you may feel you are not fit for the task and unnecessarily pretend to pursue the goal) 
• You should always be adaptable to circumstances whether favorable or unfavorable, to proceed further.

I read one article regarding the above topic and it appealed to me. So, I am linking that article here

The Valley of Stagnation and Tips to Come Out

I was reading a post from Sahilbloom's Curiosity Chronicle discussing the factors undermining your growth. He uses a term known as "the Valley of Stagnation" which is a great discouraging factor that tries to cripple you mentally and physically.

You land in a situation where you feel that your life has reached a standstill point. How much effort you may put in you find no growth. You become worried that you can't achieve your goals. It is this stage which is being referred to as the "Valley of Stagnation".

At this point, the author tells you to remember three important facts of life to get yourself motivated.

1. Nothing bad will happen if you are diligent and focused. So be diligent, focused, and determined. You will keep learning something and ultimately succeed.
2. Your Belief matters. If you begin to feel that you are worthless or incompetent, then you turn out to be thus. So always tell yourself that you are capable and worthy of your goal.
3. There is a cycle of events. Just like birth, growth, and death in human life, believe that there are cycles of plain path, valley, climb, and summit. 

The Seven Taxes of Life for Your Growth

 I was reading an article from a newsletter from Sahilbloom that deals with Life Events.

In the article, the author enumerates the 7 Taxes of Life that everybody needs to pay to achieve growth and success. By tax, he refers to the discomfort, tension, and pain that should be undergone to succeed.

The Seven Taxes are as follows:

1. Loneliness Times in  Life
2. Stress and Anxiety
3. Boredom of Routine life
4. Harsh and Rough Conversations in Relationships
5. Periods of Imposter Syndrome that tend to discourage you
6. Misunderstandings
7. Pain of Loss

The author says that we need to face all the above-mentioned pains (taxes) of life to emerge successful. You shouldn't try to avoid them. If you avoid these pains, you will not gain the strength to be a successful person. You will remain afraid of facing the life-challenges and may never succeed. So, be brave and go through those moments with determination and self-confidence.

Here is the link to the entire article on Medium: The Taxes of Life