Unlocking Wealth: 5 Japanese Techniques for Financial Freedom
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Chapter 1: Introduction to Japanese Wealth Techniques
Discover how ancient Japanese wisdom can be effectively applied today to achieve both financial and personal liberation.
“Being rich is having money; being wealthy is having time.” — Margaret Bonanno
For me, there exists a sweet balance between these two states, which is where these five Japanese principles become essential. Though they are numbered from one to five, their order is not chronological; they emerged at different points throughout my journey, often following years of personal growth. Whether you seek financial independence or personal freedom, these techniques have the power to cultivate significant wealth and abundance. I’m thrilled to share them with you.
Section 1.1: Ikigai — Your Purpose in Life
Finding Your 'Why'
Identifying your ikigai, or reason for being, can be a challenging task, as it can manifest in various forms. I discovered that traveling the world and engaging in diverse activities allowed me to meet inspiring individuals and explore different ideologies. This openness helped me pinpoint what truly resonated with me.
My first encounter with purpose was when I trained as a scuba diving instructor, then again as a Soma Breath facilitator, and once more as a full-time writer. Our ikigai is not static; it evolves over time. This adaptability can relieve pressure, making it easier to embrace new directions in life. Each time I’ve found a new path, I’ve experienced deeper meaning and a natural drive to serve others.
James Clear offers invaluable advice for those still searching:
“Before you discover what you love: fewer commitments, more experiments. After you discover what you love: fewer experiments, more commitments.”
The first video, 5 Japanese Philosophies That Made Me Wealthy, explores how these concepts can guide you toward financial success.
Section 1.2: Kaizen — Small Steps, Big Changes
Incremental Progress Leads to Success
When I transitioned to full-time writing three years ago, I had to take numerous small steps to make it a reality. I enrolled in courses, invested in necessary equipment, and crafted a schedule that complemented my lifestyle. It took about six months to find my rhythm, but taking daily small steps was crucial as it provided visible signs of progress, motivating me to keep going.
Mark Twain once said, “The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and starting on the first one.”
Today, I publish five to seven articles weekly on Medium and once a week on Substack, successfully supporting my livelihood through writing.
Section 1.3: Shoshin — The Beginner’s Mindset
Embracing Curiosity
A beginner is not hindered by fear; they are willing to explore, make mistakes, and question everything around them. This mindset, known as shoshin, encourages curiosity and keeps the door open for learning.
When the anxiety of failure is transformed into a chance for growth, everything shifts. Shunryu Suzuki, a Zen monk, articulated this beautifully: “In the beginner’s mind, there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s mind, there are few.”
Section 1.4: Wabi-Sabi — The Beauty of Imperfection
Accepting Flaws as Part of Growth
Wabi-sabi extends the beginner's mindset by fostering acceptance of imperfection. Beginners recognize their own limitations, which allows them to learn from their mistakes and evolve.
Without the wabi-sabi perspective, one may become overly critical and rigid. As an old Japanese proverb wisely states, “Even monkeys fall from trees.”
Stephen Hawking once remarked, “One of the basic rules of the universe is that nothing is perfect. Perfection simply doesn’t exist. Without imperfection, neither you nor I would exist.”
Section 1.5: Kakeibo — Financial Mastery
Organizing Your Finances
In Japan, there's a saying that translates to “Don’t count your chickens before they’ve hatched.” This emphasizes the importance of being prepared. It wasn’t until I turned 30 that I grasped this concept. Previously, I traveled as a scuba diving instructor with little regard for finances. However, when the pandemic struck, I had to rethink my approach to money.
Like many in 2020, I searched online for guidance on generating income, which led me to writing—a decision that transformed my life. I built a savings account, established an emergency fund, and began investing in cryptocurrencies and ETFs. Now, for the first time in my life, I enjoy financial stability.
Tim Denning wisely said, “No path to wealth happens like magic. You’ve got to work at it.”
A Quick Recap
Here’s a summary of the five Japanese techniques:
- Ikigai — Your Purpose in Life
- Kaizen — Small Steps, Big Changes
- Shoshin — The Beginner’s Mindset
- Wabi-Sabi — The Beauty of Imperfection
- Kakeibo — Financial Mastery
The second video, Receive More Money With This Secret Japanese Technique, shares insights on how to utilize these philosophies to attract greater financial abundance.