The Compound Effect

by cybersensei | July 13, 2019 | Blog, Inspiration

The Compound Effect

Darren Hardy wrote an important book called the Compound Effect.

I think we all have a natural instinct as to what the compound effect is, but don’t realize the importance of this concept.

So what exactly is the “compound effect”?

The Compound Effect is about the impact of everyday decisions on your life and the personal growth that comes with doing something every day, and compounding that effect.

Really, it’s kind of like going to the gym isn’t it?

Going is not really all that much fun, or for some people is fun.

For me however, not so much: it’s like a chore that needs to be done to live a healthy second half of my life.

So, I go to the gym now.

Furthermore, my wife threatened to take away my gym membership if I didn’t go at least twice a week.

So, I go to the gym now, at least twice a week.

Looking back, if I would’ve read this influential book years ago, my Japanese language ability would be different today.

But you know what they say, “every thousand mile journey starts with the first step” I am glad to have decide to read the Compound Effect 7 years ago, and took the information to heart and more importantly acted on it.

I study reading and writing Japanese every day, even if only for 15 minutes, this really has a positive effect on my Japanese language skills, and I find myself at much different and interesting level than even two months ago.

So the question for us all is; what are we compounding in our own lives?

Have a look and see what you are compounding every day, and indeed what you are not compounding every day.

And then the final question is; To compound (good habits) or not to compound (bad habits)?

PS: Be aware, beware, and never ever forget; negative habits compound in all probability much, much faster than good ones!

Sir, You Have No Hair

by cybersensei | June 8, 2019 | Blog, Inspiration

Sir, You Have No Hair

Continuing my theme of no hair on this week’s blog post. The funniest thing happen to me just the other day, and I couldn’t be more tickled.

Celebrating my son’s 26th birthday, and the arrival of his friend from the UK to Japan, went to our favorite Yakiniku place (yakiniku is “fried meat). This is one of those unique places that has a very family atmosphere run by a couple. This particular couple never smiles and seems like they’re crabby, but, I don’ actually think they are crabby, just stoicism and resignation to their lot of running this most delicious yakiniku shop.

On my way to the restroom, I saw a lovely family of 4 children and a dad vigorously frying meat on their open grill in the middle of the table. The mothers were sitting at a different table, I am sure happy to take a break and let dad take care of the kids while they eat their yakiniku in peace.

I said to the children of course in Japanese, “isn’t it great that you’re with your dad having family time together?”

At first the children are little shocked that such fluent Japanese was coming out of the white man’s mouth. Then, a little girl who must’ve been all of six years old chimed in “sir you don’t have any hair”. I can’t help but laugh at this true statement from a six-year-old making a regular observation.

“You are absolutely right”, I replied reply to her instantly, “but even though I don’t have any hair, I’m still handsome right?”.

She agreed, and this delightful interaction was finished.

I’m sure this family has some interesting things to talk about on their way home from the Yakiniku place.

I have to admit, it was very refresh, to have this girl telling me frankly and without reservation “sir, you don’t have any hair”.

Swift Water Polishes Rough Stone

by cybersensei | May 25, 2019 | Blog, Inspiration

Swift Water Polishes Rough Stone

Adversity, failure, fear, stress, and uncertainty keeps us from changing life’s direction to a more fulfilling and meaningful direction.

I know for me this is always a constant challenge.

In the times I am lacking confidence, afraid, and even disoriented, it is imperative to always keep in mind that these adversity and failure are only things that will strengthen you, make you better, and move you toward your desired life.

Or, they will defeat you and your destiny, and offer you a life of unfulfilled dreams and continuing discontent, and even in many cases, malice toward others for your own failings.

Even in the more mundane aspect of ordinary life, such as bickering with the spouse about trivial matters, to more serious matters such as a business collapsing or going through a divorce after 23 years of marriage, this uncomfortable friction not only have an important place for your own personal growth, but are absolutely necessary for a life of forward motion, and a sense of fulfillment and destiny.

As we go through life, and if we embrace adversity and failures which are inevitable, we can come out the other side more powerful as an individual, and a strengthened spouse, parent, business partner and friend.

Always keep the following in mind: Swift Water Polishes The Rough Stone

Fleeting Moments

by cybersensei | May 18, 2019 | Blog, Inspiration, Perseverance

Fleeting Moments

Looking back, one can see how time used to go so slowly.

All remember sitting in a dreadful and boring class not listening to the teacher drone on and on and on about subjects that are not interesting at all (algebra).

As the years went by, can the realization that perception of time is subjective.

Father Time - Land Of The Rising Son

Many years ago now, waiting for the day, to take my first flight to Japan, waiting and waiting for the departure day.

This is an example of time moving very slowly.

Inevitably the departure day arrived over 3 decades ago now.

Waiting for the day my first child was to be born.

Waiting and waiting for that day, and then that day came went, and now this boy has become an outstanding man.

Spectacular Japanese Samurai Armor - Land Of The Rising Son

Always grateful for life today, and the opportunity to living in Japan.

Certainly death is something not given much thought.

Nevertheless, while not thinking about that day, it will come for certain, and it will be your turn to die, and your life will have past before you, in a blink of your eye.

Circular Rainbow Sun Halo - Land Of The Rising Son

If you have been waiting to do something in your own life, do so. We must live our life each day with intent and purpose; therefore, I urge your to wait no longer, because one day, for certain, it will be your turn to die.

PS: I started this podcast and blog at age 55.

PPS: They have a wonderful 4 character compound about this in Japanese; tai ki ban sei: Great Talent Matures Late

Time Passing Quickly By - Land Of The Rising Son

Knock Down 7, Get Up 8

by cybersensei | May 4, 2019 | Blog, Inspiration, Perseverance

Something Father did time and time again was to get back up and dust himself off after being knocked down so many times.

Something burned deep inside of him compelling him forward, no matter what, undoubtably he was a a survivor and a man of his time.

burning-passion - Land Of The Rising Son

Even after the devastating blow of being sued by serial environmental polluter Chevron late in life and losing everything, he not only got back up, he never lost his sense of humour throughout the many ordeals of his extraordinary life, which included growing up in abject poverty.

Chevron is a serial polluter - Land Of The Rising Son

Father is an exemplary example of the milk of human kindness and what it means to be resilient during hard times.

Truly, when feeling dejected and alone, all one needs to do is think of him and the extreme hardship he went through to create and build an extraordinary life for his clan.

Father Became God Today - Land Of The Rising Son

During these profoundly changing time it is of paramount importance to fortify one’s own heart, mind, and spirit, and know inside oneself—no matter what—always get back up one more time.

Clarity Over Time - cybersensei - Land Of The Rising Son

Go Somewhere New Today

by cybersensei | April 27, 2019 | Blog, Inspiration

Go Somewhere New Today

Having lived in Japan for over half of my life, I have had the good fortune to travel extensively throughout Asia. Seeing these incredibly diverse cultures, and experiencing these distinctive atmospheres has been life changing to say the least. From near the Northern border of Afghanistan in Peshawar, Pakistan, to the incredible temples of Bagan Myanmar, there is nothing like going to places such as these to give one a new and crisp perspective of ones own life. And, as I visit these incredible and diverse places, a further profound sense of gratitude fills me, as I am truly grateful to be returning home, home once again, to the Land Of The Rising Son. Where are you going today?