Last Saturday, we talked about six Chinese proverbs for every entrepreneur and going by the responds that I got, I feel that it was well received.

Today, I want us to move from China to Japan.

Somebody may be wondering why Japan, another Asian country.

Well, there is what is known as “orient philosophy” which encapsulates a rich tradition of Eastern thought that seeks to understand the human condition and the nature of reality through spiritual exploration and a balanced, harmonious approach to life.

The Asians are by nurture positive thinkers.

They always see opportunity in crisis.

They are never overwhelmed by problems or challenges.

Rather, they make their problems submit to them.

A lot of people know the story of the second war.

It was the dropping of atomic bombs on Japanese two cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki that ended the war.

After the war, Japan was desolate and in ruins, totally destroyed.

When they started to rebuild, the world was laughing at them.

Then Japanese cars were thought to be the worst in the world and ridiculed all over.

Ford and GM, two American cars were on top of the world’s automobile ladder.

But Japanese were not intimidated or coward by the mockery they were receiving all over the world simple because they were trying to rebuild their battered economy.

Their mindset was, one day those who wanted us extinguished would see us distinguished.

They continued to push with the philosophy of Kaizen, which simply means continuous learning and improvement.

And thirty years later, Japan bombed the United States out of the world automobile leader with Toyota formerly known as Toyoda becoming the fastest selling car in the world and followed by Honda, another Japanese car.

Today Americans are falling heads over heels to drive Japanese cars because of its cost efficiency.

Even Americans have become so perplexed with Japanese success that they are marrying their women just to have their gens.

(Remember their mindset: Those who wanted us extinguished would one day see us distinguished).

A country that was devastated by war.

A country that other countries of the world enjoy to make mockery of has become a super power and a super economy.

That shows that it is not what other people wish or think about you that is important

But rather what you wish or think about yourself that matters.

Here are 7 eye-opening Japanese concepts that will transform your life:

1. Ikigai

Discover your purpose in life. If you don’t know your purpose in life, you would like a man who stood up without anywhere in mind to go. He would just be wandering aimless. So when you don’t know your purpose in life, you are simply lost. Even Google will not find you

Determine the reason you wake up each morning. If you don’t know the reason why you wake up each morning, you have lost it.

Solution-Choose something that aligns with your strengths, passions, and the needs of the world.

This is what gives life meaning.

2. Shikita ga nai

Let go of what you cannot change. A saying has it that whatever cannot be endured ought to be avoided but whatever cannot be avoided ought to be endured.

So, recognize that some things are just out of our control, and that’s okay.

Let go and focus on what you can change.

3. Wabi-sabi

Find peace in imperfection.

Perfection is like a fleeting that can only be pursued but never attain.

Therefore, recognize the fact that nothing in life is perfect, including yourself and others.

Instead of striving for flawlessness, find joy in the imperfections that make life unique.

4. Gaman an

Preserve your dignity during tough times.

Show emotional maturity and self-control, even when faced with challenges.

Remember to be patient, resilient, and understanding.

5. Oubaitori

Don’t compare yourself to others.

Comparison is the biggest killer of dreams and happiness.

Everyone has a different timeline and unique path.

You can only be yourself. You can never be anyone else.

That Will Smith acted Muhammed Ali never made him Muhammed Ali.

You have to realize that you are in competition with yourself, who you were yesterday and never with anyone else.

So it’s important to focus on your own progress, rather than trying to measure yourself against others.

6. Kaizen

The key to success in business and in life is continuous learning and improvement.

Always seek to improve in all areas of your life.

Even small changes can add up and make a big impact over time.

7. Shu-Ha-Ri

Shu: Learn the basics by following the teaching of one master. Imitating the work of great masters. What that means is that you should not only learn from those who succeeded. Also learn from those who failed to know the reason they failed and then try do the opposite of what they did.

Ha: Start experimenting, learn from masters, and integrate the learning into the practice.

•Peter Anosike has a doctorate degree in Consulting and Profit Management. He is the founder of Ultimate Entrepreneurs Academy, an organization that trains people on how to become successful entrepreneurs. Contact number: 08035779230 (SMS Only)