That star in the center is what the Japanese call one's "ikigai," your life's true purpose.
The origin of the word ikigai goes back to the Heian period (794 to 1185). “Gai comes from the word kai (“shell” in Japanese) which were deemed highly valuable, and from there ikigai derived as a word that means value in living.”
In 1961 a band auditioned for a Decca Records deal. Decca Records rejected them , saying "guitar groups are on the way out" and "The band would have no future in show business,". That band was the The Beatles.
In 2003 a group of friends came together to start a gaming company. They made 51 games with no luck. Their 52nd game was Angry Birds.
Failed at business eight times, Milton Hershey founded the Hershey's which is now one of the largest chocolate manufacturers in the U.S.
He was rejected by Eddie Bond when the 18-year old Elvis Presley auditioned for his band. Eddie Bond 'advised' Presley to stick with driving trucks 'because you're never going to make it as a singer'. Shortly after, Presley recorded his first single. The rest is history.
What does it take to overcome failure? Hope, faith, belief... these are important, especially when failure feels imminent. This video might inspire you to have a little more faith in yourself and fuel your inspiration:
Now that we are well into the second month of the New Year, many of us are already thinking, “what have I accomplished this year?” If your answer is somewhere between “nothing” or “not much,” this quick get-up-and-get-working guide is for you.
When creating a plan to achieve long-term goals, people often become overwhelmed or intimidated by what appears to be a mountain of obstacles. To make the necessary changes, start small and keep it simple.
When its a theory, does it matter? The theory of gravity exists and we take the existence of gravity as a fact. If we have enough science and proof behind the theory, it soon becomes a fact. At this point, with a plethora of corroborating evidence, the TEDx talk below by Jesse Henry should in reality be a "Fact". Which might change the title to "The Facts and Reality of Success".
Fair warning, Jesse Henry will begin with a "rope-a-dope". Instead of feeling resentment, you will have an appreciation of his perspective and it will draw you in.
Perspective, Strategy and Execution.
When people ask “why are you successful” the response should be “isn’t it obvious?”
What did the first caveman who discovered fire do?
He went back to his cave and told his cavewoman “Cavewoman, cook me some food!”
What happened next?
Cavepeople ran to his cave and asked “what smells so good?”
The news of fire spread and cavepeople wanted more cooked food. How to make more fire was taught around the globe.
…not because of a generous caveman, but from a cavewoman who knew who to cook and make the food smell awesome.
Oddly enough it was not the personal catastrophes, pain or losses that pushed me to the point of death. It was instead, the people who believed, who believed in me more than I.
The biggest changes came from two things:
Introductions - A friend or associate had just enough appreciation to introduce me to another who would change my life.
And/Or
Invitations - They would make an invitation and ask me to attend an event, a club, a meeting, a dinner, etc.
With each introduction and invitation, I have connected with people who leave me humbled and appreciative. It was not the clever wit that helped to improve connections. Instead, they acknowledged and treasured commitment, compassion, loyalty and action.
Where can you find such people who have a truly selfless commitment, loyalty and the willingness to take action?
