IKIGAI

The Japanese have always valued fresh fish, but their coastal waters lack an abundant supply. As a result, fishermen began building larger boats to venture farther out to sea. However, the longer they stayed at sea, the less fresh the fish became by the time they returned. To preserve the fish, they installed cold storage on their boats, which allowed them to travel farther, but the Japanese consumers could still taste the difference between fresh and frozen fish and were unwilling to pay much for the latter. Fishermen then introduced fish tanks on their boats, keeping the fish alive on the journey back. However, the confined space caused the fish to become sluggish, and even though they were still alive, their taste wasn’t the same as freshly caught fish. The solution was both surprising and effective: they introduced a small shark into the tanks. While some fish were eaten, the remaining fish stayed alert and active, resulting in a fresher taste by the time they reached shore. This story teaches a valuable lesson about how challenges can keep us sharp. Just as the fish stayed fresh by being kept on their toes by the shark, we too need challenges to stay motivated and engaged. Once we achieve our goals—whether it’s landing a great job, finding the perfect partner, or winning the lottery—our excitement tends to diminish. Without challenges, we risk losing our drive. L. Ron Hubbard once observed that people only make extraordinary efforts when driven by ambition. Similarly, overcoming obstacles gives us energy and excitement, making us feel more alive. Problems, like the shark in the tank, should not be avoided but embraced. Facing challenges, learning from them, and staying active keeps us growing and achieving more in life. So, throw a "shark" into your life, and see what you can achieve when you stay active and engaged! This Japanese Ikigai philosophy inspired me to work on this piece.

Throw a shark into your brain and see what you can achieve.