Ready, Set, Go!: 7 Steps from Dreaming to Doing | 変わる力

Lessons Learned, Actions Taken: Infusing Purpose and Fulfillment into Life

Like many of us, I have encountered those magical whispers that ignited a spark within me, whispering, “Hey, there’s something special here!” which inspired me to pursue something extraordinary. They were like colorful puzzle pieces that sparked my imagination and filled excitement. These pieces made me feel alive! They had the power to shape my dreams and make them come true. They’re like little flames that warmed my heart and pushed me to chase after what I loved. This feeling reminded me of the beautiful message in a children’s book, What Do You Do With an Idea?, by Kobi Yamada, where a seemingly insignificant seed had the potential to blossom into something marvelous. Never underestimate the power of a little idea! Great things take time and effort to become extraordinary.

So, join me on this incredible journey as I share the invaluable 7 lessons I have learned and the actions I have taken to infuse my life with purpose and fulfillment. See if you want to try these steps that helped me transform my life.

変化と学びの旅から得た成功への７つの秘訣

このブログ記事では、私が日本からアメリカ・シカゴへ海外移住し、混乱や挫折を乗り越え、新しい文化への適応力を身につけたことで、漸く第二の人生をスタートさせた7つの秘訣を共有します。これらのステップを通じ、情熱を注ぎ込み、内に秘めた願望や興味を探求していくために必要な行動力や自己発見のヒントを得ることができます。私の経験があなたにとって新たな可能性を切り拓き、充実した人生を見出すための手助けとなることを願っています。一緒に前進し、目標の達成へと邁進しましょう！

1. Discovering Personal Purpose: 人生の目的を見極める
   • Reflected on what was in my heart and what I valued
   • Reviewed the concept of “生きがい: ikigai” (the Japanese term for reason for being) and its significance
   • Developed a desire to improve the quality of my life
   • Nurtured my ambition to create sustainable and financial value
2. Recognizing Global Challenges: グローバルな課題への認識
   • Understood the world’s critical concerns: population, environment, and technology
   • Highlighted the importance of personal health, hope, and happiness
   • Emphasized the goal of building an equitable and harmonious world
3. Researching Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s): 持続可能な開発目標の探求
   • Obtained 環境プランナーER (Environmental Planner as Earth Republic) , expertise in environmental planning, certified by the 環境プランニング学会 (Japan Environmental Planning Society)
   • Explored and Examined the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
   • Studied the Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) guidebook and school curriculum
4. Enrolling in a Business Startup Program: スタートアッププログラムへの参加
   • Made the decision to participate in a 10-week business startup program
   • Set expectations of gaining knowledge, skills, and resources
5. Reviewing Sessions and Engaging with Supporters: セッションの振り返りと支援者との関わり
   • Regularly summarized what I learned in class
   • Held weekly startup meetings with business supporters
   • Brainstormed and refined ideas with the input of others
6. Defining the Purpose of My Startup Company: スタートアップ会社の目的を定義
   • Established a purpose that aligned with my personal beliefs
   • Formulated a strong Market Positioning Statement that accurately represented my vision, mission, and goal
7. Taking Action and Moving Forward!: 行動を起こし前進すべし！
   • Shaped my philosophy into reality
   • Embraced that the time for action has come

In my previous blog post, “What Do You Do With an Idea?: Overcoming Fear and Pursuing Your Dreams,” I shared how a book profoundly impacted my creative process and the struggles in implementing my ideas. The book emphasizes the value of ideas and the importance of believing in oneself. Inspired by its message, I embarked on a journey deep within my heart to uncover what truly mattered. This led me to discover my “生きがい – ikigai,” the Japanese concept of finding purpose and making a meaningful contribution to the world.

Moreover, my desire to improve the quality of my own life drove me to seek purposeful endeavors. I felt a strong desire to create sustainable and financial value, not just for myself but also for those around me.

While personal purpose is crucial, it’s equally important to acknowledge the global challenges that our world faces today. I couldn’t ignore the pressing issues of population, environment, and technology that burden our planet. These concerns weighed heavily on my mind. I realized that to create a more equitable and harmonious world, I needed to find a way to contribute positively to these challenges.

Having obtained the 環境プランナーER (Environmental Planner as Earth Republic) certification from the 環境プランニング学会 (Environmental Planning Society), I integrated the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into my plan. The Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) guidebook and school curriculum provided by the Japanese Ministry of Environment (環境省) enriched my understanding of individual contributions to a sustainable future. Through these initiatives, I gained valuable insights, shaped my vision, and converged my passions with global needs.

With a clear understanding of personal purpose and global challenges, it was time for me to take concrete steps toward bringing my ideas to life. Enrolling in a business startup program provided the knowledge, skills, and resources to transform my dreams into tangible ventures. Throughout a 10-week business startup program called GROW/PROGRESANDO – Entrepreneurial Training Program, launched in 2013 by Rogers Park Business Alliance, I gained invaluable insights into the intricacies of entrepreneurship.

Every day and night, the Business Model Canvas crossed my mind. I tried to come up with innovative ideas and worked tirelessly on refining my Market Positioning Statement. Each class provided me with valuable insights and practical tools needed to become the foundation of my business.

To enhance my learning experience, I regularly reviewed the class materials and engaged with my dedicated group of business supporters providing invaluable feedback and perspectives. 

Throughout the program, I kept the materials around me to stay informed and to learn more. This became the source of continuous learning and inspiration. Staying engaged with the program’s content, I gained fresh insights and refined my ideas accordingly.

As I progressed through the program, I broke down my thoughts and gained clarity on the purpose of my startup company. I constantly questioned myself. What activities do I want to engage in and pursue? Will this align with my interests, values, and talents? Establishing a purpose aligned with my beliefs was crucial for long-term success and fulfillment. 

When the pieces came together, I felt a sense of authenticity and passion that transformed into a powerful and healthier devotion to making a difference. I articulated my startup’s plan of action in my Market Positioning Statement. This became my guiding light, helping me stay focused on my purpose and aligning my actions with my core beliefs.

After countless hours of nurturing my ideas, aligning them with global challenges, and refining my purpose, the time has finally come to reality. I am ready to translate my vision into tangible actions that bring changes for the better. I now understand the power of positive thinking and its impact on my decisions.