Don't decide alone whether it's impossible.

Mr. Shunichi Iwasaki, who wrote the copy "I think of New Year's cards as gifts," which I introduced last time, passed away on December 20th last year. The news came just before his manuscript was to be published, and it was a tremendous shock. As an idol for us younger generations and someone we aspired to be like, I deeply regret that we didn't get to see him continue his active work on the front lines for much longer.

Over the New Year period, I read his book "Lost Adults" (Kosaido Publishing), originally serialized in the Tokyu Line free paper "SALUS," and visited the exhibition "Treasures of the Showa Era" at Seibu Ikebukuro. There, I revisited his deeply moving words and paid my respects.
We sincerely pray for the repose of his soul.

I am deeply grateful to everyone who has read my book " Improving Your Mental Constitution " (Nikkei Publishing) for sharing their thoughts and for the new work opportunities it has brought.

Starting January 26th, I will be appearing as a guest on J-WAVE's "LOHAS TALK" (Monday to Friday, 8:40 PM) for five consecutive nights. I sincerely hope this year will be another one where I am supported by those around me and can take on new challenges.

Now, my 2015 series will begin with this very topic.
When I think of ideas or plans, I tend to shrink back, thinking, "This might be impossible. It might be too difficult," and give up before even starting. To avoid this, I need to involve others and effectively leverage their strength. By consciously deciding not to judge whether something is impossible on my own, I can improve my mental mindset.

 

■Work only happens because of the support around you

Everyone has that self-imposed wall of "impossible." When you finally come up with an idea or plan, it's natural to feel anxious: "Can this really be done?"

You might fall into negative thinking, worrying that if you propose it in a meeting, everyone will dismiss it with "This is impossible." As a result, you shrink back on your own and end up scrapping your own great idea. Haven't you all had experiences like this?

I experienced this myself as a new employee.
My career began in 1992. It was the year before the J.League started, right when a soccer boom was about to sweep Japan. My first assignment was to the Shizuoka branch office. Shizuoka is, of course, a place where soccer is incredibly popular.

When I actually arrived, I was surprised to find soccer enthusiasts of all ages and genders everywhere. Their discerning eyes meant that even the jeers at the stadium often contained highly technical critiques of the players' skills. Because of this, Shizuoka was already completely engulfed in soccer fever, ahead of the curve.

At work, I was immediately immersed in matters related to the local team, Shimizu S-Pulse, which had joined the J.League. I secured sponsorships for the team from my assigned clients and worked on projects involving the players. It was a situation where not a single day went by without talking about soccer.

Amidst this, Shimizu S-Pulse advanced to the final of the pre-season tournament held the year before the league's launch, facing off against Verdy Kawasaki (as they were then known).
November 23, 1992, National Stadium, kickoff at 2:00 PM.

The local area was already in a huge fever before the match, and the busyness of work peaked.
It was right then that a sponsoring client asked us to create a commercial supporting S-Pulse. However, the production period allowed to complete it was only a few days. It was a great opportunity, but far too short. "This project is impossible to pull off..." I couldn't help but voice my doubts.

Then, my senior colleagues around me snapped, "What are you talking about? Don't decide it's impossible from the start!" They immediately started making arrangements one after another to meet the deadline.
Thanks to the help of so many people, the support commercial aired successfully on the day of the final. Unfortunately, Espuls lost 0-1, but it became an unforgettable day for me.

The following January, as soccer fever continued to rise, I was running around every day. Perhaps due to fatigue, I fell ill and ended up hospitalized for about two weeks. When I was told this at the hospital, my mind went blank, fearing all the work I was involved in would come to a complete halt.

But that was entirely my own misconception, a self-centered thought. While I was hospitalized, support came from those around me, and the work progressed without any disruption.
It became a deeply personal lesson: "Work doesn't run on my own strength alone. It's only through the support of those around me that it truly functions."

 

■Inspiring Others Opens Up New Perspectives

Through these two experiences as a new employee, I learned not to decide on my own whether a task is achievable. Even if an idea or plan seems difficult, I shouldn't kill it myself. Whether something is possible or not should be judged by consulting with others.

Later, after transferring to the Tokyo headquarters,
"Erecting a massive wall right in the heart of major cities nationwide and inviting passersby to challenge themselves by climbing it"
"Hold a fashion show featuring exclusive models from two competing magazines all in one place."
"Erect a Christmas tree over 40 meters tall in a central Tokyo park"
Ideas that initially seemed impossible were brought to life through the combined efforts of many people.

Even if people scoff, recoil, or express shock, conveying your conviction and passion can move others' hearts. Believing this will surely broaden the scope of your ideas and projects.