Tokyo Photo Walk 4
Disclaimer: This installment of Tokyo Photo Walk includes a few shots taken from the car. Maybe I need to start a "Tokyo Drive" category too ^^;
The first pic today is my fave out of the whole bunch. Most of these taken on the Lumix LX3.
A load of new readers have joined us of late and I wanted to highlight the Motivational category with today's article - a remix that contains bits n pieces of past motivational articles with some new writings too.
Before I continue, I put most of these photos in the wallpaper pool. You need a Flickr account and be logged in if you want to see the previous wallpaper of figures - Flickr said many of my figure photos are questionable and that I should flag them as "restricted."
What day of the week do you dislike the most?
I ask folks this question from time to time and more often than not, the reply is usually "Monday."
When asked the reason, most would say "because I have to go back to work or school."
Typical answer yet interesting. If one dislikes Monday because of school or work then why does one continue to go back to work or school? I believe that folks like this are probably in the wrong job or studying the wrong course and probably should look for something that enables them to enjoy Mondays - and every other day for that matter. Those who genuinely enjoy work or school probably wont give "Work or School" as the reasons they dislike Monday.
I watched an extremely moving documentary about a girl called Ashley who had a medical condition called Progeria where her body aged 13 times faster than a normal human being. The condition is said to affect 1 in 8 million newborns.
A person with the condition normally dies at the age of 13. She just had her 14th birthday and she knew that she was going to die any day. She said that she was prepared to die and that she had lead a great life up until now - it was all about her experiences, the friends she was able to meet and being happy. Living a longer life was not important. The quality of life over quantity was what mattered.
We watch the news and see people dying left right and center - people being stabbed, run over or just plain dying in everyday accidents. Many folks who see/read about others dying don't usually think much about it - and the folks who died probably didn't think too much about it either.
I was talking to my estate agent at the time we purchased our house - I asked him how I should go about writing my will - he looked at me as if I started to grow horns and said that people don't usually write their will until they are about 60. I was thinking to myself "apart from being a liar, this estate agent is an idiot too."
This may seem the obvious but the thing is, none of us have been given a guarantee that we are going to live until we are golden. One could live in the "safest" part of the world, be healthy and still have their life cut short by a knife, bullet or drunken driver. None of us know when we are going to die but there is one thing that we do know for sure - we all will die someday - could be in another 30 years time, could be tomorrow morning. Death is a reality that we must all understand - its the final piece of our jigsaw puzzle that we all will collect.
Now I would like to talk about something I call the "Comfort Zone."
The comfort zone is where one is content with their current situation and I'm going to use an ex colleague who I shall name as Sally as an example. Sally had a job doing what she was good at (web design) and had a small team to manage. She had a good salary and good working hours considering that it was Tokyo.
But Sally wanted more from her life than just being content - she wanted to be happy. My personal interpretation is that being happy and being content are two different things. Being content fulfills basic human needs of being able to eat and have shelter. Being happy is going a step further and fulfilling the need to live ones passion.
One day, I asked Sally why she didn't start to do something about her situation. She said that she was waiting for somebody to give her an opportunity. When I asked "who", she said "I don't know..."
Sally was in the Comfort Zone and going nowhere fast. Her comfort made it difficult for her to take her own initiative to seek other opportunities.
Life is a jigsaw puzzle. You don't know whats going to go where, you don't know where the pieces are but you do know that you need to keep looking for the pieces and figure out where they go. All events that happen to you is a piece of your puzzle. if you are stuck in a rut at school or work and keep asking yourself the "what if" question then its a sign telling you that there are no more pieces of the puzzle to be found where you are.
I could have chosen 15 years-ish ago to stay in the comfort zone content making shoes back in London. I was content but kept asking myself the "what if" question. I knew I wanted more in life but didn't know what it was until I discovered how passionate I was about Japanese culture.
I chose to seek my passion instead - done everything I could to get me closer to my dream including taking a BA in Japanese at London University, working nights after classes at a Japanese restaurant (t'was the Benihana's in Chelsea) so that I could save enough money to travel to Japan every year to absorb the culture. Ended up as a Computer Engineer at Japan Airlines and finally got hired by the Japan office of the scientific journal Nature. I reached my first destination.
The second destination was for me to start up a business by the age of 35 which I managed to do. I didn't want to take any venture funding or angel investment so needed to find other ways of building up capital.
As Website Manager at Amazon, I helped with the launch of the Japanese Amazon Associates Web Service API. I built the first ever Japanese AWS powered website and with permission of the Finance Director at the time, all Amazon products on my site had an associate tag.
I set up a sole proprietorship in Japan so that I could declare my earnings and expenses which you can legally do on a working visa - if you are doing stuff on the side then I recommend you to set one up and if you are doing it in Japan then here are the instructions.
Learning about the accounting involved in running a proprietorship brought me a step closer to setting up my own company.
At first I thought it would be great to earn something like 6,000 yen (about 60 USD) per month to pay for the phone bills. Didn't see the earnings reach that amount at all and realized that I needed to learn more about SEO, server side caching and what have you. Through this research and learning, the income from Amazon associates not only started to pay for the phone bill but started to pay for just about everything - bills, food and even covered my wife's salary. The Motivational Monetization Slide gives you an idea of what is possible after just a few weeks.
While Amazon affiliate earnings paid for the daily stuff, salary from Amazon was being banked and helped with the 5 million yen (about 50,000 USD) needed to set up a company - at the time, foreigners needed to invest that much to start up a company.
The affiliate earnings also helped us buy our current house too. These days you can set up a company with 1 yen but would probably find it difficult to do business when potential clients see how much you invested in your company.
Left Microsoft after spending a year with them as a Product Manager to start up my current company Mirai Inc which focuses on licensing a community e-commerce platform called Mirai Gaia.
Many of our clients are Japanese companies in the subculture and entertainment field which makes my current job a dream job - doing something I'm passionate about (building websites) for clients who operate in an area that interests me most.
Life is great and I love my job and life in Japan. You can achieve anything with passion and focus. Destination 2 reached.
Given today's technology, one can put wo/man on the moon, split the atom and even replace the keyboard with a single wheel. But what humans have not figured out is how to sell bottles of time on the shelf. Just imagine - you walk into a store and say "Gimme the usual bottle of an hour."
Time is not on your side - its a friend for the duration for life but it never sides with you - never be under the assumption that time will favor you.
Many folks make excuses for themselves like "but I got no time to do X" or "by the time I get home I'm so tired." Folks like these are actually their own biggest obstacle because they build a tall wall of an excuse to do nothing.
If one can make time to eat, poo and pee then one can make time if they are passionate enough to start learning, experiencing, building or meeting. Lets encourage ourselves - not discourage buy making excuses.
The human race is still relatively young and we all have basic needs. One of the needs is to eat.
If you just sat in front of your computer for hours on end, most of you will eventually get up from your desk and seek food.
If there is nothing in the refrigerator or cabinets, you will either call for a pizza or go out to get something.
If all the shops around you were closed, you would travel to another part of town to seek food. You could alternatively wait until the morning when the shops open but you will still go out to get food.
The point I'm trying to make here is that if you really want something, you have the ability to get it.
Some of us have health constraints that may prevent us from easily doing stuff but if you are relatively healthy and can easily move around then you really don't have any excuse to do nothing.
If you are unhappy with your current line of work and presuming that you work for 8 hours, sleep for 8 hours and use the reminder of the 8 hours for commutation, hygiene, recreation and nourishment consumption - you are spending 33% of your life doing something that constantly fuels that burning question of "what if" - don't fuel that question anymore - go out and do something!
It could be anything from starting to meet recruiters, taking up a new course or activity, research, meeting people with similar interests and so on. I may make it sound plain and simple but in fact it is. Something leads to something. Nothing leads to nothing.
Money is indeed important in this society we live in and I understand that one may need to do something that one may not exactly like to make ends meet. But, one can also be doing something on the side at the same time (learning, experiencing, meeting) in order to fulfill ones real passion. If you truly believe in yourself, your skills and ability, then you will be successful anyway - meaning that if you are going to ditch a well paid job to take a risk of a lower paying position where you can fulfill your passion, you will eventually make it anyway - because its you.
Taking the leap from safe comfortable steady ground into an unknown void is not something that comes easily. Humans basic instinct is to protect itself and places priority on food and shelter and taking risks could affect these necessities.
But life is not just about being comfortable - its about living your passion.
You can spend most of your life doing something you dislike to bring in the money which pays the bills which enables you to go back to work another day to bring in the money which pays the bills which enables you to go back to work another day to bring in the money which pays the bills which enables you to go back to work another day to bring in the money which pays the bills...
Life is short. One may not appreciate just how short it is while we are young but really start to understand as we get older. I'm in my late 30's now and am under no illusion whatsoever that I'm going to die at old age - I could die anytime like any of us. I want to ensure that I died while living a life doing what I love most. Don't want to live forever and am happy with the time I've been given - will make sure I make the most of the rest of my life and I hope you do too.
As for me - hopefully you can tell I love Mondays ^^
While I had an incredibly shitty upbringing being brought up in a foster home (Harry Potter style with shitty shitty treatment), I've been able to make up for lost time and am enjoying life very much indeed. I guess having that upbringing were jigsaw pieces that I had to collect which made me determined to live a happy life. T'was a shame that I had to spend so many years as a child collecting those pieces though.
If you are interested in reading about life in Japan, seeing photos taken daily around Tokyo, like Japanese subculture (anime, manga, figures, Dollfies) then you may want to start delving into the Japan or Figure categories for a start or have a gander at all photo articles.
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Student of Computer Info. & Office Sys.
I'd be a in better mood if I didn't have a make-up math exam in the morning T_T;
Student, part-time Haruhi wannabe (that bit about godhood etc)
http://www.aprilius20.wordpress.com
"If one can make time to eat, poo and pee", lol, great Chinese-style statement there. Or at least, that's what a reporter said about Chow Yun Fatt when he replied to a question of 'when are you going to retire' with 'I can sleep, eat, and shit, so I can work.' Nice and to the point:)
I don't really hate Mondays, or any day at all, for that matter. Although sometimes I wonder about whether we really need saturdays, because they seem to end so soon...
http://lana.tsforever.com/
Just wanted to say: Thank you very much! Thank you for writing this. You just put in words what I thought during the last 3 years, so it means I'm NOT "as" crazy as the "comfort people" think. I was trapped in a job. Now the firm is closing ( as many others, lately ) and I took a decision. I'll try to do what I like and joining university again. Well, my dream would actually be working for Volks, or any doll company ( I love Obitsu, by the way ) making clothes for dolls. But at the moment I'll begin with interesting studies.
(By the way, I'm the same megchansan as flickr's)
College Student
I'm running on low. lol
Nekophilia
50%. I'm still studying, and I have no idea what I wanna be or what course I wanna take. I thought about it multiple times but couldn't come up with a course I'm really interested in. Plus, parents keep discouraging everytime I speak of a course. I remember mentioning I'd take a course on computers. I had not even went into details and they lectured me on how much competition I will have. "Everybody knows how to use a pc now!" I'm kinda stuck.. Gahh. Everytime I end this thought by saying to myself lets just get thru this year's big exam and then I'll see my grades and choose my course.
What I'm sure is that I'm gonna work part time after this year.. Get some working experience and get some money to buy a new PC to replace this one. She's too old and deserves to rest in peace.. Ah also learning Japanese! ^^ Next goal after exams: learn Japanese and have a trip to Japan with friends!
High School Student
I am the same here. For me, school is my main reason why I am not happy with my life. I completely hate school, it goes against and clashes with my personality despite being able to get really good grades. I still don't know how to tell my parents that I don't want to go to college.
Right now, since I don't know what to do, the only I can do is try everything. Doing new things and see if there's anything I like doing as a job. My favorite quote from Danny is "Something leads to something. Nothing leads to nothing."
Student
I'm also in the same boat as you. I'm at the point where I have to make a decision. I spent my first 2 years (well it was actually 4) at a community college and so I have to transfer to an actual University now to complete my degree. Problem is I still haven't figured out what to major in. I've been traveling the World during Winter breaks to find out what makes me happy. I've been to Thailand, Vietnam, and Japan! Japan was AMAZING, I spent 1 month there and LOVED every second of my life. I finally became passionate about something and decided that I had to move to Japan to be happy. The main reason I even want a bachelors degree is so I can move over there and work for JET for a while. But when I'm done with JET I need start a career in some unknown field that will make me happy. Right now I am learning Japanese in my community college and I have the option of transferring to a University that offers Japanese Language & Culture as a major! I mean I would love to major in that, but when I move to Japan, having a degree in Japanese does not hold much value. I mean the whole country speaks Japanese! My brother told me NOT to major in Japanese, but to major in something more career oriented and would land me a good job straight out of college. He's really pushing Health Care... But honestly that kind of job will not make me happy. So does anybody have any suggestions on what I should major in? I'm thinking either Japanese or Advertising. Please help!
Marketing Sales Promotions
http://lyfeprojekt.blogspot.com/
This is an awesome post!
in regards to death, Vancouver is just as bad..i believe that there were close to 60 shootings within a 30day period with around 20 deaths in feb. Thats too crazy!!
but damn! amazing pictures!
Student
http://miri.textcube.com/
One great motivational post from Danny, one giant leap for us. It's great to read motivational articles...
GIS Tech
http://hamstercorp.blogspot.com
Nice pictures. Though it seems there's a disconnect between them and the actual text of the article...wouldn't mind reading more about the pictures themselves...
I'm just a loser, lol.
Mac technician
I agree. The comments about work you love were interesting but I think there should be a reposting of the Walk #4 with captions to go with the pictures. What, for instance, was the bagging of the trees about?
student
I was wondering the same thing! why are the trees bagged? But this is a great motivational post,sometimes you need something like this post to get your lazy ass up and do something. Or maybe just mine...^-^
CEO MIrai Inc
http://www.dannychoo.com/profile/eng/
Bagged trees - the next giveaway question maybe ^^;
Gamer, the hardcore kind
http://even248.wordpress.com
I have to say, I almost shed a couple of tears reading this. This post is a bit more powerful than the previous ones because you combined them. Makes for a monster of a motivational post ^^;
I find that while I know what my parents say to me is true and I should go out and get a job and stuff (am still not in uni), your words are what really reach me and inspire me the most.
Have to thank you for the periodic kick in the ass reminding me that I have to do stuff :3
Also, may I ask what settings you use on the Lumix for the night pictures? Do you post-process them? They look so great all the time.
...if you don't use iA setting? ^^;
CEO MIrai Inc
http://www.dannychoo.com/profile/eng/
Hope everything works out.
I'm still not that good with the camera. I put it on manual and some reading says 2.8 and I just adjust the other reading so that its in the middle of the bar thingy ^^;
I didnt use to post process but do a little bit these days.
Gamer, the hardcore kind
http://even248.wordpress.com
Oh, we got a real expert here, eh? ^^;
So you see the aperture set on 2.8 and adjust the exposure accordingly to avoid under or over exposure..? Nothing fancy there. Must be me being extra critical of my own pictures ^^;
...or the post processing. What do you usually do to the pictures nowadays?
CEO MIrai Inc
http://www.dannychoo.com/profile/eng/
Click two buttons in Aperture - not exactly sure what they do ^^;
Then I let PHP and ImageMagick process everything.
Gamer, the hardcore kind
http://even248.wordpress.com
Uh...huh... ^^;
So, more experimenting it is, then... :P That often yields the best results in the end, isn't that so?
Student
http://foxkey.blog126.fc2.com/
The text distracted me away from the pretty pictures so I had to go back up and look at them all again. The happy meter, it's pretty average on my side. Pretty content with how I lead my life but there are just a few kinks i need to hammer out, such as having the will to want to do something. I aim for something but never go through with it. I guess I need to discipline myself.
Thanks for the post Danny, makes me think about these issues which had been put away.
On a lighter note, i'm sure I saw that last photo in another article Also, why do many of your photos of Japan have a green tinge. Is it the street lighting? Camerca lighting? heh, sorry if this has been answered already.
Dance Trooper: DCX-001 O.D.E. (Order of the Dancing Empire)
http://dannychoo.com.my
Kudos to Danny for yet another highly motivated article ^_^
http://phantomclf.net
another inspiring blog post by Danny Choo! :)
Student, Otaku, She-Geek(Sheek lol)
http://meimi132.wordpress.com/
I've been happy with the way I've been living for yonks now. Not a care in the world, which is kinda bad in a way, oblivious to alot of stuff going on around me(I don't like to watch the news, I can't do anything about it anyway...). I also need to stop spending like I'm still earning :gah!: I'd love the extra money a part time job gave me, but there are other, more fun things that I'd prefer doin, like movies with friends, internetting, watching anime etc.
As for days of the week, and my most disliked one.. I'd have to say, sunday, cos its the end of lazy-sleepytime lol. The time when I'm allowed to just lounge about and not work. Sometimes I have to lol, but not the end of the world.
I spent more time reading than looking at the photos this time around lol.
I did however notice the trees in bags.... whats up with that?
http://iron2000.blogspot.com
Wow. Inspiring indeed.
Comfort zone, I admit I don't like the unknown.
I question a lot on whats my purpose, why am I doing thing.
But never went to find answers, always questions.
Escape.
Mondays are good if its a holiday.
Graphic Designer
I honestly haven't been very happy in a long long time. I'm 28 years old, and I've lost my job, and I'm now living with my parents again. And I've never had a girl friend, or even been on a date before in my entire life (seriously, not even once). : /
There are likely FAR more people in the world than most realize that never find significant others. You're definitely not alone in this predicament. I think it's easy to lose sight of this when we're constantly bombarded by love and sex in all forms of media.
I actually would like to see real numbers on this, as it seems like a straight-forward element to poll for in a census.
(Btw, yes, I've been lucky to stumble into some wonderful relationships, but it's mostly been just that -- luck. If just a few things didn't go just right for each of them, I easily could have wound up alone my whole life.)
Interaction design, Iphone game/app designer
To be confident with girls you need to be confident about yourself and your life. It goes hand in hand. You can start anywhere and improve upon anything to move forward. Everything else is just gonna line up once the ball starts rolling.
Student
http://tijapan.wordpress.com
Absolutely true, life is really short, and... we dont have to take it for granted, and enjoy it, and appreciate it. Thanks for these excellent post Danny!
im with you man
I love these types of articles, very inspirational.
studying comp studies, planning to look for part time job
http://bruneian-otaku.blogspot.com
your article today really opened my eyes. Yes, ourself is the enemy not everyone around us. I always neglect my study hour by sleeping, play around and not listening to my parents... the word "what if" really stuck in my mind like "what if I failed my 2009 'O' Level June exam and disappointed my dad" and now its April, I got less than 6 or 5 weeks to study for the exam and I thank you very very much, I'll do my best for my exam, for me and for my parents....
http://accany.wordpress.com/
Depends on what you think is happiness I guess.
I pondered on that question for a long time and in the end I just end up doing what I want to do most.
Which is probably why i haven't actually been sad for a long time. I can't even remember when the last time I cried was.
Though a lot of people tell me that you need to cry like sometimes to release all the things you've built up inside over the years but... the only thing I built up was design and eroge knowledge. Not a very good sign.
Informatics(ComSci-ish) student/self-taught graphic designer and illustrator
http://picchar.cerestia.net
I was thinking how I feel stuck in the major I chose for university. Then I decided to make the most of it and challenge myself to use my education in such a way as to make me happy at the same time. It took a while, but I'm starting to grasp the idea of how I can take advantage of my hobbies and the knowledge and skills I learn in school/university to have fun.
Thanks for another inspiring post ^_^/
abstract student
共感しました。おもわず英語版も拝見しました。
私は死ぬ間際に見えるという「走馬燈」が見たいと思っていて、楽しみにしています。
Student/Gamer/Blogger/Otaku
http://runaroundkazu.blogspot.com/
I agree with many other that I spent more time reading, and had to go look at pics again. What's with the trees in bags thing?
I chose 50-70% on the meter, because after so long, I finally have an idea of where I want to take my life, and I'm mostly happy with my current state atm, but I'm near the beginning when it comes to where I want to take things. So I'm kind of in the middle, but I'm on the right track: Preparing for what I'm passionate about to take in college, trying to independantly teach myself skills I'm going to need, my fiancee' and I plan on getting married and moving in together within the next year, and not only all that, but outside of "career wise" I try to live every single day the best I can, and I'm not afraid to live, following my passions. I've spent the last couple years grabbing ahold of myself and straightening out who I am. Now I'm finally seeing the picture, and I'm going to fight to make that picture a reality.
It's posts and things like these that really inspire me to keep fighting. I've always believed in living as who you are, who you want to be, and not letting anything (the worst thing being ourselves) get in the way of living the true way you feel you like to live, and that's what I call being happy. And even though I feel I finally see the picture, I will always oblivious to tomorrow- we never know what the next day brings. All I can do is live my time here on Earth, the way I feel best about, because we only have ONE chance.
Thanks for the extra inspiration and motivation Danny. :D
Student
http://johndiew0107.wordpress.com/
Thanks for your article... I think I just woke up from a long dream...
very very very long dream >_<
Network Technician
http://www.myyaruki.com
Great to see another motivational post I've always loved them its pretty much what spurred me on to learn Japanese and have so many goals in life that I had never had before and now I'm so glad I have.
Keep the motivational posts up they are a good reminder for me on the days when I'm feeling really low and need something to kick me in the arse.
High school student
http://www.animeraku.com
Great post. Full of sad facts, but very motivating. Thanks. You are right that the biggest enemy of people is their own self which is trying to suffocate the soul from time to time. That is why we have to firmly stand on our own feet and keep fighting with it by doing the things that we believe will bring us happiness or improve ourselves. Even if it means throwing away something, we must do the things we do with passion. If people do many things without putting heart into it, they will not get anything from it, and it will only become a loss of the precious time.
Actor, Moviemaker and Blogger.
http://sitedofonseca.blogspot.com
Thanks for the post, Danny.
I'm really depressed and it's good to listen to things like this.
Procrastinator, n00b blogger
http://zatsudan.wordpress.com
Excellent post! Made me add another reflection to my "vault of deep thoughts on life" xD Everyday, when I get up, I always think "I'm running out of time", so I try to take full advantage of the day and do everything I can with my utmost effort, and do it better everytime, from the very moment I wake up until the moment I go to sleep. It's the way I can move on forward, to the "excelsior" I always was taught about since I was a child.
So, my motto would be "Excelsior!" =D At first I thought "Carpe Diem", but that's kinda pessimistic xD
student
im ready for work now
がくせい
One Sentence いっしょうけんめい！！
Student
http://www.lesterho.com
Great articles.
I think I'm gonna write about this topic in some other time. :)
Student & Working
Excellent post Danny! Even if someone finds something worthwhile, it's not easy to stay on our chosen path. I'm in the beginning of accomplishing the things I want. I face many failures and sometimes feeling like giving up, and I agree that our greatest enemies are ourself and fear. But with faith in ourselves, with the help of friends and reading motivational thoughts like yours Danny is making me confident that success is obtainable, and for that you have my gratitude!:)
Student
http://chappypyon.wordpress.com/
My happy meter is 100%!!! Happy with my life, surrounded by my parents, friends and goodies.
Last time, i attended a workshop that my secondary wanted us to attend. There is something that i really like about the workshop. The instructor taught us that life should be live to the fullest. Don't say 'TRY', say 'DO'. No 'Try my best', turn to 'Do my best'. XD
To quote Master Yoda
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcFx4ymZFgU
Do, or do not. There is no try.
browsing the nets
http://otakuposts.blogspot.com/
whats the minimum amount required to buy a house and settle in japan? maybe i could take this amount as my goal, and work towards it. i think i have spent enough time wasting. i will start working towards this goal now onwards, how i dont know, but i will work it out eventually.
nice motivational article Danny.
Student
Great article and pictures:)
Great blog Danny.
The first part about dying anytime sounded like the usual thing a life insurance agent would say, lol. I know since I used to work as an assistant with a life insurance company before my current job.
But you're absolutely right, and one should take the opportunity that presents itself and fulfill one's passion, because you never know when you'll leave this mortal coil.
Student, Uncle & hopfully a good husband..
Appreciate the article...i have a love-hate relations with a couple of days in a week...mostly due to weather...can't change them before, can't change them now...
TBD
Last I checked major Japanese companies were really anal on who they hire. That Japanese language test my JP majors talk about was suppose to be really hard, especially at the level most companies want.
Otari Vader, Sith Lord for Hire, will fillet Makoto Itou for free
http://coffeebugg.blogspot.com/
It's these motivational posts that always put my mind to ease and put me back on track towards my dreams. Reminding me that the things that I'm going thru right now happen for a reason and what I do about them is completely up to me and where I want to go in the future.
Otaku / Student in Networking
http://hayasaki-kun.blogspot.com/
So many fun places to visit once I hit Japan
Awesome pictures
Spiral Knight
Another fantastic motivational post. This is rather close to what I have been thinking about for a good while now. Funny how one of the greatest philosophies of life can be summed up as "always be prepared to die".
銀河帝国五〇一軍团 TK/TD 8316 M.E.P.D. Police Sergeant
http://gordonator.com/
Happiness is subjective. different people has different expectation for happiness. Yes I do agree that able to live one's passion is the ultimate form of happiness but to some people, simple things like able to be with friends and love ones, watching a great movie, playing their favourite game is enough etc to make them happy. ^^;
most of the time, we don't know how fortunate we already are because we haven't been through obstacles/failures. we often look at other people who are more successful/wealthy than us and think to ourselves how it will be great to be like them. but to people who are less fortunate than us they will look at us and think the same thing too, how they will like to be in our shoes.
all in all. being happy is easy. just set your expectations right. ^^;
Injured
Oh man a Anime star in the 2nd picture. Its the Banana Man from Girls Bravo who talked to Miharu the girl star of the show as she was discovering something new. He went on to explain how 'guys' over 44 years of age can talk about 1 subject for 14 minutes solid in as many ways as possible. Glad to see he is doing ok.
Anyway, back to the subject, if one can get out of all the attacks and things going against you without brain damage and back damage you can still go far. Having this and that isn't every thing and can be a prison where others think it would be so great.
~Undine~
http://bluebluewave.wordpress.com
Great photos and nice article. Most of those nighttime photos are really impressive though. ^^
IT techie
Im very happy at the moment as I have just got back from a great holiday in Japan. The only thing that makes me slightly miffed is how much better Dannys photos are than mine ^^
Hoomin
Having just returned from Tokyo, reading your blog seems a lot more poignant now that I am back in Toronto. I recognize many of the sights in your images (My photos of Shibuya crossing at night were also taken with an LX3 - they look identical). Walking the streets of Tokyo is a great experience - especially at night - there is always something going on and people milling about. Light and sound.
Light Otaku and College Student
http://www.xanga.com/coolmikeolgx
This is one of the most inspirational blogs I have ever read. Right now as a freshmen in college, I don't really know what I'm going to do, I can't imagine my future. My status for my major is currently pre-nursing, because in the beginning, math and science were pretty much my strong points in high school. Also I wanted to help people out. But now I'm not so sure anymore, I still want to help people like that, and also its about money too, but to deal with all the research and time and desperate people in these desperate times is a little too much for me. Throughout my life in school, I felt that I have been doing constant school work and research, something which does not reflect in my grades. I had a ok childhood I can say, but had a lot of negative experiences with it; I didn't have that many friends in middle school and it started to make me feel lonely. I used to see all the other kids and think that each of them has something special, that's why people associate with them more than me.
Now that I moved on from that chapter in my life and in college, I am learning to be more analytical of life and how traveling the road, choosing your paths, and following your heart comes in to it. The Japanese culture, which I didn't get into until like three years age, let me see what was missing from my past years of my life, the fun I didn't experience all that much in school. For example: School Rumble and Negima. (fyi I didn't go to a all girls school, I'm a guy, I put Negima because of all the girls I never or barely talked to.)
I'm not saying that I was completely alone, but I had no one really to trust fully. Now that I am 18 and more understanding of how life works, it goes to show that some move on to their dreams and some struggle for it. Back to Danny's words, I truly do love the way he describes how through determination (Yaru ki) and action can one fulfill their lifelong destiny and live a quality life. I hope to someday leave all of my doubts and fears and try to find what I really want in life and succeed. I know there is much more to life than what situation I am in now. Just look at Mr. Danny Choo here, he made his own path from making shoes to living with the Japanese culture.
Poor Student, part-time bus driver, all around closet otaku
Danny Choo you are my hero!!!
Student, Software Engineer in the Making!!!
http://miettechan.wordpress.com/
I think that of all the articles these motivational ones are my favorite.
I know now for sure that I'm content but no entirely happy. At least for now I'm aware finishing these last 2 semesters of college and going to work on an internship this summer if my first step out of my comfort zone.
level 1 cook, shifty eyed and fuzzy
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chibinezumi/
Great article :) I have started taking the do or do not approach myself. I had been lurking for a while and knew nothing about computers and felt intimidated but felt I was really missing out. Now I just do and learn along the way. I'm about to enroll for tai chi in may and I'm excited! I think a positive attitude is infectious and I now do my best to be that everyday.
三年せいとオタク
^^ Finally a new motivation news article been waiting a while for one. Great to hear all of this and see what I need to work on. Also I have a feeling that women in the photos is your wifey?
CEO MIrai Inc
http://www.dannychoo.com/profile/eng/
^^;
university film student | ecchikid | the Archivist
http://www.vimeo.com/longhim
Well, technically it's also a copy-paste from his BoingBoing article... ^^;
Student
http://www.destructoid.com/blogs/seigfreid
Those are some nice pictures, as for me I cant wait to finish learning Japanese and go to Japan!
Student/Part-timer
I like these posts that you do from time to time Danny, it really opens up my mind and allows me to see the world at a different perspective. I have only just recently realized my passion, which is to pretty much do aerospace/aeronautical engineering in Japan. I've set aside some time each day to learn Japanese (internet and books, lessons would help but I don't have the time or money... excuses, excuses...). Personally, I believe that I'm living under the content zone as, being a student, I'm in a school that I'm not extremely fond of and my surroundings and current upbringing are just shitty (perhaps not as bad as yours, but they're plenty shitty). If my parents had never made the choice to move from Hong Kong to Canada then down to the USA, I believe that I would at least be content and probably at least 70% happy. Having gone to Hong Kong and Japan on various trips, I have come to a realization that America pretty much sucks and I want to live there. Well, I'll give myself about 10 years and then see if there's any real progress, and if there isn't, I'm going to take some more serious action.
Thanks for the posts Danny, and keep up the good work. :D
Student
Very wise, Danny. Thanks a lot!
eh I'm not at a full tank but, I not far. Still think I should be doing something else.
Student
At least the drinking and driving problems is not as bad compared to Taiwan ~ Lol
CSU student/accountant
http://rantingsofadiehardharuhiist.blogspot.com/
I could be in a better mood if some girl hadn't plowed her truck into my car when she backed out of her parking space and if some vandals hadn't decided to get revenge on me for catching them TPing my neighbors house, they came back and smashed my cars window. But all things considering I'm pretty happy.
CEO MIrai Inc
http://www.dannychoo.com/profile/eng/
Ouch. Hope everything is OK now. Any learning's from the experience?
unemployed
http://finehart.com/
WOW!!! what a wake up call. Here I am 53 yrs old unemployed just can't get untracked. My last 2 jobs 1 almost 10 yrs. the other 1 18 months, with both of them I thought I was secure, but then fate stepped in. With the first one I had emergency lung surgery out of work over 45 days, when I got back they said i couldn't have my job back out to long... put me in another job and failled my eye cert, needed new glasses couldn't afford just had 80,000.00 surgery insurance pd 80% still money out of pocket. Went almost 1yr w/o job then landed w/wallyworld, those here in the states should know who this is...Wal(fill in the rest). After 18 months being a CSS they said I couldn't handel it TERMINATED! That was last sept. All my close friends say comeback but at lower position, I know I'm better
But being a part of this community makes me feel like I am still productive. I CAN do it!
Keep up all the great things in life Danny. As the song goes...WE ARE FAMILY!
ja mata ne.
CEO MIrai Inc
http://www.dannychoo.com/profile/eng/
You can do it!
university film student | ecchikid | the Archivist
http://www.vimeo.com/longhim
Onwards!
Otaku, US Army, Student (Political Science)
http://figure.tsuki-board.net/profile/Syaoran
Nice post Danny. Took a deployment to the Middle East for a year to get me out of the "content" phase and realize what I want to do. Now I am on the path towards that first destination. Have to say I am 50-70% because the path is one I don't necessarily like but it's one of those things I have to do to get to my destination.
Professional Panhandler
http://theinfernoproject.com
Very inspiring, I think I read what you wrote more than looking at the pictures ^^;;
Web Admin
http://hhanyu.com
みんなと同じように私もいつか死んでしまうけど、死は私の目的地ではありません。生きている私たちには時間が与えられている。それぞれの人にはそれぞれにふさわしい能力が与えられている。その能力を見出して使って生かされると幸せを感じる事ができると思う。
Student
Once I begin pursuing what I want in life, my happy tank will increase. :p
A lot of that is very insightful and will probably help me in the future, or even now. :o
But right now, I'm not living the life that I want to live and hope to turn that around a full 180 and become more than content.
College Student/Web Designer
You said that you started your proprietorship while you were on work visa. Are you still on work-visa or are you a citizen of Japan now?
CEO MIrai Inc
http://www.dannychoo.com/profile/eng/
Business Investor visa.
Medical student
http://www.protocolsnow.com
I love the motivational photo walks! Usually I find it difficult to believe in the motivational talks given by successful people because for some reason often their advice seems shallow and insincere. I think, "Yeah, you say that now, but did you really believe in that when nothing in your life was going your way?" But DannyChoo seems like a very genuine person to me which is why your motivational posts actually matter!
Fantastic photos by the way. Do a Photoshop tutorial one of these days to help us beginner photographers out! :)
CEO MIrai Inc
http://www.dannychoo.com/profile/eng/
Thank you ;-)
Lately been using Lightroom for photo tweaks. Still dont know how to use it properly though.
from mechanical engineer to web designer...
Thanks for the post. Really like it. So now, i know that im on the right track on pursuing my dream job. Breaking my personal best.
Student
Happy meter is running low as of late. Not that I'm unhappy, really. I'm just middle of the road average.
I'm not worried though. University is just around the corner, which means that I can finally start to *actively* pursue what I want to pursue. I'm not even close to living the life I want to live right now, but a lot of that comes not from me but with the general restrictions that come with living with parents. Lots of stuff I want to see, buy, learn, or do I simply can't at the moment. I can *feel* the time being wasted.
Video game developer
http://www.instant-ramen.net
Had read many of your previous motivational posts but didn't know about your childhood and bullying. Actually, I thought that most of your life was "perfect" but the truth is that we all have our bad days.
I've never heard you complaining about any recent problem, be it economical, health, or anything, so I'm not sure if your life has been a great success for the past years ^^ but in any case, it's really great that you tell us how much you've fought for your dreams -- I'm fighting for mine too, but my road is a bit harsh.
Finally, it's really hard to not feel bad with one or two bad comments, hate mail, spam, etc. I truly admire people who read those stuff and laugh or simply ignore them. Please keep us up with your motivational posts, really inspiring! ^^
With 70 posts above me I guess I'm talking to myself, which is kind of good sometimes =)
CEO MIrai Inc
http://www.dannychoo.com/profile/eng/
Read all comments in this article ;-) And really appreciate the April 1st work you done.
Video game developer
http://www.instant-ramen.net
LOL, lucky I didn't write "will dance naked on Shibuya streets if danny replies" XD
Was just kidding though, just wanted to say how we ofter forget to speak with ourselves and meditate, when it's important to do so :) Anyway, thanks for replying! ^^
???Confused???
I guess the whole Monday thing is that it feels like it's mandatory rather than voluntary to go to work or school...like there's a lack of choice even though the option of not going is there...
mechanical engineer
One thing that its taken me all too long to learn is not to be afraid of what others think of me and take my happiness from what I am and what I like rather than what somebody else thinks about what I'm doing.
Old Wise Man
http://goinglikesixty.com
Very nice post.
I'm new to you and your site, but your posts are always a highlight. I just read your childhood post.
I'll look forward to reading about your relationship with your parents now. I'll look in archives.
You are a renaissance man.
Thanks for sharing these personal thoughts.
Mark
(just requested a linked in from you because that's as close as I get to famous people :) )
Designer
I felt so much more lifted up after reading your post. I myself am very passionate about working in Japan. But find it very difficult now, what with the ecomonic situation. I am still striving and trying to reach my aim. One day I hope to be able to tell you I had reached my dream. :)
http://www.marvinryan.com
uh-oh. I think I might be starting to be a "Content Sally" myself... :( prolly have to start figuring out my destination again. ^^
btw was wondering, what's up with the plastic bagged trees? ^^
CEO MIrai Inc
http://www.dannychoo.com/profile/eng/
Regarding the trees - I was thinking of making the answer a giveaway question ^^;
http://www.marvinryan.com
lol, my guess would be they were newly plated trees, the cover is there to keep leaves from flying around the highway during transport.
Life
This was an amazing post! You are an insightful and quite colorful individual Danny. I think relating some of your past with where you are today speaks volumes of your character. I was totally uplifted by your words and I think right now everyone could use a lift in their daily lives. With the economy taking its toll and the usual winter doldrums, it has been an especially brutal season for all of us.
Student
http://www.desangel.blogspot.com
Monday or anyday is the same for me, I live everyday as it is. currently taking a course on engineering which reminded me I have exam today =.= . These inspiration post is as inspirational as ever, by reading this, it made me wanna do my best in everything i do.
Although took a course on engineering as I like bike's and everything, but I also admire to become a manga artist. After reading this I make no excuse and will pursue 2 birds known as dreams at once( am I too greedy? )
thousand master II, Internet Learner, Auto didacta
http://pipopaz.wordpress.com/
Great motivational post Danny! once again i'm grateful because of the inspiration you gave us. I putted 50-70% of Happiness but i've realized that i'm way too much in the comfort zone. I am from Colombia, but currently living in US, but still have influence from living in Colombia. Colombia is not a poor country but is filled with violence, death and guerrillas. It didn't affect me directly but it was something i saw everyday in the news. It was REALLY hard to get a job of what you wanted to do in life after you graduated, no matter what you did you would get stuck in a minimun low wage job exposing yourself to get killed so somebody could take your belongings. What i'm trying to say is i became conformist (hope i wrote it right) that is i'm content with whatever i can achieve which is one of the reasons i like to do so much stuff at the same time. However, i've realized and continue to do so with your inspiration posts. I want to change, to enjoy life to the fullest and don't regret never doing anything. I think i made the first step with reading and replying this, thanks again Danny ^0^
former Emperor of Britannia
http://reflectiarx.wordpress.com/
From what i remembered danny posted a similar topic regarding "Comfort Zones".
All i can say is that we can't force ourselves unto those people who ended in that situation but rather we could
try to make them have a glimpse of what the forking road would bring towards them.
On Living and Dying stuff... As stated in many movies and anime series, we all just need to make sure that each day will be great
and pray that tomorrow would be the same or much wonderful than what happened that day.
Hat's off to Danny for this entry. I registered here in DC entirely not because of the figurines and games etc. but because i saw something that inspired me to pursue goals an aim something for the better. (Since the first batch of articles that i read here wasn't entirely related to anime and manga but more on things regarding japan and stuff.) It will surely be a rough road before i can reach what i am aiming to become but if i persevere and set my mind straight just light what Danny did. I'm prety sure i'd be able to accomplish what i am aiming at.
CEO MIrai Inc
http://www.dannychoo.com/profile/eng/
You bet you can!
Wage slave by day, semi-pro blogger by night
http://fivecentstencents.com
Thanks for sharing your motivational photo walks. One of the best features of DC.com IMHO!
I'm fairly comfortable with my life and rated my happiness meter around 50-70%. I've come to realise during a recent career switch that my own happiness lies in my own hands and the grace of God.
I was forced onto me through circumstances into an unpleasant posting but I was lucky enough to take that opportunity to find a better job with a more pleasant working environment where people appreciate my skills and experience.
Now I intend to be grateful for this opportunity and continue on in my career but I take nothing for granted and am focussed on writing my second book on financial freedom which I hope can touch more lives of people.
I think your comment that to do something which leads to something is so true. We have to take the first step that leads us to bigger and better things. But each step doesn't have to be very big ones, small little steps over time and bring huge changes in our lives for the better!
Be well and prosper!
Student
Danny, do you have cancer? =(
but on a serious note, yea i agree, doubt destroys much of what we could've done
CEO MIrai Inc
http://www.dannychoo.com/profile/eng/
I hope not!
College Freshmen
Haven't seen a real motivational speech in a while. Mondays are no longer the worst day for me. I just like the weekends the most.
Otaku everything!
http://dj-adrian.blogspot.com/
I need a Schoolgirl pc case, lol.
Young Grasshopper
http://miragestrike.blogspot.com
Great photoshoot. I can never get tired of your conducive sayings. ^^
Japanese Language Student
Thanks, Danny for your inspirational comments. I'm an older fellow who's been working in a comfort zone for the last 30 years (okay, you probably know how old I am now). I've raised a family on my job, but now I'm ready to do something completely different. I've gotten extremely interested in Japan the last 2 years. Right now I'm studying Japanese--my third class, and plan to get a second BA in Japanese and plan to do something with it in a few years. I'm going to retire from my current job soon, but I feel like a kid again--going to school, thinking about the future, etc. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy what I'm doing right now, but I wouldn't say I'm passionate--it pays the bills, I enjoy the work, but it's time to try something new. Thanks, again, Danny for your wise words!
CEO MIrai Inc
http://www.dannychoo.com/profile/eng/
Good luck with your next mission and maybe see you over here one day ^^
Student
Aww, those comments are very inspirational. I am determined to improve my Japanese speaking skills and hopefully be fluent in it someday. I can't wait to go to Japan this summer. Lookin forward to it.
NEET part-time - Technical Support Officer - Network security engineer
http://burugureibi.blogspot.com/
ah~~ i hate and love my comfort zone
the funny thing is, i call myself a 'Reverse perfectionist' - im sure there's a better name for it somewhere but lets just leave it as that for now.
If i weigh up something as worthwhile with benefits and it's something i can accomplish, i'll set out to do it - I'll do it to the best of my ability and possibly even more.
The thing is, if i weigh up something, and it's in the region of "do'able" but i haven't been given the resources to do it perfectly or up-to-scratch/to a standard, i'll immediately drop it.
"If i can't do it well, i wont do it" is usually what i end up thinking. I guess i'm just afraid to make mistakes.
Jawesome shots as usual Danny. It'd be nice if I had at least 'something' to shoot around my neighbourhood - It's boring here. Don't ever consider moving to Sydney. Ever.
Student
http://blueplains.wordpress.com/
Nice post danny,really deep yet simple enough to pursue. The combination of them was great,they didn't go into great detail,but they were subtle enough to get the point ^^
Mondays,tuesdays,doesn't matter to me its just a day,it's what happens on that day that makes me like/dislike it. as for happiness,yes it is quite different from content,content is just glad things are the way they are but happiness is an emotion,its from the heart and it's what really sets us apart from each other,but happiness doesn't last forever...just be glad you have it for that moment ^^
I'm pretty low on the poll,guess most of has to do with excuses ^^ but I question so many things,not that I don't know who I am or something like that but its about not knowing,not understanding 100%,why it's happening or is it true or not...wondering,but maybe it's just me ^^ ha
Student, part-time worker
Thank you for pointing out other bits of your website- I'm mostly been stuck to the Tokyo Photo Walks (*_*) and stuff on the main page. I can only explore the rest of the website when I have time. When I first found it I sat down and read for hours. XD
I'll definitely have to take a look at the motivational category sometime.
I want to meet you someday and give you a big hug. You're such a great motivation to me right now. ^^
Speaking of being motivated...I should kick my own butt into gear and get working on my homework. Heheh..
CEO MIrai Inc
http://www.dannychoo.com/profile/eng/
Thanks for the kind words ^^
Mahasiswa yang terdampar di Singapura.
http://lolipedofin.wordpress.com/
Great piece Danny... it hits hard on me when Yui (K-on!) said in the first episode "Kyo kara.. Koukousei..." (From now onward.. I'm a high-school student)
It made me realizes how much time has passed and wasted... I might only be 22, but "only" has been deathtrap to many people, including me... There's so much I want to achieve in my life, yet I barely done nothing about it.... in 8 years I'll be 30, another ten and I'll be 40 (close to you are now)... And I know it's not as far-off as the number made me belief...
If I dozed off and not start doing something about it.. who knows, I'll end up as a NEET like Nodoka said..
I'm going through a phase on my life that people probably called Quarter-Life crisis, not much of a teenlit novel, but not as fas as mid-life either... but will be, if i don't do something about it and pick myself up... Currently I've been trying to fix my habit, my character and my attitude to my own life and each days I'm living in...
I've set myself targets in Life, and by Flying Spaghetti Monster I will reach them...
university film student | ecchikid | the Archivist
http://www.vimeo.com/longhim
Interesting bit from the K-on quote. Watching anime of high school life is nice, but...well, it does make you feel older, doesn't it? ><
http://www.ryusworld.com
Hey danny,
I am a new reader since a few weeks now and I really like the japan part of your site.
Was in Tokyo for vacation the last 2 weeks myself and I still really enjoy seeing pictures of Tokyo.
Your texts are amazing and sharp. I like them.
My Happy Meter is about 50% I think. But I am working hard to get the other 50% as well.
I have set a few goals for my life that I want to reach someday. The sooner the better.
I am currently thinking of changing my life how it is. And of course I want to change myself.
What I liked to do until now seems to not giving me the other 50% of happiness-0-meter.
Your articles seems to push the readers in the right direction and start thinking about themselves.
greetings from Germany
CEO MIrai Inc
http://www.dannychoo.com/profile/eng/
Welcome!
JR. College Student
http://npc.talkingincircles.net/
I'm not sad but I am afraid of making bad choices. I often feel like the only thing I want to do is be a DJ... but ... I mean... it's not very realistic. I'm not going to stop trying, but I feel it's quite risky and I could be digging myself into a hole in the long run. Not every good DJ is successful, and really I can't see myself doing much else.
CEO MIrai Inc
http://www.dannychoo.com/profile/eng/
If you are afraid of making bad choices then it will be difficult to make any choices. Making a bad choice is sometimes needed to make a good choice. A lot of life is the never-know-until-one-tries variety.
Otaku, US Army, Student (Political Science)
http://figure.tsuki-board.net/profile/Syaoran
So true Danny. I consider my military commitment a bad choice but it did wake me up and help me make good choices.
Also you might think you are making a bad decision but later on it turns out to be a good choice. Sometimes you have to look past the immediate result.
Student, I hate school. FML
The place where I am is really limiting what I want to do... So my goal is to go to college, graduate, save money from work and go back to Japan, get a decent career. Settle down, and live a simple worry less life.(With stuffs I want) Than travel Places once in awhile. I really don't have any hope of relationship after all the multiple failer :( Maybe back home Japan would bring the percentage up :)
Pseudo-Graphic Designer, 触手 wrangler, H-Man
http://lightningsabre.blogspot.com/
Hmm... let's see. I'm somewhat happy. I'm surrounded by what I like, as seen in my room and more >.> And I sorta have a full time job although it is being affected by the economy right now. But I do want to take my happiness to another step where I actually like my job and where I can share my interests with a special someone. Right now because I've invested so much into my happiness I caused problem for myself financially, so in order to get myself out of the job that I don't like I need money to learn new programs. But because I still like what I like I don't think I'll be able to fix my money problems too soon. I wonder if I should follow Melonpan and drop all of this otaku stuff...
CEO MIrai Inc
http://www.dannychoo.com/profile/eng/
Tell me - how much stuff in your room has remained untouched for over a year?
CEO MIrai Inc
http://www.dannychoo.com/profile/eng/
Maybe try to figure out what you really dont want and sell it to buy stuff that you do want?
Pseudo-Graphic Designer, 触手 wrangler, H-Man
http://lightningsabre.blogspot.com/
I've been meaning to do that, but keep getting sidetracked. It's really hard to get rid of something because one day I'd miss it, but hopefully I'll make a huge Lightning Sabre Sale Bonanza soon XD
大学生徒
http://ichinichijuu.blogspot.com/
Being a fellow "winner" in the "Amass an Otaku Bonanza Contest" recently, I have to say that I'm pretty much in the same boat. After the contest the other day it really did make me think as I was going through those photos. Like, "Yeah, I have all of this stuff, but my friends are starting careers and families and I have... plastic, lots and lots of plastic." Don't get me wrong, I love my stuff, but you just gotta prioritize at some point. I've always had a rough time with decision making and priorities. In fact I've kinda been spinning my wheels for the past few years and the money thing is an issue, and I've been better with it lately, but it takes quite a bit of money and saving to get that almighty piece of paper and the skills to go with it in a lot of instances. I hate to say misery loves company, but it's nice to know I'm not the only one with life issues due to going overboard with this hobby.
Pseudo-Graphic Designer, 触手 wrangler, H-Man
http://lightningsabre.blogspot.com/
Aye good to hear I'm not the only one. Really gotta take it easy methinks. Somehow I can't help but buy more and more stuff that I kinda want. Hell I'm even thinking of donating some of those manga to the library!
Dirty Gentleman
http://cantstanzya.wordpress.com/
Very inspirational post D. It's good to hear you've accomplished so much to fulfill your present expectations of happiness. It is seldom realized by so many.
For me its a question of what will achieve a greater sense of happiness. In life there are many directions that provide happiness for different people. Focus on career, success, wealth or focus on family, love, children. Like everything in life there is give and take with each choice, so one must choose carefully. How bout you D? Musta thought about kids at some point?
CEO MIrai Inc
http://www.dannychoo.com/profile/eng/
Will talk about the kids thing in a separate post as so many folks keep asking.
Mechanical Engineering student
http://sabekujikaneda.multiply.com/
Thanks for the motivation, Danny! I really needed that XD
I shall strive hard to accomplish my goals and live my life doing what I want!
Online Shop
http://wildarms.egloos.com
That comfort zone is indeed very hard to get away from. It's been awhile since last motivational post and it hits the mark again. I really have to think and spend my time more efficiently. Thank you Danny, for another inspiring post.
MI Manager, Blogger and Newswriter
http://cutkillavince.com/
Interesting post, thans Danny ^^
Editor
http://cavalock.blogspot.com/
wow, talk bout timing....I just did exactly that. Long story short, or as short as I can make it.
Been in the media/advertising industry for way over 10 years now and I recently quit my job. In the last year, i been mentally and emotionally drained by work. i like doing wat i do but my current office environment is just awful, just not healthy. Pay is good but just dread going to work everyday. so its become like wat you said, i can be contented but not happy. Did a lot thinking and decided to step out of my comfort zone and quit the industry. Some people say its crazy to quit during a recession. But i got my wifey and family's support and enough savings to tie me over for the next few months. if i don't do it now, when? when the recession is over? i'm not getting any younger.
I got some things planned. Among them is spending more time with my aging family. am sure u heard of who u never hear of anyone saying 'i wish i spent more time at the office' when he's dying, its always regret bout not spending enough time with family and doing things u wanna do.
so i'm gonna be doing the things i wanna do, at least for now. ;) learn new things, reconnect with some old things. its not going to be easy, i know that.
And to read the article now, it does help to reinforce my plan. Thanks Danny.
Bounty Hunter
Danny, thanks for your motivation. It strengthen my determination again. I had just force myself out of comfort zone, and right away everyone thinks I'm making a silly decision. This sent me into confusion again. Thanks to your post, just at the right moment!
Do continue to inspire all! ^^
University Student
Am not happy about the current electronics class I am taking right now. I just don't feel the drive like I did in the beginning of the year in another electronics class which was very fun and interesting and felt really happy when I finished one of the activities in the class.
Thanks for the motivation Danny. I reassuring me again that even though the class I have right now is boring and everything as long as it will take me to my passion and as long as I know which path I want to take it will all be worth it in the end.
College Student
http://www.myspace.com/cwgmartin
These articles always remind me that getting back to school (rather than taking up a career -just to make money-) is what my focus should be. I think for those of you that are in the same predicament, Danny is really speaking from experience and gives this type of advice with a personal history to merit his words. I think for many of us who didn't run with the *American dream* model of going to a 4 year university right out of high school, it's hard to convince ourselves that we didn't "miss the bus". In my opinion taking some time between academic careers has solidified my personal philosophies towards education and career establishment in a way that wouldn't have been possible without some everyday work experience.
Drug testing
Hey Danny I know I'm a bit off topic, but I really need a new camera. This Panasonic Lumix LX3 looks like it's incredibly awesome, but the problem is that I'm no professional. I'd still like to snap some high quality shots though! My last camera was a Canon PowerShot A70, it was alright but still under the quality level I'd like, do you have any suggestion of a somewhat less pricey camera than the one that took those picture?
Drug testing
Ignored once more...
CEO MIrai Inc
http://www.dannychoo.com/profile/eng/
...
Drug testing
Oh I did get your attention, sorry about my dramatic comment, I've just been feeling down lately, however you think you help me with my real comment please ^_^;;
Telecommunication and Cisco Student.
Been reading through the post of the blog, this is by far the best one if read. I guess one tends to just ignore these things that tell you reality.
As for me, I know I could be way more happy if I could surpass my lazyness which is much more like a disease to me.
Thanks a lot!
Student
Great pictures.
As for me, my happy meter is about half full. Theatre keeps me happy. Life ruins the rest of the happiness. D:
Core Analyst
http://tuanvo.jimdo.com/
Another good set of pictures Mr. Choo. I can't complain much, my living/travel expenses are paid for from the company I work for, so all of my paycheck are going to investments. I don't call it 'work', it's a 'labor of love'.
graphic designer, dog groomer
http://www.kilmerhansen.com
I just read through this again and I appreciate both when you are silly and when you are serious. You were meant to blog!
Dedicated and certified lunatic, Beer snob extraordinaire...
Thanks to 9/11, we have a hard time both working on aircraft and getting good, qualified folks who can do so.
that's why you see so many aircraft in storage these days, and so many air companies going under.
Dedicated and certified lunatic, Beer snob extraordinaire...
Sorry, let me re-iterate: now that I've read the whole article, I think I can shed some insight here. Friday night, I look forward to. The rest of the weekend, I rejoice in, due to having no responsibilities other than laundry and groceries. Monday is a new adventure every time I get new folks in for Orientation to work at our facility. I look forward to finding great, motivated folks who've worked on lots of aircraft, both in general aviation, and heavy maintenance, commercial style planes. The entire week is something to look forward to, because I enjoy the stories these folks tell me of "Back in the Day" and look forward to applying these stories to the new folks learning the trade for the first time.
Unfortunately there is a problem with Danny's advice. If every person follows his or her passion, then nobody would be left to pick up the garbage or clean toilets or work at the Department of Motor Vehicles. The human race would be decimated by disease and government services would fall apart. If we develop advanced technology to perform these menial tasks for us, we could have a Terminator/Matrix-style machine rebellion on our hands. Either way, civilization would collapse and the Earth would become a toxic wasteland. Enslavement by killer robots is optional.
http://www.ryusworld.com
Well, some people are happy with that kind of job. Its not that everyone was forced to do this kind of jobs because they are stupid as hell or lazy asses.
And I don't think there is a problem with dannys advice. Because there will allways be the lazy couch potatoes who just live everyday the same.
Art student
http://ohcirnine.wordpress.com
I know what you mean Danny, about a job. Sometimes I regret not being good at math otherwise I'd be a bank accountant, a pencil pusher or something...
But then again there are other ways, other possibilities worth imagining way more than a desk job, right?
Hiki
http://myfigurecollection.net
Thank you so much, I really like this kind of article (and the shots are awesome as usual).
Today, my happy-meter is low, I guess. As, one year ago, I finally decided to take my life in my hand and to throw away the studies I was doing and which was really a pain in the neck. Since I was a little boy, my father always had told me "you'll be an engineer". So I ended up being an engineer student, studying stuff I dislike and going to bed each nights which the wishing to kill myself. One day, I called my father and tell him I wanted to drop studying. I can't tell you how hard it be for me to make that phone call, but I succeeded. Now, I'm doing lower level study in IT and I use the high amount of time I have to learn PHP, javascript, SQL, server administration and stuff as I want to be a website creator. Hope I'll be able to create my own company and to make my happy-meter full. "Happiness real only shared"
Student : International Marketing / Aikido
http://www.flickr.com/photos/libriel
Too true, too good :p
中学生
http://thezhukeeper.blogspot.com
Hmm, what makes Danny want to start his own business? =D
I never wanted to be a boss but just some random worker ^^; I dont like to be stuck. I mean not being a boss, I can just quit anytime and hop to somewhere else.. Arrgh, I am still kind of far from this ^^;
Anyway, I am so so so motivated now! I must read all the motivational posts a day before my BIG exam this year and I wont need to drink that yucky chicken essence thingy to charge my braincells!
Film Student
http://www.youtube.com/user/saundersco
Hey I just joined the site about three minutes ago.
Very nice blog here I really enjoyed reading it. It was quite helpful for me because I go off to university in the autumn and choosing where I want to go is a very big deal, one that at the moment I am not sure of. It will effect the rest of my life and time should be clearly used when deciding, though I will be studying my passion; film unlike others which don't get a choice.
I look forward to future articles like this.
Customer Service
http://www.shewsbury.com
Nice night scenery photo.... by the way... do you drive and shot Danny ?
That could be dangerous....hehehehe
Still saving money for my Japanese trip...
Danny Choo... maybe you can write an article about recommended places to stay/eat/visit if an otaku planning to visit Japan (mainly big city like Tokyo) for the first time...
I think that would be helpful... I guess many of the fans who plan to visit Japan will surely love the tips...
Cheers.
Student
http://ivan05.deviantart.com/
It wasn't an accident that I read the article today. You can really "step into someone's shoes", and I have no idea how you do it. I seldom read your blogs, but when I do, I finish them. And you know what, I didnt waist time reading your article. You are indeed an inspirational speaker, thank you for that.
SAE
Hi there..
First time I read ur blog.. But I like the way it's written.. Food for thoughts... Thanks for sharing =)
Musician
What a great entry dude... I totally agree. 'If you love what you do, you will never work another day for the rest of your life' - Confucius.. (or something like that ^^;)
I've always loved music, I play guitar. I have a Bachelor of music and have always made money from performing, writing or teaching music. The last couple of years I some how fell into a normal office day to day job, because I thought for some reason I needed this to make more money to get ahead in life. It did nothing but make depressed. One day I just left and went back to just music. Now I love everyday of the week and life in general. I think its great that your sharing these views on life with people because there's nothing like quality of life :-)
stay at home father
Thank you for writing this.
I'm not sure what I'll do with it yet, but it's so good to have a reminder every now and then that this is true.
Thank you.
http://robototoro.wordpress.com/
This is a great article, thanks Danny. It resonate with me very much with my current situation.
Student
http://www.stefkov.com/
I've been trying to describe a feeling I've been having for a while now and you've done it, the comfort zone.
I love these motivational articles. They really make me think.
Aero Engineer, Harper
Go for what you want, but remember: be careful what you ask for - you may get it!
Really, really like these motivational articles!
こうこうせい
http://stickymochi.blogspot.com
Thank you so much for the insight Danny! :) You're probably the biggest inspirational figure to me.
I have to admit I do hate Mondays, but I understand that I must go to school not only because I have no say in that matter but also I can't just stop my education in the beginning of high school. I have to continue on to be able to achieve my goals...
About that comfort zone... jobs and such things are still a little ahead for me but I want to prepare myself and reach my goals as fast as possible. The only thing is that I have no idea what I really want to do in life. A certainly appealing choice is to move to Japan... but then worries spring up. What about my friends and family (who are sadly against Japan because of WWII)? Will I make any new friends in a totally new environment? What if I can't support myself? Ahhh this is all so hard and mind boggling... o_0. Sometimes I tell myself I'll just try to become some kind of doctor and live a nice and stable life at home, and visit Japan once a year. But then I'm sure I won't be entirely satisfied...
My brain is fried.
Art Direction, Design, Branding
http://www.zxerokool.com
Very truthful article. I read one of your earlier articles regarding such issues some time back (1 or 2 years ago ?) and it did re-affirm my belief in this line of thought. have been pursuing my passion ever since, at times it has been tough but when the results are good they really make me feel great. yea life sucks when you have to waste time on rubbish or haters. I've been trying to eliminate all rubbishy stuff I dislike bit by bit...
Student, Sophomore
You are an inspiration, Choo-san. I'm in America, and like you did, i'm learning japanese young. (I'm a sophomore in high school). I have aspirations to create my own engineering business, which would be centered in japan. I plan on attending MIT, Caltech, or some other Californian college, or Temple (because temple has the largest and oldest foreign university in japan). I don't know why i wrote all this, just wanted to thank ya.
Arigatou
Engineer
http://www.donnytan.com
beautifully written. thanks for the inspiring thoughts.
Cube Dweller
http://users.livejournal.com/kimmykat_______/
Danny, I stumbled across your site... again.
This post is quite timely for me. I had to tell a friend of mine that my sister had died during the past decade we hadn't see each other. It brought up all the thoughts and feelings I have about death, dying, and what's next for me. Death is just part of the cycle.
You also invoked the spark in me that seeks the uncomfortable to learn. I just don't know what I'm willing to give up for a transition of the magnitude I long for. Five kids, a husband, a job I like, wonderful weather most of the time... it's hard to determine what I can give up or compromise for a life in a different place or even just to travel.
Either way, I really enjoy seeing Tokyo through your eyes; all the photos of the streets you frequent, stories of your work and play, thoughtful entries. It's wonderfully encouraging!
Maybe one day, I'll drink tea while sitting under the cherry blossoms with the bird calls in my ears or look out over the city from my high rise flat, pondering the state of things.
Thanks for sharing you with the rest of us. Sorry about the shitty childhood.
Chef
My first time reading one of your topics and I'm pretty interested in your belief on life.
It's true what you say about people not really caring about the random deaths they see in news, which makes me kind of actually care a bit.
Graphic Designer, Biker, 501st Heavy Trooper
Only 50% happy about now, still have a college to finish before i could start my plans to move to Japan, sigh...
Cashier, IT
I can't believe it man, this entry right here got me to register to this site simply to say, "I'm damn moved."
I think in a way its pretty strange that your post has motivated me, but it has man. It got me thinking of what I wanna do, and if I'm unhappy, that I should actually change it. Thanks for sharing this, it has helped me open my eyes a bit more than I bargained for. I look forward to additional posts.
Shinigami
http://superchan-oktaku.blogspot.com/
very sad news about Ashley Hegi passed away in her sleep on April 20, 2009. (Progeria)
is about the little girl that Danny has see a documentary in the above article.
After i see that Youtube link i was very sad about so much peoples post there hating comments ??
Student
http://musou-enrai.deviantart.com/
That was a really nice "sum-it-up" compilation of motivational thoughts there, Danny. Just the dose I need. MOTIVATION IS ALL YOU NEED. I'm happy(and not just for you but anyone like you) you're living your dream and have a happy life. And me? Well, my happy meter is around 50-70%. I tend to get sometimes a little down and depressed especially about wonderful moments from the past(be it a vacation, an event and so on). But really, being depressed about something like this is useless. It distracts me. There was an old saying "Cherish the moment from the past but don't let them destroy you". How true! I have to be happy that I had the opportunity to have those wonderful moments. That reminds me of another saying "The happy moments from today are the sad memories from yesterday" or something like that. So that's why I say to myself sometimes "GET IT TOGETHER! FOCUS!" Still, I get a little depressed anyway, but don't we all sometimes?
Student
http://musou-enrai.deviantart.com/
Oh, wait, wait! I think it was "The happy moments from today are the sad memories from tomorrow". Yeah, that makes more sense.
Fledgling repowriter
http://sn.im/sdr002
Is #26505 Shimo-Kitazawa grade crossing, which is going to be eliminated soon?
Danny, what are your settings on the Lumix DMC-LX3?
As for my happiness; I could use some increase, and I am trying to go beyond the "comfort level". But with my mom in the hospital undergoing rehabilitation {unfortunately, she cannot fully recover}, I can't go full throttle yet.
Undergrad
Hi-def, incredibly well-lit photos. Don't make me visit Danny, don't force my hand :D.
Student
http://thegadgetandgamereview.blogspot.com/
Damn danny you would have made a perfect psychologist. Love the pictures.
Hikikomori in the making
http://supermariabros.deviantart.com/
Oh, wise and mighty Danny~ Your posts are insightful and deep as always...
Thanks for the reminder! I hope I don't side track in the game of life!
University Student
Beautiful nights as always.
Student
http://hana-bix.livejournal.com/
This reminds me of my problem-ish.
In grade 8 I wanted to become a pharmacist simply because it's a laid back job and pays well...
It wasn't until this year when I realized I hate Chemistry and Biology lol.
Drafts Person...looking for work.
I was running on content for a while. I had a job I enjoyed. I had a roof over my head and food in my belly. I was doing a few things I trully loved. But then I got trapped by the economy and lost that job and had to move back in with my parents. My field sadly is not hiring right now in the US (architecure) so I have gotten down a few times.
I now us the time to plan some things I have wanted to do. I have even started some of those things. I haven't lost sight of my goal, its just going to take me a bit longer.
Graphic Artist/Designer
http://www.section09ds.com/
So what happened to Sally? Is she still content?
Photographer
http://darrenwashere.com
i love your photo walks.
Guitar Teacher, Musician
http://www.youtube.com/user/roskotroff
This post is amazing, You makes me feel good with your articles, I am more motivated now, your words works, you are great Danny.
Your Motivational Articles are really useful, I think you are helping others to fulfill their dreams.
Don`t stop your engines!!! I will not!!!
Thanks comrade!!!!
Danny (not like you'll ever see this), it occurs to me you are the culmination of an entire and now outdated ad campaign from a successful shoe company... "Just do it!"
Thanks for sharing everything you have regarding motivation, definitely inspiration.
Student
Signed up just to say that your motivational articles are great. Anybody who slams you for "bragging" needs to realize that you're not only saying "I did this!" but really "I did this, and you can do it too!". It's not bragging if you give everyone the benefit of the doubt and assume that they can accomplish their own dreams as well.
It's very inspirational! Thank you.
Podcaster and tech-otaku
http://www.japanpodshow.com
Lot of truths here. It's a shame that so many of us either take so long to figure them out or live under the impression that participation in the rat race is compulsory. I know I did.
Very inspiring, good article to refer people to. :-)
ex-CEO, looking for a job
I just closed down my business the last month, and the past several weeks, I've been trying to launch a full time job (to survive..) and it really makes me think about the stuff you wrote in this article. So glad you wrote this article.
Really wanted to send this article to my Japanese friends! but noticed it is not fully translated. Your article is great and I'm sure all my young friends would learn from this article.
If you ever feel like letting someone fully translate your motivational articles to Japanese -- please let me know. I'd be so happy to do so. - Mitsuko
Network Counulting for Medric Networks
http://www.nujusan.com
Life is a one shot thing, you only get one go around at it. Their are some many opportunities out there and road lead to next one. At my baccalaureate I was told by a memeber or class of 79 to our class of 2000 "Do what you love and love what you do; Cause if you love it and are passoniate about it you will excel at it". Hew went on to say out of all his 300 fellow graduate of the class of 79 only 3 are doing with the went to college for. I have alwasy love computers everyone told me what they though some good advice others not so good. But at the end i had to talk to myself and find out what i love about computers about them. I found i loved to troublshoot issues and i loved the internet and how things flowed from one area to the next; and i found Network Engineering and got went to a county college in Jersey after leaving my stupid CSIS that tought me nothing 4 year college and got my break as an system adming working on there network. That lead me to my next job as Network Engineer for an ISP working 3rd shift but it was what I loved doing. That has lead me to IBM and to HP to starting my own Counsulting firm and I am only 28 years old. Born in a poor second world country moved to america with my dad and lived poor but my dad always said "hard work and passion in all that you do is the key".