March 8, 2025 • 20 mins
Exploring the fascinating Japanese concept of kanjo (often translated as "grit") and how it intersects with self-affirmation techniques to create sustainable resilience without burnout.
• Kanjo encompasses perseverance, willpower, and drive to push through challenges toward achieving goals
• Traditional kanjo can create immense pressure when taken to extremes
• Nakashima's mountain climbing analogy: self-efficacy is believing you can climb; self-affirmation is figuring out how to climb when the path seems impossible
• The six senses of self-affirmation: self-esteem, self-acceptance, self-efficacy, self-trust, self-determination, and sense of usefulness
• Practical techniques include reframing negative thoughts, the four good things exercise, if-then planning, and small timeline visualization
• Self-affirmation acts as a counterbalance to kanjo, preventing burnout while maintaining determination
• Finding balance between striving for goals and honoring personal needs creates sustainable resilience
• The wabi-sabi spirit of embracing imperfection frees us from perfectionism while still pursuing growth
What does kanjo mean to you, and how can self-affirmation empower you to embrace that spirit in a way that feels authentic, balanced and fulfilling?
Description 2
The ancient Japanese concept of kanjo captures something deeper than the English word "grit" can convey. This powerful cultural value encompasses perseverance, inner strength, and unwavering determination—qualities that have helped generations navigate life's harshest storms.
But what happens when we apply this traditional wisdom to our modern, often overwhelming world? Drawing from the groundbreaking work of Japanese psychologist Teru Nakashima, we discover how self-affirmation techniques can transform kanjo from a potentially exhausting demand for perfection into a sustainable source of resilience and growth.
Through Nakashima's mountain climbing analogy, we distinguish between merely believing we can overcome obstacles (self-efficacy) and developing the adaptability to find our path even when it seems impossible (self-affirmation). His framework of six senses—self-esteem, self-acceptance, self-efficacy, self-trust, self-determination, and a sense of usefulness—provides a balanced foundation for cultivating inner strength without burning out.
We explore practical techniques like reframing negative thoughts, practicing daily gratitude through the "four good things" exercise, implementing if-then planning, and breaking down daunting goals through small timeline visualization. These tools help us maintain our kanjo spirit while honoring our humanity and limitations.
The true power emerges when we blend traditional kanjo with modern self-affirmation—creating resilience that doesn't require sacrificing our wellbeing. Like the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi (finding beauty in imperfection), this approach frees us from the pressure of perfectionism while still encouraging continuous growth.
What might your life look like if you embraced both the unwavering determination of kanjo and the compassionate self-awareness of Nakashima's teachings? How might you face challenges differently, with both strength and self-kindness as your companions?
Teru Nakashima, All about Self-esteem
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hey everyone, welcome back for another deep dive.
Today we're going to be lookingat something pretty fascinating
.
I think, the Japanese conceptof kanjo, which is often
translated as grit.
But we're going to get into allthe nuances and everything of
that and we're going to beexploring how it connects to the
(00:20):
idea of self-affirmation, usinginsights from the work of Teru
Nakashima, who is a Japaneseself-affirmation.
Using insights from the work ofTeru Nakashima, who is a
Japanese self-affirmation expert.
Speaker 2 (00:29):
Yeah, it's such a fascinating intersection of
those two ideas and I thinkthere are a lot of cool
takeaways here that we can getto.
Like you know, we're going touncover how self-affirmation can
actually like boost your kanjo,which is really cool.
That's awesome.
Tie it all back actually likeboost your Kanjo, yeah, which is
really cool.
That's awesome.
Tie it all back to like sometraditional Japanese values as
well.
Speaker 1 (00:48):
Okay, so first things first.
What exactly is Kanjo?
Because I feel like the simpletranslation of grit doesn't
quite capture it.
Speaker 2 (00:56):
Yeah, you're absolutely right, it's so much
more multifaceted than just grit.
Kanjo encompasses, you know,perseverance, willpower, that
drive to push through challenges, and ultimately it's about
achieving your goals.
Yeah, and you know, it's deeplyingrained in Japanese culture
and, you know, historicallylinked to, like resilience and
(01:16):
strength.
Speaker 1 (01:17):
I can already see how that could be like both a
powerful trait.
Speaker 2 (01:20):
Right.
Speaker 1 (01:20):
And also potentially a problematic trait.
Yes, like if you're constantlypushing yourself to the limit,
that could lead to burnout Right.
Speaker 2 (01:26):
Absolutely.
Yeah, that's a great point.
You know, taken to an extreme,karnjo can create this like
immense pressure.
Speaker 1 (01:32):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (01:33):
Almost like you're expected to sacrifice everything
for the sake of likeachievement Right, you know?
And it can set unrealisticexpectations and, as you said,
ultimately lead to burnout, andthat's where self-affirmation
kind of comes in yeah, so wheredoes terry nakashima, our
self-affirmation guru?
Speaker 1 (01:48):
yes fit into all of this?
Does he even use the term kanjoin his work?
Speaker 2 (01:52):
so while he doesn't use the word kanjo directly,
like specifically, okay hisideas about self-affirmation
really resonate with, like thecore principles of kanjo.
It's like he's giving us thismodern framework for
understanding and cultivatingthat inner strength, without
like falling into the potentialdownsides of like pushing too
hard.
Speaker 1 (02:11):
Okay, that makes sense.
But how does Nakashima's viewof self-affirmation differ from,
say, like, the typicalself-help advice of just telling
yourself I can do it?
Speaker 2 (02:22):
Oh, that's a good question.
Speaker 1 (02:23):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (02:24):
Think of it this way Nakashima uses this analogy of
climbing a mountain.
Speaker 1 (02:29):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (02:30):
Self-efficacy is believing you can climb the
mountain.
Self-affirmation is aboutfiguring out how to climb the
mountain, Even when you can'tsee the path or it seems
impossible.
It's not just about confidence.
It's about adaptability,resourcefulness and developing
that resilience to keep going nomatter what.
Speaker 1 (02:49):
So, while self-efficacy is about believing
in your ability,self-affirmation is about
understanding your approachExactly and adapting it to
overcome any obstacle.
Speaker 2 (02:58):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (02:58):
That's really powerful, and it sounds like
this is more than just like afeel-good technique.
Speaker 2 (03:09):
It's really about equipping yourself with the
tools to face challenges head-on, absolutely yeah.
Nakashima calls it the power tolive.
It's about finding happinessand fulfillment even in the
midst of life's inevitablechallenges, which aligns
beautifully with, like, thespirit of Kanjo.
Speaker 1 (03:19):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (03:19):
Because when we tap into that power to live, we're
also tapping into that abilityto persevere, to stay positive
and keep striving even whenthings get tough.
Speaker 1 (03:29):
I'm starting to get a sense of how these ideas are
interwoven.
I read that Nakashima uses thisinteresting analogy of a baby
learning to walk yes, toillustrate his point.
Speaker 2 (03:42):
What's that all about ?
He's making a point aboutpersistence and learning from
failures, both of which areessential elements of conjo.
Speaker 1 (03:48):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (03:48):
A baby doesn't just give up after stumbling once
right.
They keep trying, they adaptand eventually they walk.
It's that unwavering spirit tokeep learning and growing from
each experience.
Speaker 1 (03:59):
This is resonating with me on a personal level,
because I definitely have atendency to give up too easily
when things get hard.
I want to hear more about howto overcome that.
Speaker 2 (04:09):
Yes.
Speaker 1 (04:09):
One thing that really stood out to me in Nakashima's
work is his idea of comparingourselves, not to others.
Speaker 2 (04:15):
Right.
Speaker 1 (04:15):
But to our past and ideal selves.
Speaker 2 (04:18):
Yes.
Speaker 1 (04:18):
Can you explain that a bit more?
Speaker 2 (04:20):
Yeah, it's a really insightful way to fuel both
growth and that Kanjo spirit.
It's about acknowledging yourown progress while still
striving to be better, to reachyour full potential.
Speaker 1 (04:32):
Right.
Speaker 2 (04:33):
It's less about competition and more about
self-improvement.
Speaker 1 (04:36):
And that ties in so perfectly with Kanjo right, that
drive to constantly push forgrowth and betterment.
It's like the internal drive tobe the best you that you can be
Right Before we jump into howNagash be the best you that you
can be Right Before we jump intohow Nagashima helps us tap into
all of this.
Yeah, can you tell us a littlebit more about him?
Sure, his background, hisexpertise, what makes him so
qualified to speak on thesetopics?
Speaker 2 (04:56):
Yeah, he's got some serious credentials.
He's a psychologist and authorand has worked with over 15,000
clients Wow.
But what I find trulycompelling is that he draws from
his own life challenges.
Speaker 1 (05:08):
Oh, wow.
Speaker 2 (05:08):
Childhood trauma struggles with mental health.
Yeah, to inform his work.
Speaker 1 (05:12):
I see.
Speaker 2 (05:13):
It gives his teachings, this powerful layer
of authenticity and livedexperience Right.
It's not just theory, it'srooted in real life struggles
and triumphs.
Speaker 1 (05:22):
That's so important.
Okay, so I know that Nakashimahas this framework of six senses
that are like the buildingblocks of self-affirmation.
Can you give us a brief rundownof those before we head into
part two Of course yeah.
Speaker 2 (05:36):
The six senses are self-esteem, self-acceptance,
self-efficacy, self-trust,self-determination and a sense
of usefulness.
Speaker 1 (05:47):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (05:48):
And it's crucial to remember that it's not about
achieving some kind of perfectscore in all six.
Speaker 1 (05:52):
Right.
Speaker 2 (05:53):
We're not aiming for perfection here.
Speaker 1 (05:54):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (05:55):
It's about finding a balance that works for you.
Speaker 1 (05:57):
Right.
Speaker 2 (05:58):
And understanding which senses need a little more
nurturing in your own life.
Speaker 1 (06:01):
That's such a relief to hear, because sometimes these
frameworks can feeloverwhelming.
Speaker 2 (06:05):
Right.
Speaker 1 (06:06):
It's great to hear it's not an all or nothing thing
and that it's about figuringout what works best for you.
Speaker 2 (06:11):
Exactly.
There's no one size fits allapproach to self affirmation.
Speaker 1 (06:14):
This has already been so insightful, and I can't wait
to dive deeper into thepractical side of all of this in
part two.
Speaker 2 (06:21):
Me too.
Speaker 1 (06:21):
We'll be back after a short break to explore how to
put these concepts into action.
Stay tuned.
Speaker 2 (06:27):
Welcome back everyone .
I'm excited to get into, likethe practical side of things,
how we can actually incorporatethese, like powerful concepts of
conjo and self-affirmation intoour everyday lives.
Speaker 1 (06:39):
I'm all about putting these ideas into action.
Like where do we start?
How can we actually cultivateKanjo in a way that feels
authentic and sustainable for usmodern folks?
You know, dealing with all thestress and pressure of modern
life.
Speaker 2 (06:53):
Right, it's a great question and you know, we have
to remember that Kanjo isn'tabout forcing ourselves to our
breaking point or constantlypushing ourselves to the limit.
Right, that's a recipe fordisaster in our already
overwhelming world.
Speaker 1 (07:06):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (07:06):
It's about harnessing that inner strength wisely and
with compassion for ourselves.
And that's where Nakashima'sself-affirmation techniques come
in.
They're like tools to help usbuild that strong, resilient
foundation.
Speaker 1 (07:17):
I love that analogy tools for building resilience.
So practical, yeah.
So let's say, someone isfeeling stuck like they've hit a
wall in their career orstruggling with a personal goal.
What's a practical first stepthey can take using these tools?
Speaker 2 (07:33):
One of Nakashima's core teachings is about the
power of perspective.
Okay, remember the reframingtechnique we talked about
earlier.
Speaker 1 (07:39):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (07:40):
Instead of dwelling on the negative like I'm a
failure, I'll never achieve this.
We can reframe those thoughtsto focus on the negative.
Like I'm a failure, I'll neverachieve this.
We can reframe those thoughtsto focus on the opportunity for
growth.
Speaker 1 (07:49):
You know, that's actually a real game changer.
I've always struggled withnegative self-talk, but thinking
of it as reframing makes itfeel a lot more empowering, like
I have more control over mythoughts.
Speaker 2 (08:02):
Can you give an example of how this might work
in real life?
Absolutely Imagine you're anartist working on a but it's
just not coming together the wayyou envisioned.
Instead of getting caught inthat like self-criticism, yeah.
You could reframe that and say,OK, this approach isn't working
.
Speaker 1 (08:18):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (08:18):
But what can I learn from it?
Speaker 1 (08:20):
Right.
Speaker 2 (08:20):
What new techniques can I try?
That's conjo meeting,self-affirmation, embracing the
challenge as an opportunity torefine your skills.
Speaker 1 (08:28):
Turning a setback into a stepping stone.
Exactly, I love that.
Another incredibly helpful toolis the four good things.
Exercise, yes, at the end ofeach day.
Jot down four good things thathappened, no matter how small
they seem.
Speaker 2 (08:43):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (08:43):
It could be a delicious meal, a conversation
with a friend, a beautifulsunset, anything that sparked
joy or gratitude.
Speaker 2 (08:50):
Yes.
That sounds lovely, but I haveto admit, I'm a little lost on
how this connects to conjo.
It seems a bit well fluffy.
Yeah, it's all about trainingour minds to focus on the
positive.
That simple act helps us buildresilience and cultivate a sense
of hope.
Speaker 1 (09:04):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (09:04):
You know, when we're feeling overwhelmed, remembering
those good things can help usstay motivated to keep that
conjo spirit alive.
Speaker 1 (09:11):
Oh, I see it's like reminding ourselves that even
amid challenges, there's alwaysgood to be found.
I like that a lot more.
Speaker 2 (09:17):
Exactly, and remember conjo can sometimes lead to us
pushing ourselves too hard.
Speaker 1 (09:22):
Right.
Speaker 2 (09:22):
That's where self-care and recognizing those
good things becomes even moreimportant.
Speaker 1 (09:27):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (09:28):
Now let's talk about if-then planning.
It's a really practical way tobuild the positive habits that
support those big goals.
Speaker 1 (09:35):
Okay, I'm intrigued.
Tell me more about this if-thenplanning.
Speaker 2 (09:39):
It's about thinking ahead, anticipating obstacles
and having a predetermined planof action.
Let's say your goal is to writea novel, but you're prone to
procrastination.
You might make an if-then planlike this If I feel the urge to
scroll social media instead ofwriting, then I will set a timer
for 25 minutes and focus solelyon writing.
Speaker 1 (09:59):
So it's about outsmarting that resistance and
setting ourselves up for success.
Speaker 2 (10:02):
Exactly.
Having a predetermined planmakes us less likely to give in
to temptation and derail ourprogress.
Yeah, and the more we followthrough on these positive
actions, the stronger ourself-discipline and conjo become
.
Speaker 1 (10:15):
It's like we're building up those conjo muscles
rep by rep.
Speaker 2 (10:18):
Yes.
Speaker 1 (10:19):
But what about when those inevitable setbacks hit?
I'm thinking about the timeswhen that self-doubt creeps in
and threatens to sabotage allour hard work.
Speaker 2 (10:29):
Right.
Speaker 1 (10:30):
How can we stay resilient in those moments?
Speaker 2 (10:33):
This is when having a toolkit of coping strategies
becomes essential.
Ok, these are the things we doto manage stress, regulate our
emotions and maintain a sense ofpeace, even when things feel
chaotic.
Speaker 1 (10:45):
A toolkit of coping strategies.
That's a great way to put it.
What are some examples that ourlisteners might find useful?
Speaker 2 (10:50):
There are so many options and it's about finding
what works best for you.
Yeah, it could be as simple aswhat works best for you.
Speaker 1 (10:54):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (10:54):
It could be as simple as taking deep breaths when you
feel overwhelmed, going for awalk in nature, listening to
uplifting music or connectingwith a supportive friend.
Speaker 1 (11:03):
It's important to remember that self-care isn't
selfish.
It's essential, especially whenwe're trying to cultivate Kanjo
.
Speaker 2 (11:09):
Right.
Speaker 1 (11:09):
It's not about pushing ourselves to the
breaking point.
It's about caring for ourwell-being so we can show up as
our strongest selves Absolutely.
Speaker 2 (11:16):
Self-care and conjo go hand in hand.
Speaker 1 (11:19):
I love that.
Speaker 2 (11:19):
Now let's touch upon the final technique small
timeline visualization.
Speaker 1 (11:23):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (11:24):
This one's all about setting ourselves up for success
by breaking down big, dauntinggoals into smaller or manageable
steps.
Speaker 1 (11:32):
I think this is so important because that fear of
failure can be paralyzing.
Speaker 2 (11:37):
Yes.
Speaker 1 (11:38):
We get overwhelmed by the enormity of the goal and
never even start Right.
So how can we use the smalltimeline visualization to help
us overcome that?
Speaker 2 (11:45):
Let's say your dream is to run a marathon.
Speaker 1 (11:48):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (11:48):
Using this technique, you wouldn't start by trying to
run 26 miles on day one.
No, you'd set realistic,smaller goals.
Maybe start by running one milewithout stopping and then
slowly increase the distanceover time.
Speaker 1 (12:01):
It's like that conjo spirit of perseverance, but in a
way that feels sustainable andempowering.
Speaker 2 (12:06):
Exactly, and by celebrating those small wins
along the way, we build momentumand confidence, which fuels our
motivation to keep going.
Speaker 1 (12:14):
I'm noticing how Conjo and self-affirmation are
working together to create thisincredible synergy of inner
strength and resilience.
We're not just talking aboutgritting our teeth and pushing
through.
We're talking about building asolid foundation of self-belief
and well-being.
Speaker 2 (12:30):
Absolutely, and that's such a powerful
combination.
Speaker 1 (12:32):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (12:32):
It's about embracing both the unwavering
determination of Kanjo.
Speaker 1 (12:36):
Right.
Speaker 2 (12:37):
And the supportive, nurturing energy of
self-affirmation.
Speaker 1 (12:40):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (12:41):
Together, they create a powerful foundation for
achieving our goals and living atruly fulfilling life.
Speaker 1 (12:46):
This has been an incredible exploration so far
and we've covered a lot ofground.
Speaker 2 (12:51):
Yes.
Speaker 1 (12:52):
From the essence of conjo to practical techniques.
I'm really starting to see howthese seemingly different ideas
conjo and self-affirmation areactually so interconnected Me
too.
Speaker 2 (13:02):
And we're not done yet.
Speaker 1 (13:04):
Oh.
Speaker 2 (13:04):
In the final part of our deep dive, we'll zoom out to
look at how these concepts canhelp us navigate the
complexities of modern life.
Speaker 1 (13:11):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (13:12):
We'll explore how to use these tools not only to
achieve our goals, but also tolive with greater resilience and
purpose.
Speaker 1 (13:18):
Stay tuned, listeners , as we wrap up this fascinating
discussion in part three.
Welcome back everyone for thisfinal part of our Conjo deep
dive.
We're going to zoom out andlook at the bigger picture.
Speaker 2 (13:30):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (13:31):
How can these concepts, this blend of
traditional grit and modernself-affirmation, actually help
us navigate the messiness ofmodern life?
Because, let's face it, thingscan feel pretty overwhelming out
there.
Speaker 2 (13:43):
It's true, the world throws a lot at us, you know
information overload, pressureto succeed, constant change.
It's easy to feel lost, burnedout or like we're just not
measuring up.
Speaker 1 (13:54):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (13:55):
And in that kind of environment, you know, clinging
to Kanjo that drive to just pushthrough.
Speaker 1 (14:02):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (14:02):
Could backfire if we're not careful.
Speaker 1 (14:04):
Right, Like we talked about earlier.
Too much emphasis on Kanjowithout that self-affirmation
piece could lead to burnoutRight.
So how does self-affirmationact as a sort of counterbalance
to those modern pressures?
Speaker 2 (14:15):
I think it all comes back to like remembering your
inherent worth and valuepressures.
I think it all comes back tolike remembering your inherent
worth and value.
Okay, no matter what's going onexternally.
Yeah, you know,self-affirmation helps us
cultivate a sense of inner peaceand self-acceptance and that
allows us to like weather thosestorms Right Without losing
ourselves in the process.
Speaker 1 (14:32):
So it's like having that conscious spirit of pushing
through challenges, but withthis foundation of self-love and
compassion to keep us grounded.
Speaker 2 (14:42):
Exactly, it's about finding that balance between
striving for our goals andhonoring our own needs and
limits.
Right, you know?
Remember those six senses ofself-affirmation that Nakashima
talks about.
Speaker 1 (14:52):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (14:52):
Nurturing those senses helps us create that
inner stability, even amidst thechaos of modern life.
Speaker 1 (14:58):
Can we break down the six senses a bit more and see
how they play out in a practicalway?
Speaker 2 (15:02):
Absolutely.
Speaker 1 (15:03):
Because I think for a lot of listeners the challenge
is connecting those concepts toreal life situations.
Speaker 2 (15:08):
Right, so let's start with self-esteem.
Speaker 1 (15:11):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (15:11):
You know, in a world obsessed with, like external
markers of success, money,status, you name it self-esteem
reminds us that our value comesfrom within.
It's about recognizing ourstrengths, our talents, what we
uniquely bring to the table.
Speaker 1 (15:27):
So it's like an internal source of validation.
Speaker 2 (15:29):
Yes.
Speaker 1 (15:29):
That's not dependent on external approval.
I can already see how thatwould be a powerful antidote to
those feelings of not beingenough Exactly that are so
prevalent these days.
Speaker 2 (15:43):
Yeah.
And then we haveself-acceptance, which is a huge
one, especially in the age ofsocial media and curated
perfection.
Speaker 1 (15:46):
Right.
Speaker 2 (15:47):
Self-acceptance is about embracing all parts of
ourselves.
Speaker 1 (15:50):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (15:51):
Even the messy bits.
Speaker 1 (15:52):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (15:52):
It's about letting go of perfectionism and
recognizing that we're all worksin progress.
Speaker 1 (15:58):
Isn't there a danger, though, in becoming too
self-accepting?
That's a good question.
Like how do we balance thatwith the need to grow, to keep
striving for self-improvement,which is so central to the idea
of conjo?
Speaker 2 (16:09):
Right.
It's not about becomingcomplacent or settling for
mediocrity.
Speaker 1 (16:13):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (16:13):
It's about recognizing that growth and
self-improvement come from aplace of self-love and
acceptance.
Speaker 1 (16:20):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (16:20):
Not from a place of self-criticism or shame.
When we accept ourselves as weare, we're more likely to
approach challenges with apositive attitude and a
willingness to learn.
Speaker 1 (16:31):
That makes so much sense.
It's about recognizing that weare worthy of love and
acceptance, even as we'restriving to become better
versions of ourselves, and thatties in beautifully with the
concept of conjo.
Speaker 2 (16:44):
Exactly Now.
Let's touch on self-efficacy,which we discussed earlier, that
belief in our ability toachieve our goals, and it's a
crucial sense for navigatingchallenges and bouncing back
from setbacks.
Speaker 1 (16:55):
Right.
Speaker 2 (16:56):
It's what keeps us going, even when the going gets
tough.
Speaker 1 (16:59):
And I imagine self-trust goes hand in hand
with that right.
Speaker 2 (17:02):
Absolutely.
Speaker 1 (17:03):
Like being able to trust your gut, your instincts,
even when you're facinguncertainty.
Speaker 2 (17:07):
Yes, self-trust is about believing in your judgment
, your intuition, your innercompass.
Speaker 1 (17:12):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (17:12):
It's what allows you to make decisions that align
with your values, even whenyou're facing external pressures
or doubts.
Speaker 1 (17:19):
It's like trusting your own inner conjo, that deep
down feeling that tells youwhat's right for you.
Speaker 2 (17:24):
Perfectly said.
Then we have self-determination, which is all about agency and
autonomy.
It's recognizing that you havethe power to shape your life,
make choices and own youractions.
Speaker 1 (17:36):
I think that's such a powerful concept to embrace,
especially in a world where itcan feel like we're constantly
being bombarded with messagesand expectations.
Speaker 2 (17:45):
Right.
Speaker 1 (17:46):
From external sources .
It's about reclaiming yourpower.
Speaker 2 (17:49):
Exactly.
And finally there's a sense ofusefulness, okay, that feeling
of purpose and contribution.
Speaker 1 (17:54):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (17:55):
It's recognizing how we each make a difference in the
world.
Speaker 1 (17:58):
Right.
Speaker 2 (17:58):
Whether through our work, our relationships or
simply being kind andcompassionate human beings.
Speaker 1 (18:03):
I love it.
It's like conjo with a heart.
Speaker 2 (18:05):
Yes, it's recognizing that our lives have meaning and
that we each have somethingvaluable to offer the world.
Speaker 1 (18:11):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (18:11):
And that sense of purpose fuels our conjo, giving
us the motivation to keep goingeven when things are tough.
Speaker 1 (18:17):
So we have these six senses as a foundation, yes,
these tools for buildingresilience, but how do we
actually put them into practice?
How do we nurture these aspectsof ourselves in a tangible way?
Speaker 2 (18:30):
That's where those practical techniques we
discussed earlier come in.
You know, the reframing, thefour good things, exercise, the
if-then planning, developingcoping strategies, the small
timeline, visualization, theseare all tools we can use to
strengthen those six senses andbuild a solid foundation of
self-affirmation.
Speaker 1 (18:49):
It's like we're creating this beautiful feedback
loop the more we practiceself-affirmation, the stronger
our conjo becomes, the moreresilient we are in the face of
challenges and so on.
Speaker 2 (18:58):
And the more resilient we are, the more
resilient we are in the face ofchallenges and so on, and the
more resilient we are, the morelikely we are to pursue our
goals, make a positive impactand live a life that feels truly
fulfilling.
Speaker 1 (19:07):
This whole conversation has been so
enlightening.
What resonates most with me isthe idea that it's not about
becoming some kind of superhumanwho never experiences doubt or
fear.
Superhuman who neverexperiences doubt or fear.
It's about learning to navigatethose inevitable ups and downs
with more grace, strength andcompassion for ourselves.
Speaker 2 (19:26):
I couldn't have put it better myself.
It's about recognizing thatwe're all perfectly imperfect
human beings, and that's okay,embracing our humanity while
still striving to be the bestversions of ourselves.
Speaker 1 (19:37):
It's like that beautiful Japanese concept of
wabi-sabi, yes, finding beautyin imperfection.
Speaker 2 (19:42):
Embracing that wabi-sabi spirit frees us from
the pressure to be perfect andopens us to the beauty of growth
, learning and becoming.
Speaker 1 (19:51):
Well, this has been an incredible deep dive.
We've gone from unpacking thisancient concept of kanjo to
exploring these really practical, modern tools for cultivating
resilience and purpose in aworld that can feel very
demanding.
Absolutely, and for all of youlistening, I want to leave you
with this final question toponder what does Kanjo mean to
you and how can self-affirmationempower you to embrace that
(20:15):
spirit in a way that feelsauthentic, balanced and
fulfilling?
Keep exploring, keep learningand keep diving deep until next
time.
Hey everyone, welcome back for another deep dive.
Today we're going to be lookingat something pretty fascinating
.
I think, the Japanese conceptof kanjo, which is often
translated as grit.
But we're going to get into allthe nuances and everything of
that and we're going to beexploring how it connects to the
(00:20):
idea of self-affirmation, usinginsights from the work of Teru
Nakashima, who is a Japaneseself-affirmation.
Using insights from the work ofTeru Nakashima, who is a
Japanese self-affirmation expert.
Speaker 2 (00:29):
Yeah, it's such a fascinating intersection of
those two ideas and I thinkthere are a lot of cool
takeaways here that we can getto.
Like you know, we're going touncover how self-affirmation can
actually like boost your kanjo,which is really cool.
That's awesome.
Tie it all back actually likeboost your Kanjo, yeah, which is
really cool.
That's awesome.
Tie it all back to like sometraditional Japanese values as
well.
Speaker 1 (00:48):
Okay, so first things first.
What exactly is Kanjo?
Because I feel like the simpletranslation of grit doesn't
quite capture it.
Speaker 2 (00:56):
Yeah, you're absolutely right, it's so much
more multifaceted than just grit.
Kanjo encompasses, you know,perseverance, willpower, that
drive to push through challenges, and ultimately it's about
achieving your goals.
Yeah, and you know, it's deeplyingrained in Japanese culture
and, you know, historicallylinked to, like resilience and
(01:16):
strength.
Speaker 1 (01:17):
I can already see how that could be like both a
powerful trait.
Speaker 2 (01:20):
Right.
Speaker 1 (01:20):
And also potentially a problematic trait.
Yes, like if you're constantlypushing yourself to the limit,
that could lead to burnout Right.
Speaker 2 (01:26):
Absolutely.
Yeah, that's a great point.
You know, taken to an extreme,karnjo can create this like
immense pressure.
Speaker 1 (01:32):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (01:33):
Almost like you're expected to sacrifice everything
for the sake of likeachievement Right, you know?
And it can set unrealisticexpectations and, as you said,
ultimately lead to burnout, andthat's where self-affirmation
kind of comes in yeah, so wheredoes terry nakashima, our
self-affirmation guru?
Speaker 1 (01:48):
yes fit into all of this?
Does he even use the term kanjoin his work?
Speaker 2 (01:52):
so while he doesn't use the word kanjo directly,
like specifically, okay hisideas about self-affirmation
really resonate with, like thecore principles of kanjo.
It's like he's giving us thismodern framework for
understanding and cultivatingthat inner strength, without
like falling into the potentialdownsides of like pushing too
hard.
Speaker 1 (02:11):
Okay, that makes sense.
But how does Nakashima's viewof self-affirmation differ from,
say, like, the typicalself-help advice of just telling
yourself I can do it?
Speaker 2 (02:22):
Oh, that's a good question.
Speaker 1 (02:23):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (02:24):
Think of it this way Nakashima uses this analogy of
climbing a mountain.
Speaker 1 (02:29):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (02:30):
Self-efficacy is believing you can climb the
mountain.
Self-affirmation is aboutfiguring out how to climb the
mountain, Even when you can'tsee the path or it seems
impossible.
It's not just about confidence.
It's about adaptability,resourcefulness and developing
that resilience to keep going nomatter what.
Speaker 1 (02:49):
So, while self-efficacy is about believing
in your ability,self-affirmation is about
understanding your approachExactly and adapting it to
overcome any obstacle.
Speaker 2 (02:58):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (02:58):
That's really powerful, and it sounds like
this is more than just like afeel-good technique.
Speaker 2 (03:09):
It's really about equipping yourself with the
tools to face challenges head-on, absolutely yeah.
Nakashima calls it the power tolive.
It's about finding happinessand fulfillment even in the
midst of life's inevitablechallenges, which aligns
beautifully with, like, thespirit of Kanjo.
Speaker 1 (03:19):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (03:19):
Because when we tap into that power to live, we're
also tapping into that abilityto persevere, to stay positive
and keep striving even whenthings get tough.
Speaker 1 (03:29):
I'm starting to get a sense of how these ideas are
interwoven.
I read that Nakashima uses thisinteresting analogy of a baby
learning to walk yes, toillustrate his point.
Speaker 2 (03:42):
What's that all about ?
He's making a point aboutpersistence and learning from
failures, both of which areessential elements of conjo.
Speaker 1 (03:48):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (03:48):
A baby doesn't just give up after stumbling once
right.
They keep trying, they adaptand eventually they walk.
It's that unwavering spirit tokeep learning and growing from
each experience.
Speaker 1 (03:59):
This is resonating with me on a personal level,
because I definitely have atendency to give up too easily
when things get hard.
I want to hear more about howto overcome that.
Speaker 2 (04:09):
Yes.
Speaker 1 (04:09):
One thing that really stood out to me in Nakashima's
work is his idea of comparingourselves, not to others.
Speaker 2 (04:15):
Right.
Speaker 1 (04:15):
But to our past and ideal selves.
Speaker 2 (04:18):
Yes.
Speaker 1 (04:18):
Can you explain that a bit more?
Speaker 2 (04:20):
Yeah, it's a really insightful way to fuel both
growth and that Kanjo spirit.
It's about acknowledging yourown progress while still
striving to be better, to reachyour full potential.
Speaker 1 (04:32):
Right.
Speaker 2 (04:33):
It's less about competition and more about
self-improvement.
Speaker 1 (04:36):
And that ties in so perfectly with Kanjo right, that
drive to constantly push forgrowth and betterment.
It's like the internal drive tobe the best you that you can be
Right Before we jump into howNagash be the best you that you
can be Right Before we jump intohow Nagashima helps us tap into
all of this.
Yeah, can you tell us a littlebit more about him?
Sure, his background, hisexpertise, what makes him so
qualified to speak on thesetopics?
Speaker 2 (04:56):
Yeah, he's got some serious credentials.
He's a psychologist and authorand has worked with over 15,000
clients Wow.
But what I find trulycompelling is that he draws from
his own life challenges.
Speaker 1 (05:08):
Oh, wow.
Speaker 2 (05:08):
Childhood trauma struggles with mental health.
Yeah, to inform his work.
Speaker 1 (05:12):
I see.
Speaker 2 (05:13):
It gives his teachings, this powerful layer
of authenticity and livedexperience Right.
It's not just theory, it'srooted in real life struggles
and triumphs.
Speaker 1 (05:22):
That's so important.
Okay, so I know that Nakashimahas this framework of six senses
that are like the buildingblocks of self-affirmation.
Can you give us a brief rundownof those before we head into
part two Of course yeah.
Speaker 2 (05:36):
The six senses are self-esteem, self-acceptance,
self-efficacy, self-trust,self-determination and a sense
of usefulness.
Speaker 1 (05:47):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (05:48):
And it's crucial to remember that it's not about
achieving some kind of perfectscore in all six.
Speaker 1 (05:52):
Right.
Speaker 2 (05:53):
We're not aiming for perfection here.
Speaker 1 (05:54):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (05:55):
It's about finding a balance that works for you.
Speaker 1 (05:57):
Right.
Speaker 2 (05:58):
And understanding which senses need a little more
nurturing in your own life.
Speaker 1 (06:01):
That's such a relief to hear, because sometimes these
frameworks can feeloverwhelming.
Speaker 2 (06:05):
Right.
Speaker 1 (06:06):
It's great to hear it's not an all or nothing thing
and that it's about figuringout what works best for you.
Speaker 2 (06:11):
Exactly.
There's no one size fits allapproach to self affirmation.
Speaker 1 (06:14):
This has already been so insightful, and I can't wait
to dive deeper into thepractical side of all of this in
part two.
Speaker 2 (06:21):
Me too.
Speaker 1 (06:21):
We'll be back after a short break to explore how to
put these concepts into action.
Stay tuned.
Speaker 2 (06:27):
Welcome back everyone .
I'm excited to get into, likethe practical side of things,
how we can actually incorporatethese, like powerful concepts of
conjo and self-affirmation intoour everyday lives.
Speaker 1 (06:39):
I'm all about putting these ideas into action.
Like where do we start?
How can we actually cultivateKanjo in a way that feels
authentic and sustainable for usmodern folks?
You know, dealing with all thestress and pressure of modern
life.
Speaker 2 (06:53):
Right, it's a great question and you know, we have
to remember that Kanjo isn'tabout forcing ourselves to our
breaking point or constantlypushing ourselves to the limit.
Right, that's a recipe fordisaster in our already
overwhelming world.
Speaker 1 (07:06):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (07:06):
It's about harnessing that inner strength wisely and
with compassion for ourselves.
And that's where Nakashima'sself-affirmation techniques come
in.
They're like tools to help usbuild that strong, resilient
foundation.
Speaker 1 (07:17):
I love that analogy tools for building resilience.
So practical, yeah.
So let's say, someone isfeeling stuck like they've hit a
wall in their career orstruggling with a personal goal.
What's a practical first stepthey can take using these tools?
Speaker 2 (07:33):
One of Nakashima's core teachings is about the
power of perspective.
Okay, remember the reframingtechnique we talked about
earlier.
Speaker 1 (07:39):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (07:40):
Instead of dwelling on the negative like I'm a
failure, I'll never achieve this.
We can reframe those thoughtsto focus on the negative.
Like I'm a failure, I'll neverachieve this.
We can reframe those thoughtsto focus on the opportunity for
growth.
Speaker 1 (07:49):
You know, that's actually a real game changer.
I've always struggled withnegative self-talk, but thinking
of it as reframing makes itfeel a lot more empowering, like
I have more control over mythoughts.
Speaker 2 (08:02):
Can you give an example of how this might work
in real life?
Absolutely Imagine you're anartist working on a but it's
just not coming together the wayyou envisioned.
Instead of getting caught inthat like self-criticism, yeah.
You could reframe that and say,OK, this approach isn't working
.
Speaker 1 (08:18):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (08:18):
But what can I learn from it?
Speaker 1 (08:20):
Right.
Speaker 2 (08:20):
What new techniques can I try?
That's conjo meeting,self-affirmation, embracing the
challenge as an opportunity torefine your skills.
Speaker 1 (08:28):
Turning a setback into a stepping stone.
Exactly, I love that.
Another incredibly helpful toolis the four good things.
Exercise, yes, at the end ofeach day.
Jot down four good things thathappened, no matter how small
they seem.
Speaker 2 (08:43):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (08:43):
It could be a delicious meal, a conversation
with a friend, a beautifulsunset, anything that sparked
joy or gratitude.
Speaker 2 (08:50):
Yes.
That sounds lovely, but I haveto admit, I'm a little lost on
how this connects to conjo.
It seems a bit well fluffy.
Yeah, it's all about trainingour minds to focus on the
positive.
That simple act helps us buildresilience and cultivate a sense
of hope.
Speaker 1 (09:04):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (09:04):
You know, when we're feeling overwhelmed, remembering
those good things can help usstay motivated to keep that
conjo spirit alive.
Speaker 1 (09:11):
Oh, I see it's like reminding ourselves that even
amid challenges, there's alwaysgood to be found.
I like that a lot more.
Speaker 2 (09:17):
Exactly, and remember conjo can sometimes lead to us
pushing ourselves too hard.
Speaker 1 (09:22):
Right.
Speaker 2 (09:22):
That's where self-care and recognizing those
good things becomes even moreimportant.
Speaker 1 (09:27):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (09:28):
Now let's talk about if-then planning.
It's a really practical way tobuild the positive habits that
support those big goals.
Speaker 1 (09:35):
Okay, I'm intrigued.
Tell me more about this if-thenplanning.
Speaker 2 (09:39):
It's about thinking ahead, anticipating obstacles
and having a predetermined planof action.
Let's say your goal is to writea novel, but you're prone to
procrastination.
You might make an if-then planlike this If I feel the urge to
scroll social media instead ofwriting, then I will set a timer
for 25 minutes and focus solelyon writing.
Speaker 1 (09:59):
So it's about outsmarting that resistance and
setting ourselves up for success.
Speaker 2 (10:02):
Exactly.
Having a predetermined planmakes us less likely to give in
to temptation and derail ourprogress.
Yeah, and the more we followthrough on these positive
actions, the stronger ourself-discipline and conjo become
.
Speaker 1 (10:15):
It's like we're building up those conjo muscles
rep by rep.
Speaker 2 (10:18):
Yes.
Speaker 1 (10:19):
But what about when those inevitable setbacks hit?
I'm thinking about the timeswhen that self-doubt creeps in
and threatens to sabotage allour hard work.
Speaker 2 (10:29):
Right.
Speaker 1 (10:30):
How can we stay resilient in those moments?
Speaker 2 (10:33):
This is when having a toolkit of coping strategies
becomes essential.
Ok, these are the things we doto manage stress, regulate our
emotions and maintain a sense ofpeace, even when things feel
chaotic.
Speaker 1 (10:45):
A toolkit of coping strategies.
That's a great way to put it.
What are some examples that ourlisteners might find useful?
Speaker 2 (10:50):
There are so many options and it's about finding
what works best for you.
Yeah, it could be as simple aswhat works best for you.
Speaker 1 (10:54):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (10:54):
It could be as simple as taking deep breaths when you
feel overwhelmed, going for awalk in nature, listening to
uplifting music or connectingwith a supportive friend.
Speaker 1 (11:03):
It's important to remember that self-care isn't
selfish.
It's essential, especially whenwe're trying to cultivate Kanjo
.
Speaker 2 (11:09):
Right.
Speaker 1 (11:09):
It's not about pushing ourselves to the
breaking point.
It's about caring for ourwell-being so we can show up as
our strongest selves Absolutely.
Speaker 2 (11:16):
Self-care and conjo go hand in hand.
Speaker 1 (11:19):
I love that.
Speaker 2 (11:19):
Now let's touch upon the final technique small
timeline visualization.
Speaker 1 (11:23):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (11:24):
This one's all about setting ourselves up for success
by breaking down big, dauntinggoals into smaller or manageable
steps.
Speaker 1 (11:32):
I think this is so important because that fear of
failure can be paralyzing.
Speaker 2 (11:37):
Yes.
Speaker 1 (11:38):
We get overwhelmed by the enormity of the goal and
never even start Right.
So how can we use the smalltimeline visualization to help
us overcome that?
Speaker 2 (11:45):
Let's say your dream is to run a marathon.
Speaker 1 (11:48):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (11:48):
Using this technique, you wouldn't start by trying to
run 26 miles on day one.
No, you'd set realistic,smaller goals.
Maybe start by running one milewithout stopping and then
slowly increase the distanceover time.
Speaker 1 (12:01):
It's like that conjo spirit of perseverance, but in a
way that feels sustainable andempowering.
Speaker 2 (12:06):
Exactly, and by celebrating those small wins
along the way, we build momentumand confidence, which fuels our
motivation to keep going.
Speaker 1 (12:14):
I'm noticing how Conjo and self-affirmation are
working together to create thisincredible synergy of inner
strength and resilience.
We're not just talking aboutgritting our teeth and pushing
through.
We're talking about building asolid foundation of self-belief
and well-being.
Speaker 2 (12:30):
Absolutely, and that's such a powerful
combination.
Speaker 1 (12:32):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (12:32):
It's about embracing both the unwavering
determination of Kanjo.
Speaker 1 (12:36):
Right.
Speaker 2 (12:37):
And the supportive, nurturing energy of
self-affirmation.
Speaker 1 (12:40):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (12:41):
Together, they create a powerful foundation for
achieving our goals and living atruly fulfilling life.
Speaker 1 (12:46):
This has been an incredible exploration so far
and we've covered a lot ofground.
Speaker 2 (12:51):
Yes.
Speaker 1 (12:52):
From the essence of conjo to practical techniques.
I'm really starting to see howthese seemingly different ideas
conjo and self-affirmation areactually so interconnected Me
too.
Speaker 2 (13:02):
And we're not done yet.
Speaker 1 (13:04):
Oh.
Speaker 2 (13:04):
In the final part of our deep dive, we'll zoom out to
look at how these concepts canhelp us navigate the
complexities of modern life.
Speaker 1 (13:11):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (13:12):
We'll explore how to use these tools not only to
achieve our goals, but also tolive with greater resilience and
purpose.
Speaker 1 (13:18):
Stay tuned, listeners , as we wrap up this fascinating
discussion in part three.
Welcome back everyone for thisfinal part of our Conjo deep
dive.
We're going to zoom out andlook at the bigger picture.
Speaker 2 (13:30):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (13:31):
How can these concepts, this blend of
traditional grit and modernself-affirmation, actually help
us navigate the messiness ofmodern life?
Because, let's face it, thingscan feel pretty overwhelming out
there.
Speaker 2 (13:43):
It's true, the world throws a lot at us, you know
information overload, pressureto succeed, constant change.
It's easy to feel lost, burnedout or like we're just not
measuring up.
Speaker 1 (13:54):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (13:55):
And in that kind of environment, you know, clinging
to Kanjo that drive to just pushthrough.
Speaker 1 (14:02):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (14:02):
Could backfire if we're not careful.
Speaker 1 (14:04):
Right, Like we talked about earlier.
Too much emphasis on Kanjowithout that self-affirmation
piece could lead to burnoutRight.
So how does self-affirmationact as a sort of counterbalance
to those modern pressures?
Speaker 2 (14:15):
I think it all comes back to like remembering your
inherent worth and valuepressures.
I think it all comes back tolike remembering your inherent
worth and value.
Okay, no matter what's going onexternally.
Yeah, you know,self-affirmation helps us
cultivate a sense of inner peaceand self-acceptance and that
allows us to like weather thosestorms Right Without losing
ourselves in the process.
Speaker 1 (14:32):
So it's like having that conscious spirit of pushing
through challenges, but withthis foundation of self-love and
compassion to keep us grounded.
Speaker 2 (14:42):
Exactly, it's about finding that balance between
striving for our goals andhonoring our own needs and
limits.
Right, you know?
Remember those six senses ofself-affirmation that Nakashima
talks about.
Speaker 1 (14:52):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (14:52):
Nurturing those senses helps us create that
inner stability, even amidst thechaos of modern life.
Speaker 1 (14:58):
Can we break down the six senses a bit more and see
how they play out in a practicalway?
Speaker 2 (15:02):
Absolutely.
Speaker 1 (15:03):
Because I think for a lot of listeners the challenge
is connecting those concepts toreal life situations.
Speaker 2 (15:08):
Right, so let's start with self-esteem.
Speaker 1 (15:11):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (15:11):
You know, in a world obsessed with, like external
markers of success, money,status, you name it self-esteem
reminds us that our value comesfrom within.
It's about recognizing ourstrengths, our talents, what we
uniquely bring to the table.
Speaker 1 (15:27):
So it's like an internal source of validation.
Speaker 2 (15:29):
Yes.
Speaker 1 (15:29):
That's not dependent on external approval.
I can already see how thatwould be a powerful antidote to
those feelings of not beingenough Exactly that are so
prevalent these days.
Speaker 2 (15:43):
Yeah.
And then we haveself-acceptance, which is a huge
one, especially in the age ofsocial media and curated
perfection.
Speaker 1 (15:46):
Right.
Speaker 2 (15:47):
Self-acceptance is about embracing all parts of
ourselves.
Speaker 1 (15:50):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (15:51):
Even the messy bits.
Speaker 1 (15:52):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (15:52):
It's about letting go of perfectionism and
recognizing that we're all worksin progress.
Speaker 1 (15:58):
Isn't there a danger, though, in becoming too
self-accepting?
That's a good question.
Like how do we balance thatwith the need to grow, to keep
striving for self-improvement,which is so central to the idea
of conjo?
Speaker 2 (16:09):
Right.
It's not about becomingcomplacent or settling for
mediocrity.
Speaker 1 (16:13):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (16:13):
It's about recognizing that growth and
self-improvement come from aplace of self-love and
acceptance.
Speaker 1 (16:20):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (16:20):
Not from a place of self-criticism or shame.
When we accept ourselves as weare, we're more likely to
approach challenges with apositive attitude and a
willingness to learn.
Speaker 1 (16:31):
That makes so much sense.
It's about recognizing that weare worthy of love and
acceptance, even as we'restriving to become better
versions of ourselves, and thatties in beautifully with the
concept of conjo.
Speaker 2 (16:44):
Exactly Now.
Let's touch on self-efficacy,which we discussed earlier, that
belief in our ability toachieve our goals, and it's a
crucial sense for navigatingchallenges and bouncing back
from setbacks.
Speaker 1 (16:55):
Right.
Speaker 2 (16:56):
It's what keeps us going, even when the going gets
tough.
Speaker 1 (16:59):
And I imagine self-trust goes hand in hand
with that right.
Speaker 2 (17:02):
Absolutely.
Speaker 1 (17:03):
Like being able to trust your gut, your instincts,
even when you're facinguncertainty.
Speaker 2 (17:07):
Yes, self-trust is about believing in your judgment
, your intuition, your innercompass.
Speaker 1 (17:12):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (17:12):
It's what allows you to make decisions that align
with your values, even whenyou're facing external pressures
or doubts.
Speaker 1 (17:19):
It's like trusting your own inner conjo, that deep
down feeling that tells youwhat's right for you.
Speaker 2 (17:24):
Perfectly said.
Then we have self-determination, which is all about agency and
autonomy.
It's recognizing that you havethe power to shape your life,
make choices and own youractions.
Speaker 1 (17:36):
I think that's such a powerful concept to embrace,
especially in a world where itcan feel like we're constantly
being bombarded with messagesand expectations.
Speaker 2 (17:45):
Right.
Speaker 1 (17:46):
From external sources .
It's about reclaiming yourpower.
Speaker 2 (17:49):
Exactly.
And finally there's a sense ofusefulness, okay, that feeling
of purpose and contribution.
Speaker 1 (17:54):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (17:55):
It's recognizing how we each make a difference in the
world.
Speaker 1 (17:58):
Right.
Speaker 2 (17:58):
Whether through our work, our relationships or
simply being kind andcompassionate human beings.
Speaker 1 (18:03):
I love it.
It's like conjo with a heart.
Speaker 2 (18:05):
Yes, it's recognizing that our lives have meaning and
that we each have somethingvaluable to offer the world.
Speaker 1 (18:11):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (18:11):
And that sense of purpose fuels our conjo, giving
us the motivation to keep goingeven when things are tough.
Speaker 1 (18:17):
So we have these six senses as a foundation, yes,
these tools for buildingresilience, but how do we
actually put them into practice?
How do we nurture these aspectsof ourselves in a tangible way?
Speaker 2 (18:30):
That's where those practical techniques we
discussed earlier come in.
You know, the reframing, thefour good things, exercise, the
if-then planning, developingcoping strategies, the small
timeline, visualization, theseare all tools we can use to
strengthen those six senses andbuild a solid foundation of
self-affirmation.
Speaker 1 (18:49):
It's like we're creating this beautiful feedback
loop the more we practiceself-affirmation, the stronger
our conjo becomes, the moreresilient we are in the face of
challenges and so on.
Speaker 2 (18:58):
And the more resilient we are, the more
resilient we are in the face ofchallenges and so on, and the
more resilient we are, the morelikely we are to pursue our
goals, make a positive impactand live a life that feels truly
fulfilling.
Speaker 1 (19:07):
This whole conversation has been so
enlightening.
What resonates most with me isthe idea that it's not about
becoming some kind of superhumanwho never experiences doubt or
fear.
Superhuman who neverexperiences doubt or fear.
It's about learning to navigatethose inevitable ups and downs
with more grace, strength andcompassion for ourselves.
Speaker 2 (19:26):
I couldn't have put it better myself.
It's about recognizing thatwe're all perfectly imperfect
human beings, and that's okay,embracing our humanity while
still striving to be the bestversions of ourselves.
Speaker 1 (19:37):
It's like that beautiful Japanese concept of
wabi-sabi, yes, finding beautyin imperfection.
Speaker 2 (19:42):
Embracing that wabi-sabi spirit frees us from
the pressure to be perfect andopens us to the beauty of growth
, learning and becoming.
Speaker 1 (19:51):
Well, this has been an incredible deep dive.
We've gone from unpacking thisancient concept of kanjo to
exploring these really practical, modern tools for cultivating
resilience and purpose in aworld that can feel very
demanding.
Absolutely, and for all of youlistening, I want to leave you
with this final question toponder what does Kanjo mean to
you and how can self-affirmationempower you to embrace that
(20:15):
spirit in a way that feelsauthentic, balanced and
fulfilling?
Keep exploring, keep learningand keep diving deep until next
time.
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