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VALE ORO!✨ La DISCIPLINA tarde o temprano VENCERA A LA INTELIGENCIA - YOKOI KENJI Disciplina

Escuela Internacional de Coaching Profesional・2 minutes read

Kenji's experiences reveal that while Japanese culture emphasizes discipline, integrity, and gradual success over intelligence, cultural differences shape perceptions of achievement and morality. He underscores the importance of understanding these cultural values to foster genuine connections and happiness, suggesting that fulfillment is found in internal experiences rather than external validation.

Insights

  • Kenji faced significant trauma in Colombia due to stereotypes about Japanese intelligence, which led him to feel inferior upon arriving in Japan; however, he soon realized that Japanese children exhibited similar playful behaviors as Colombian children, challenging the notion of superiority.
  • Kenji learned from his father that discipline is more crucial than intelligence for success in Japan, as demonstrated by the disciplined behavior of Japanese students in classrooms and the cultural emphasis on hard work and punctuality, contrasting sharply with the more relaxed attitudes towards time in Colombia.
  • The speaker highlighted the importance of cultural principles, such as integrity and coherence, in Japanese society, illustrating how these values contribute to social trust and collective success, especially in times of crisis, while also addressing the challenges faced in Latin American cultures due to differing attitudes towards honesty and morality.
  • Through personal experiences, the speaker emphasized that true identity is shaped by internal qualities rather than external appearances, showcasing how cultural exchanges between Japanese and Colombian individuals can lead to transformative experiences and a deeper understanding of happiness rooted in simple, meaningful moments.

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Recent questions

  • What is the meaning of integrity?

    Integrity refers to the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. It involves consistency in actions, values, and beliefs, ensuring that one's behavior aligns with their ethical standards. Integrity is more profound than mere honesty; it encompasses a commitment to doing what is right, even when no one is watching. This quality is essential in building trust and credibility, both personally and professionally. In many cultures, integrity is seen as a foundational trait that influences leadership and societal values, as it reflects an individual's character and their ability to uphold ethical standards in various situations.

  • How can I improve my discipline?

    Improving discipline involves developing habits that promote consistency and focus in your daily life. Start by setting clear, achievable goals and breaking them down into smaller, manageable tasks. Create a structured routine that prioritizes these tasks, and hold yourself accountable by tracking your progress. It can be helpful to eliminate distractions and create an environment conducive to concentration. Additionally, practice self-control by resisting temptations that divert you from your goals. Over time, as you consistently adhere to your routine and make disciplined choices, you will strengthen your ability to stay focused and committed, leading to greater success in your endeavors.

  • What are cultural principles?

    Cultural principles are the foundational beliefs and values that shape the behaviors, practices, and norms of a society. They encompass the shared understanding of what is considered right or wrong, important or trivial, and they guide individuals in their interactions with others. Cultural principles can include concepts such as respect, integrity, discipline, and community, which influence how people communicate, work, and relate to one another. These principles often evolve over time, blending traditional values with modern influences, and they play a crucial role in maintaining social cohesion and identity within a culture. Understanding and respecting these principles is essential for fostering positive relationships across different cultural backgrounds.

  • What is the importance of punctuality?

    Punctuality is the practice of being on time and is often regarded as a sign of respect and professionalism in many cultures. It reflects an individual's reliability and commitment to their responsibilities, whether in personal or professional settings. Being punctual can enhance relationships by demonstrating that you value others' time and are considerate of their schedules. In workplaces, punctuality can lead to increased productivity and efficiency, as it helps maintain a structured environment where tasks are completed as planned. Moreover, punctuality fosters a sense of discipline and accountability, contributing to a positive reputation and trustworthiness in both social and business interactions.

  • How does happiness affect productivity?

    Happiness has a significant impact on productivity, as it influences motivation, creativity, and overall job satisfaction. When individuals feel happy and fulfilled, they are more likely to be engaged in their work, leading to higher levels of performance and efficiency. A positive emotional state can enhance problem-solving abilities and foster collaboration among team members, creating a more dynamic and innovative work environment. Additionally, happiness can reduce stress and burnout, allowing individuals to maintain focus and energy throughout their tasks. Organizations that prioritize employee well-being and cultivate a positive atmosphere often see improved morale, lower turnover rates, and ultimately, greater success in achieving their goals.

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Summary

00:00

Cultural Insights on Discipline and Success

  • The narrator, Kenji, experienced trauma in Colombia due to teachers' perceptions of Japanese intelligence, leading to stress about his future in Japan, where he believed children were superior and more intelligent.
  • Upon arriving in Japan, Kenji observed that Japanese children behaved similarly to Colombian children, engaging in laughter, running, and playing, which contradicted the notion of their superiority.
  • In class, Kenji was impressed by the discipline of Japanese students, who immediately followed the teacher's commands, such as standing and sitting in unison, creating a silent and orderly environment.
  • Kenji's father explained that discipline, rather than intelligence, is the key to success in Japan, emphasizing that discipline would eventually surpass intelligence in importance.
  • Kenji learned that Japan did not invent many technologies but improved upon them through discipline and hard work, citing companies like Toyota, Suzuki, and Honda as examples of this approach.
  • Punctuality is a cultural norm in Japan, where being on time is seen as a sign of respect, contrasting with the more relaxed attitudes towards time in Colombia.
  • Kenji noted that while Latinos are perceived as intelligent and quick learners, they often do not stay in one position long enough to master it, leading to a tendency to seek new opportunities prematurely.
  • Cultural differences were highlighted, with Latinos being more expressive and questioning, while Japanese individuals tend to follow instructions without asking for clarification.
  • Kenji's father shared cultural beliefs, such as the idea that cutting nails at night invites the dead, illustrating the deep-rooted traditions and values in Japanese culture.
  • The narrator concluded that understanding and respecting cultural differences is essential, emphasizing that discipline is a foundational element for success in Japan, while also dispelling myths of racial superiority.

15:07

Cultural Principles Shape Societal Strength

  • The speaker reflects on the difference between personal methodology and cultural principles, noting that for some, adherence to cultural principles is natural, while for others, it requires effort. This distinction is crucial for understanding organizational culture, which thrives on shared principles rather than just vision and objectives.
  • The success of Japan is attributed to its cultural principles, or "bunka," which blend ancient traditions with modern technology, exemplified by the Landam Tower in Yokohama, the tallest building in Japan, which can sway 6 meters during an earthquake without collapsing.
  • The speaker describes a cultural event in Yokohama where Japanese people participate in a Shinto ritual, highlighting the coexistence of ancient customs and contemporary life, emphasizing the importance of maintaining cultural principles alongside technological advancement.
  • Coherence is identified as a key principle in Japanese culture, where actions must align with words, and the first impression is less significant than ongoing behavior, contrasting with Latin American perceptions of time and communication.
  • An anecdote about Mrs. Kimoto's vegetable stand illustrates the trust inherent in Japanese society, where customers leave money for produce without supervision, reflecting a cultural norm that discourages theft and promotes integrity.
  • The speaker contrasts this with Latin American attitudes towards intelligence and morality, where deception is often mistakenly equated with cleverness, leading to a cycle of corruption and mistrust in economic transactions.
  • The concept of integrity is emphasized, with the Japanese principle of "kono monota," which teaches respect for others' property and reinforces the idea that stealing is unacceptable, contributing to a strong societal framework.
  • The speaker recounts personal experiences in Japan post-tsunami, noting the rapid recovery of infrastructure, such as a highway rebuilt in just 6 days, which showcases the discipline and collective effort characteristic of Japanese culture.
  • The importance of writing down plans and responsibilities is highlighted as a method to ensure accountability and prevent forgetfulness, which is a practice that supports effective teamwork and project completion in Japan.
  • The narrative concludes with a reflection on how cultural principles, such as integrity and coherence, are essential for societal strength, especially during crises, contrasting this with the challenges faced in Latin American countries due to a lack of similar foundational values.

29:24

Integrity as the True Wealth of Nations

  • The greatest wealth of a nation is not its natural resources like gold, oil, or coffee, but rather the principles and integrity of its people, emphasizing that people with strong principles are the true wealth of a nation.
  • Coherence between actions and words leads to slow but steady success, contrasting with the allure of quick, easy success often promoted in popular culture, such as books claiming to teach wealth in a short time frame.
  • The speaker references a book titled "How to Get Rich in 20 Years with 146 Difficult Processes of Discipline," highlighting that genuine success requires hard work and consistency, which is often overlooked in favor of instant gratification.
  • A woman inquiring about the Japanese secret to prosperity leads to the revelation that "shigoto," meaning work, is central to their success, indicating that patience and dedication are key components of achieving long-term goals.
  • The speaker contrasts the Japanese approach to success, which values gradual progress over time (5 to 20 years), with the Latin American desire for immediate results, illustrating a cultural difference in attitudes toward success.
  • The narrative includes a story about a man who returns a lost pizza box containing $1,800, demonstrating the distinction between honesty (the act of returning the money) and integrity (the character trait that drives the action), emphasizing that integrity is more profound than mere honesty.
  • The speaker discusses the importance of integrity in leadership, stating that while many Latin Americans are honest, integrity is essential for true leadership and success, as it reflects one's character and values.
  • An anecdote about a clothing store illustrates the cultural differences in customer service, where the Japanese practice of not pricing items upfront contrasts with the Latin American tendency to negotiate prices, highlighting a lack of trust in sales.
  • The speaker shares a personal experience in retail, emphasizing that a good salesperson should prioritize customer satisfaction and honesty over manipulation, advocating for a sales approach that builds long-term relationships rather than quick transactions.
  • The discussion concludes with the assertion that true success and integrity are transmitted through actions and behaviors, particularly to the next generation, reinforcing the idea that integrity is a vital quality that shapes future leaders and influences societal values.

43:15

Identity and Connection Through Cultural Exchange

  • The speaker reflects on the impact of identity during adolescence, particularly emphasizing the significance of speaking Spanish, which is often viewed as a valuable skill compared to other languages like Portuguese or Japanese.
  • At 14 years old, the speaker became a translator due to their proficiency in Spanish, despite initial challenges in understanding the lecturer's questions about identity and self-awareness.
  • The lecturer emphasized that identity is not defined by external attributes but by internal qualities, teaching the speaker a lesson about self-identity that they only fully grasped later in life at age 33.
  • The speaker recounts their early experiences with public speaking, noting that their first conference was an audio-only event, which later gained popularity and led to invitations for live talks in places like La Guajira, Colombia.
  • Upon arriving in La Guajira for a conference, the speaker faced initial confusion and skepticism from the audience, who expected a more traditional lecturer appearance, highlighting cultural perceptions based on titles and appearances.
  • The speaker stresses that true identity encompasses more than professional titles; it includes roles such as being a husband, parent, and citizen, which contribute to a sense of belonging and responsibility.
  • The speaker shares their experience of inviting Japanese individuals to Colombia, overcoming negative stereotypes about the country by showcasing its culture and hospitality through personal interactions.
  • A notable project involved housing Japanese visitors with Colombian families, which led to transformative experiences for both parties, demonstrating the power of cultural exchange and human connection.
  • The speaker highlights the positive impact of Colombian culture on the mental well-being of a Japanese visitor who had previously struggled with depression, illustrating the healing power of love and community.
  • The narrative concludes with the idea that happiness can be found in simple moments of life, such as a child's affection or personal achievements, reinforcing the notion that true happiness is rooted in internal experiences rather than external circumstances.

56:44

Nostalgia and Happiness in Everyday Life

  • The speaker reminisces about childhood experiences, highlighting the joy of playing microsoccer in the neighborhood and the happiness derived from simple pleasures, such as drinking sugar cane water, which evokes nostalgia and a sense of community among friends and family.
  • A comparison is made between the thrill of riding roller coasters in 18 countries and the exhilaration of using a piece of cardboard or a skateboard on local slopes, emphasizing the unique joy found in local experiences over extravagant ones.
  • The speaker reflects on the importance of happiness in productivity, suggesting initiatives like "Hug Thursday" or "Smile Wednesday" to foster a positive work environment without incurring significant costs, thereby enhancing workplace morale.
  • A personal anecdote about a blackout during the Japanese tsunami illustrates how such events can bring families together, as they share stories and connect in the absence of technology, contrasting this with modern distractions that hinder face-to-face interactions.
  • The speaker discusses the significance of integrity versus honesty, explaining that integrity involves being consistent in thoughts and actions, even when unobserved, and emphasizes that children learn more from actions than words, highlighting the role of parents in modeling integrity.
  • The final point addresses the relationship between happiness and productivity, proposing that happiness should precede the achievement of goals, encouraging a mindset shift to recognize that fulfillment can exist independently of external accomplishments.
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