Came across an interesting Japanese concept the other day. On further reading, I discovered that it is similar to something I strongly believe in and it has applicability to life in general.
“Zanshin (Japanese: 残心) is a state of awareness, of relaxed alertness, in Japanese martial arts. A literal translation of zanshin is “remaining mind”. In several martial arts, zanshin refers more narrowly to the body’s posture after a technique is executed.”
To get to the end game, Zanshin emphasizes that the process to get there is all important. That if one concentrates fully all the steps to reach there, the successful end result will simply just become a by-product.
Taking the example of a bow and arrow, the point is to not worry about hitting the target. The archer must have a full interest to embrace each piece of the process in order to develop complete awareness and focus. The archer will then find the bullseye every time he shoots.
It is not the target that matters. It is not the finish line that matters. It is the way we approach the goal that matters. Everything is aiming – Zanshin.
We carry it with us everywhere in life. To perfect the steps in order to reach the desired result. It is similar to my favourite subject in Uni days – Operation Management. If we break down the process into their detailed tasks, checking to ensure that each step is robust enough and then practise them to perfection, success is assured.
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