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Ikigai & Kaizen: The Japanese Strategy to Achieve Personal Happiness and Professional Success
Discover the Japanese secret to unlocking your purpose, productivity, and passion!Are you struggling to find your "true calling" — feeling adrift without a clear sense of direction?Does procrastination or a lack of motivation prevent you from getting stuff done?Has your life journey been stunted by self-doubt or a fear of failure?
Indeed, failure is the unfortunate result of most human endeavors. Eighty percent of New Year's Resolutions fail by February. For many people, surrender feels like the easiest option.
But what if there was a solution to your goal-achievement problems?
What if I told you that the Japanese have found this solution?
In this book, we'll reveal three concepts from the
Ikigai - A strategy to discover one's purpose, meaning, and "true calling" in life.Hansei - The ancient art of honest self-reflection.Kaizen - An incrementalist approach to goal achievement developed by Japanese engineers and scientists.
When utilized individually, each discipline is a powerful tool for growth. But when combined together, they can improve your productivity by a factor of TEN! Best of all, it doesn't matter if you're a student, a busy mom, or an entrepreneur; all of these techniques still apply!
The methodology can be useful
Enhancing your career aspirations,Getting better grades in school,Starting a new business,Learning a new skill,Losing weight,Building muscle,Improving your relationships,Or, for any endeavor that calls upon you to set, accomplish, and focus on a new goal.
Once you grasp the effectiveness of this system, you'll have trouble recalling how you ever managed to get anything done without it.
In the book you will
What it takes to discover your own personal "ikigai" (your "true calling" in life), so that every step you take is in harmony with your deepest passions and values.The secret principle that makes the chore of "habit-forming" seem easy—hence enabling you to defeat the crippling vice of procrastination.How to focus (How to REALLY focus!) on your daily objectives—thus enhancing your ability to tune out the many distractions that prevent us from getting stuff done.How to motivate yourself to get your work done, even when every fiber in your brain is begging you to quit.How to achieve the coveted "flow state" — the mental plateau of peak performance where time seems to disappear and creativity thrives.How to discover meaning and passion in the chore of living, turning everyday routines into opportunities for lifelong growth and success.And much, much more...
Sometimes, we all need a refreshing change of pace.
Indeed, failure is the unfortunate result of most human endeavors. Eighty percent of New Year's Resolutions fail by February. For many people, surrender feels like the easiest option.
But what if there was a solution to your goal-achievement problems?
What if I told you that the Japanese have found this solution?
In this book, we'll reveal three concepts from the
Ikigai - A strategy to discover one's purpose, meaning, and "true calling" in life.Hansei - The ancient art of honest self-reflection.Kaizen - An incrementalist approach to goal achievement developed by Japanese engineers and scientists.
When utilized individually, each discipline is a powerful tool for growth. But when combined together, they can improve your productivity by a factor of TEN! Best of all, it doesn't matter if you're a student, a busy mom, or an entrepreneur; all of these techniques still apply!
The methodology can be useful
Enhancing your career aspirations,Getting better grades in school,Starting a new business,Learning a new skill,Losing weight,Building muscle,Improving your relationships,Or, for any endeavor that calls upon you to set, accomplish, and focus on a new goal.
Once you grasp the effectiveness of this system, you'll have trouble recalling how you ever managed to get anything done without it.
In the book you will
What it takes to discover your own personal "ikigai" (your "true calling" in life), so that every step you take is in harmony with your deepest passions and values.The secret principle that makes the chore of "habit-forming" seem easy—hence enabling you to defeat the crippling vice of procrastination.How to focus (How to REALLY focus!) on your daily objectives—thus enhancing your ability to tune out the many distractions that prevent us from getting stuff done.How to motivate yourself to get your work done, even when every fiber in your brain is begging you to quit.How to achieve the coveted "flow state" — the mental plateau of peak performance where time seems to disappear and creativity thrives.How to discover meaning and passion in the chore of living, turning everyday routines into opportunities for lifelong growth and success.And much, much more...
Sometimes, we all need a refreshing change of pace.
241 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 9, 2023
4935 people are currently reading
1543 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
April 29, 2024
Thriving One Step at a Time
Not your average self-help book of remedies to a betterment. The Japanese give us a gift in their centuries of practicing a life lived with thought and purpose. This book outlines the four practices that done individually will give one pause and reflection, but done together, have potential for real life to become whole and full of daily inspiration to improve oneself. I will be thinking on these practices for the coming days and learning how to utilize them to improve my days ahead.
Not your average self-help book of remedies to a betterment. The Japanese give us a gift in their centuries of practicing a life lived with thought and purpose. This book outlines the four practices that done individually will give one pause and reflection, but done together, have potential for real life to become whole and full of daily inspiration to improve oneself. I will be thinking on these practices for the coming days and learning how to utilize them to improve my days ahead.
June 20, 2025
Valuable virtues! Little notes about them so I don't forget.
Ikigai: what gets you out of bed in the morning aka your calling/passion - it should be what you like + what you are good at + meaningful.
Lingchi: comes from gruesome history of torture "death by thousand cuts" - repetition of bad habits or small offenses leads to an undesirable life.
Hansei: we must reflect to grow
Kaizen: take small steps everyday and improve the steps to be better compared to yesterday everyday
Ikigai: what gets you out of bed in the morning aka your calling/passion - it should be what you like + what you are good at + meaningful.
Lingchi: comes from gruesome history of torture "death by thousand cuts" - repetition of bad habits or small offenses leads to an undesirable life.
Hansei: we must reflect to grow
Kaizen: take small steps everyday and improve the steps to be better compared to yesterday everyday
August 16, 2024
There are few books, if any, that I can confidently say altered my outlook on the journey that is life. This book is one of the few. While I'd appreciate Raymond using more gender-neutral language--as his perspective is clearly androcentric--the core tenets covered (ikigai, kaizen, lingchi, and hansei) have influenced me to seek constant improvement, even if that improvement comes one, tiny step at a time. For those who are looking for or have found their ikigai/"reason to get up out of bed each day", this book lays down the groundwork for a more fulfilling life driven by eastern philosophy.
August 21, 2024
very cool read
February 1, 2026
4.75 ⭐️ It's a good personal development book that covers many important aspects using unique concepts I hadn't heard of before. I loved it.
December 16, 2024
With a slightly misleading title, this is a book about 4 (not 2) Japanese ideas. It explains the concepts of Ikigai (reason for living) lingchi (death by a thousand cuts) Hansei (self-reflection) and kaizen (continuous improvement).
The ideas are linked together in a thoughtful narrative which explains how they interact with each other. The book also cites other classic texts and authors such as Daniel Pink and Jim Collins. This means that readers familiar with the wider literature will find this an interesting revision of ideas as well as a thoughtful way of exploring wider implications across the literature.
At the heart of the book is the 2014 Venn diagram by Andrés Zuzunaga (translated by Mark Winn) which identified four key aspects of Ikigai. This is the idea that people can find their ‘ikigai’ (meaningful life) when they find something which they LOVE and which they are GOOD at, and which meets a NEED and which they can be PAID to do. Once those four conditions are met, people can find a sustainable meaningful activity which positively engages their lives.
The chapter on procrastination was particularly thoughtful as it took on directly one of the key blockers which prevent people taking on the Ikigai journey. Similarly, the chapter on Kaizen (Continuous improvement) was well focused with lots of examples and thoughtful suggestions about how to get started.
Now and then, some of the metaphors got a little convoluted. For example, we were told that ‘a rudderless boat only has the freedom to sail in circles’ (location 27). That isn’t quite right. A rudderless boat is one that just drifts aimlessly. Boats only sail in circles when they have a rudder which is jammed (like occurred in the World War 2 sinking of the Bismark).
A potential fault in many self help books is that they are excessively positive to the point of being inaccurate. This book largely avoids that problem, although it shimmers now and then in the background. For example, readers are told that if they were locked in a cell and promised release and a million dollar prize if they got an A+ in an exam, then that would probably occur.
Really? Undoubtedly many people could do much better in exams with the right encouragement. But it is an unhelpful myth that anyone can achieve anything (like winning an Olympic gold medal, or achieving an A+) if they just try hard enough. That kind of myth may have a role in inspiring people to try harder, but is it right or fair to inspire people through inaccuracy? The book cites examples of would-be singers who learn a cold hard truth about their (lack of) abilities when they go to TV shows.
But isn’t part of the reason why people become deluded about their abilities, the fact that self help books promote the myth that anyone can do or be anything if they just try hard enough?
Overall this is an easy to read, very accessible, introduction to four important ideas, which are linked and explained in a way that makes them easy to understand and implement in people’s lives.
(These comments are based upon a reading of the 3rd edition, 2024).
The ideas are linked together in a thoughtful narrative which explains how they interact with each other. The book also cites other classic texts and authors such as Daniel Pink and Jim Collins. This means that readers familiar with the wider literature will find this an interesting revision of ideas as well as a thoughtful way of exploring wider implications across the literature.
At the heart of the book is the 2014 Venn diagram by Andrés Zuzunaga (translated by Mark Winn) which identified four key aspects of Ikigai. This is the idea that people can find their ‘ikigai’ (meaningful life) when they find something which they LOVE and which they are GOOD at, and which meets a NEED and which they can be PAID to do. Once those four conditions are met, people can find a sustainable meaningful activity which positively engages their lives.
The chapter on procrastination was particularly thoughtful as it took on directly one of the key blockers which prevent people taking on the Ikigai journey. Similarly, the chapter on Kaizen (Continuous improvement) was well focused with lots of examples and thoughtful suggestions about how to get started.
Now and then, some of the metaphors got a little convoluted. For example, we were told that ‘a rudderless boat only has the freedom to sail in circles’ (location 27). That isn’t quite right. A rudderless boat is one that just drifts aimlessly. Boats only sail in circles when they have a rudder which is jammed (like occurred in the World War 2 sinking of the Bismark).
A potential fault in many self help books is that they are excessively positive to the point of being inaccurate. This book largely avoids that problem, although it shimmers now and then in the background. For example, readers are told that if they were locked in a cell and promised release and a million dollar prize if they got an A+ in an exam, then that would probably occur.
Really? Undoubtedly many people could do much better in exams with the right encouragement. But it is an unhelpful myth that anyone can achieve anything (like winning an Olympic gold medal, or achieving an A+) if they just try hard enough. That kind of myth may have a role in inspiring people to try harder, but is it right or fair to inspire people through inaccuracy? The book cites examples of would-be singers who learn a cold hard truth about their (lack of) abilities when they go to TV shows.
But isn’t part of the reason why people become deluded about their abilities, the fact that self help books promote the myth that anyone can do or be anything if they just try hard enough?
Overall this is an easy to read, very accessible, introduction to four important ideas, which are linked and explained in a way that makes them easy to understand and implement in people’s lives.
(These comments are based upon a reading of the 3rd edition, 2024).
December 24, 2024
Fine, simple overview of the concepts. I wasn't interested in the author's detailed application of kaizen to health management in last third of the book and don't feel that it added to the book (other than the length).
August 15, 2024
Anthony Raymond's Ikigai & Kaizen: The Japanese Strategy to Achieve Personal Happiness and Professional Success offers an insightful guide to integrating timeless Japanese philosophies into modern life. The book is a fusion of profound concepts such as Ikigai, Kaizen, and Hansei, all aimed at fostering personal and professional growth.
Ikigai, which translates to "reason for being," is a central theme of the book. It represents the intersection of what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. The author encourages readers to ponder these four elements, asking questions like, "Could this be my Passion?" or "How much will this skill benefit the world?" By doing so, Raymond makes the concept of Ikigai accessible and applicable to everyone, not just a philosophical ideal but a practical framework for daily life.
The book also emphasizes the importance of Kaizen, the Japanese principle of continuous improvement. Rather than seeking quick fixes or magical solutions, Raymond argues that true success comes from consistent, incremental progress. He writes, "Our most momentous accomplishments are typically the result of years of concentrated effort and dedication." This message is a refreshing reminder in a world often obsessed with instant gratification.
Raymond also delves into Hansei, a method of self-reflection that involves understanding past mistakes to make better decisions in the future. This concept, often overlooked in Western self-help literature, is presented as a powerful tool for personal development. By incorporating Hansei into your routine, you can gain clarity and improve your decision-making process, leading to more meaningful progress in your goals.
Throughout the book, Raymond maintains a motivational tone, urging readers to take action and implement these strategies in their lives. His writing is filled with practical advice and real-world examples, making the concepts easy to understand and apply.
In conclusion, Ikigai & Kaizen is more than just a self-help book; it is a comprehensive guide to living a more fulfilling life by integrating Japanese wisdom into your daily routine. With a focus on continuous improvement, self-reflection, and finding your true calling, this book offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to achieve personal and professional success. If you are seeking to bring more purpose and productivity into your life, this book is a must-read. There is much more to explore within its pages, so why not pick it up and start your journey towards a better you?
Ikigai, which translates to "reason for being," is a central theme of the book. It represents the intersection of what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. The author encourages readers to ponder these four elements, asking questions like, "Could this be my Passion?" or "How much will this skill benefit the world?" By doing so, Raymond makes the concept of Ikigai accessible and applicable to everyone, not just a philosophical ideal but a practical framework for daily life.
The book also emphasizes the importance of Kaizen, the Japanese principle of continuous improvement. Rather than seeking quick fixes or magical solutions, Raymond argues that true success comes from consistent, incremental progress. He writes, "Our most momentous accomplishments are typically the result of years of concentrated effort and dedication." This message is a refreshing reminder in a world often obsessed with instant gratification.
Raymond also delves into Hansei, a method of self-reflection that involves understanding past mistakes to make better decisions in the future. This concept, often overlooked in Western self-help literature, is presented as a powerful tool for personal development. By incorporating Hansei into your routine, you can gain clarity and improve your decision-making process, leading to more meaningful progress in your goals.
Throughout the book, Raymond maintains a motivational tone, urging readers to take action and implement these strategies in their lives. His writing is filled with practical advice and real-world examples, making the concepts easy to understand and apply.
In conclusion, Ikigai & Kaizen is more than just a self-help book; it is a comprehensive guide to living a more fulfilling life by integrating Japanese wisdom into your daily routine. With a focus on continuous improvement, self-reflection, and finding your true calling, this book offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to achieve personal and professional success. If you are seeking to bring more purpose and productivity into your life, this book is a must-read. There is much more to explore within its pages, so why not pick it up and start your journey towards a better you?
September 1, 2024
THis book aims to provide an overview of japanese methodologies for life. It spans 5 sections:
Ikigai: Is the overlap of what brings value to the world, joy to you personally and what you are good and can get paid for. It outlines your personal center or reason to get out of bed in the morning. The author argues that a lot of unsatisfaction comes from overly relying just on one of these pillars (e.g. money or only on what brings joy) instead of the overlap of all 4.
Linghchi: Translates to "death by thouands cuts" which was a gruesome torture method. But is interpreted here more as a metaphor for the many small items in daily life that lead to a big cause (e.g. breakup or getting fired). Instead focus on the root causes between these thousand cuts to solve the core problems.
Kaizen: Many studies have shown again and again that doing a herculian effort to change your life once leads to a high probability of falling back into old habits. This is also outlined in many books such as atomic habits. Kaizen instead focuses on small improvements by doing a small thing today and consistently that will bring large rewards in the long run. This way you focus on constant improvement and building a habit.
Wabi-Sabi: Embrace imperfections. The real world is messy and there will never be true perfection. The Japanese knew that and instead embraced the chaos and imprection as part of life (seen for example in the Zen Gardens that is order around the chaos (random stones) of nature).
Hansei: Is a way to look back at the past and reflect. Not just on ones shortcomings but also on the way one has traveled so far. This can be powerful to understand if your kaizen actually helps you on your road towards your Ikigai.
The real power here lies in the intersection of all these methods, by setting an ikigai that fulfills you, then use hansei to reflect on where you need to improve and the root causes that of struggles you encounter (linghchi). Finally apply kaizen to slowly but surely improve yourself towards your ikigai and become a true master.
Ikigai: Is the overlap of what brings value to the world, joy to you personally and what you are good and can get paid for. It outlines your personal center or reason to get out of bed in the morning. The author argues that a lot of unsatisfaction comes from overly relying just on one of these pillars (e.g. money or only on what brings joy) instead of the overlap of all 4.
Linghchi: Translates to "death by thouands cuts" which was a gruesome torture method. But is interpreted here more as a metaphor for the many small items in daily life that lead to a big cause (e.g. breakup or getting fired). Instead focus on the root causes between these thousand cuts to solve the core problems.
Kaizen: Many studies have shown again and again that doing a herculian effort to change your life once leads to a high probability of falling back into old habits. This is also outlined in many books such as atomic habits. Kaizen instead focuses on small improvements by doing a small thing today and consistently that will bring large rewards in the long run. This way you focus on constant improvement and building a habit.
Wabi-Sabi: Embrace imperfections. The real world is messy and there will never be true perfection. The Japanese knew that and instead embraced the chaos and imprection as part of life (seen for example in the Zen Gardens that is order around the chaos (random stones) of nature).
Hansei: Is a way to look back at the past and reflect. Not just on ones shortcomings but also on the way one has traveled so far. This can be powerful to understand if your kaizen actually helps you on your road towards your Ikigai.
The real power here lies in the intersection of all these methods, by setting an ikigai that fulfills you, then use hansei to reflect on where you need to improve and the root causes that of struggles you encounter (linghchi). Finally apply kaizen to slowly but surely improve yourself towards your ikigai and become a true master.
July 20, 2024
What I liked the most about this book was how the author was able to relate each of the 4 concepts with one another, and how you really can't talk about one without explaining the importance of the others. Everything ties together. The author literally shows us a four piece jigsaw puzzle illustration near the end with each piece representing a different concept and how they all form a single picture.
There are things from this book I will be implementing immediately and some I already have as I was reading this book. As a guy in his 30's I often struggle with finding my "purpose" or even debating on whether or not such a thing should be sought after.
Dare I say that this book is like an antidote to nihilism. If I gaze up at the stars for too long my mind will drift into the future. One where everything we have built will fall, it is inevitable. But there was a passage near the end that I really enjoyed that went like this:
"You couldn't stop goal setting even if you wanted to. And as for your most vital objectives - the maintenance of your health, wealth and relationships - these will require you to input each and every day, until the day you die."
As humans our to-do lists will never end. There will always be something else to do tomorrow. Everything keeps marching forward. We may say we want abundance in the sense of comfort and pleasure all day but I'd imagine very few people could actually enjoy this for more than a couple years.
When I got to the end of this book I laughed. Because i realized there was some truth to what the author was saying. Every day we're going to have to put something in, might as well spend some of that energy on the things we actually love, are good at, can be paid for and can benefit the lives of others (Ikigai). We do this by taking small steps of improvement everyday (Kaizen).
There are things from this book I will be implementing immediately and some I already have as I was reading this book. As a guy in his 30's I often struggle with finding my "purpose" or even debating on whether or not such a thing should be sought after.
Dare I say that this book is like an antidote to nihilism. If I gaze up at the stars for too long my mind will drift into the future. One where everything we have built will fall, it is inevitable. But there was a passage near the end that I really enjoyed that went like this:
"You couldn't stop goal setting even if you wanted to. And as for your most vital objectives - the maintenance of your health, wealth and relationships - these will require you to input each and every day, until the day you die."
As humans our to-do lists will never end. There will always be something else to do tomorrow. Everything keeps marching forward. We may say we want abundance in the sense of comfort and pleasure all day but I'd imagine very few people could actually enjoy this for more than a couple years.
When I got to the end of this book I laughed. Because i realized there was some truth to what the author was saying. Every day we're going to have to put something in, might as well spend some of that energy on the things we actually love, are good at, can be paid for and can benefit the lives of others (Ikigai). We do this by taking small steps of improvement everyday (Kaizen).
February 21, 2025
Anthony Raymond’s Ikigai & Kaizen is a concise and engaging introduction to four powerful Japanese concepts: Ikigai, Lingchi, Hansei, and Kaizen. The book excels in making these philosophies accessible and, most importantly, practical. Rather than merely explaining the ideas in theory, Raymond presents them in a way that is immediately applicable to everyday life.
What I particularly appreciated was the book’s brevity—every chapter is to the point, offering valuable insights without unnecessary fluff. The inclusion of concrete real-life examples further enriches the reading experience, helping to illustrate how these principles can be integrated into both personal and professional spheres. It’s an easy and enjoyable read, yet packed with meaningful takeaways.
If I had one suggestion, it would be regarding the book’s physical quality and layout. While the content is excellent, the overall presentation gave a somewhat cheap impression, which felt at odds with the depth and value of the material inside. A refined design could further elevate the reader’s experience.
Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a practical guide to self-improvement through timeless Japanese wisdom. It’s a quick but impactful read that offers real-world strategies for growth and fulfillment.
What I particularly appreciated was the book’s brevity—every chapter is to the point, offering valuable insights without unnecessary fluff. The inclusion of concrete real-life examples further enriches the reading experience, helping to illustrate how these principles can be integrated into both personal and professional spheres. It’s an easy and enjoyable read, yet packed with meaningful takeaways.
If I had one suggestion, it would be regarding the book’s physical quality and layout. While the content is excellent, the overall presentation gave a somewhat cheap impression, which felt at odds with the depth and value of the material inside. A refined design could further elevate the reader’s experience.
Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a practical guide to self-improvement through timeless Japanese wisdom. It’s a quick but impactful read that offers real-world strategies for growth and fulfillment.
September 20, 2024
This was a fun book. Learning about the Japanese “Ikigai”
It shared really good insights on meanings of life and self discovery exercises. It also had really great mindsets to have to avoid procrastination and enjoying the mundane tasks in life. It gave me some really solid books I want to dig into further and some really great quotes to hold on to. Particularly made me want to dig into some of Jerry Seinfelds habits, as a Seinfeld fan.
The author provided a very holistic look at like through a Japanese cultured lens, offer view points ranging from various beliefs and cultures, tying it all together into timeless advice.
It gave me some really good questions not only to take myself into the workplace, but some really good questions to inspire my team and my approaches as a leader.
The Zen Garden ending was beautiful and inspired me to want to get a zen garden.
It shared really good insights on meanings of life and self discovery exercises. It also had really great mindsets to have to avoid procrastination and enjoying the mundane tasks in life. It gave me some really solid books I want to dig into further and some really great quotes to hold on to. Particularly made me want to dig into some of Jerry Seinfelds habits, as a Seinfeld fan.
The author provided a very holistic look at like through a Japanese cultured lens, offer view points ranging from various beliefs and cultures, tying it all together into timeless advice.
It gave me some really good questions not only to take myself into the workplace, but some really good questions to inspire my team and my approaches as a leader.
The Zen Garden ending was beautiful and inspired me to want to get a zen garden.
December 13, 2025
Worthwhile book, a solid 4+. I knew about Kaizen and related principles from the books and articles I've read about Toyota, and Ikigai from a blue zone documentary about Okinawa. This books gives you ideas and methods for applying this to your work, health, relationships, and wealth.
He goes into how to combine Lingchi (death by a thousand cuts), Hansei (honest self reflection), Ikigai (true calling) and Kaizen (continuous improvement) into a force for a better life.
His general view on changes for your health are good, but not all his specific recommendations. Worthwhile contrasting his thoughts vs. the latest data.
Some thoughts collected from the book:
- To travel hopefully is better than to arrive.
- The enemy of goal accomplishment is inactivity
- In Kaizen, there is no such thing as "good enough"
- Measure your results ritualistically (I really like this)
He goes into how to combine Lingchi (death by a thousand cuts), Hansei (honest self reflection), Ikigai (true calling) and Kaizen (continuous improvement) into a force for a better life.
His general view on changes for your health are good, but not all his specific recommendations. Worthwhile contrasting his thoughts vs. the latest data.
Some thoughts collected from the book:
- To travel hopefully is better than to arrive.
- The enemy of goal accomplishment is inactivity
- In Kaizen, there is no such thing as "good enough"
- Measure your results ritualistically (I really like this)
March 22, 2024
Important tenets
The author seems to like using bullet points to get his views across and we come to an early one.
Ikigai - a Japanese saying about ‘true calling’
Lingchi - A Chinese concept meaning ‘death by a thousand cuts’.
Hansei - Japanese concept for ‘what went wrong’.
Kaizen - ‘continuous improvement’.
The author makes good use of famous personages to drive home his points and even Senaca of Rome gets a look in. I liked the part that looked at Stephen King’s writing history. Very interesting, indeed.
The book imparts important tenets about life.
The author seems to like using bullet points to get his views across and we come to an early one.
Ikigai - a Japanese saying about ‘true calling’
Lingchi - A Chinese concept meaning ‘death by a thousand cuts’.
Hansei - Japanese concept for ‘what went wrong’.
Kaizen - ‘continuous improvement’.
The author makes good use of famous personages to drive home his points and even Senaca of Rome gets a look in. I liked the part that looked at Stephen King’s writing history. Very interesting, indeed.
The book imparts important tenets about life.
August 20, 2024
a practical and insightful exploration of powerful Japanese concepts. The book does a great job of breaking down Langchi, Hansei, Ikigai and Kaizen, making them accessible and applicable to everyday life. Raymond’s writing is clear and engaging, providing readers with actionable advice and thought-provoking reflections. While the book is rich in content, some parts may feel a bit repetitive. However, if you’re looking for a guide to living a more purposeful and fulfilling life, this book is definitely worth a read.
November 15, 2024
A great book for reframing your thinking
Along with Ikigai and Kaizen, the book explains two other terms in Lingchi and Hanzai. The four work in unison to teach you how to reframe life's problems and what you should and shouldn't be striving towards. There are some generic statements that everyone has heard before but the book goes onto explain some strategies that you can implement into your life with examples. While a short read, it is probably best to read this over the course of a few weeks to a month, spending time observing how each concept applies to your life.
Along with Ikigai and Kaizen, the book explains two other terms in Lingchi and Hanzai. The four work in unison to teach you how to reframe life's problems and what you should and shouldn't be striving towards. There are some generic statements that everyone has heard before but the book goes onto explain some strategies that you can implement into your life with examples. While a short read, it is probably best to read this over the course of a few weeks to a month, spending time observing how each concept applies to your life.
December 29, 2025
Reading this book felt like a chore. You will find more benefit on the subject matter in a ten-minute YouTube video. There were so many times while reading this book that I yelled out, "Would you just shut up and finish the book!" What a waste of time!
One thing I cannot stand is when a person tries to explain a principle with examples from movies, TV shows and fiction. This author did this throughout the entire book. He also has a bad habit of trying to explain principles based on far-fetched hypothetical situations. I guess reality is not sufficient for the author.
One thing I cannot stand is when a person tries to explain a principle with examples from movies, TV shows and fiction. This author did this throughout the entire book. He also has a bad habit of trying to explain principles based on far-fetched hypothetical situations. I guess reality is not sufficient for the author.
December 16, 2024
good read, down to earth writing style
Rememberable, informative, and written in an easy yet modern (2010s) language. It Americanizes the concepts of Japanese strategies and then shows how to apply. Wasn’t a fan of the Demings chapter (7) but does touch on key ingredients on health, relationships, and integrating all four concepts to follow through. If you want a nice intro to the four concepts I recommend this book.
Rememberable, informative, and written in an easy yet modern (2010s) language. It Americanizes the concepts of Japanese strategies and then shows how to apply. Wasn’t a fan of the Demings chapter (7) but does touch on key ingredients on health, relationships, and integrating all four concepts to follow through. If you want a nice intro to the four concepts I recommend this book.
June 8, 2025
Finding your joy in everyday actions
This is another book I needed earlier in life. It helps identify pitfalls of allowing other people giving poor advice and endgoals that hamper one's personal achievement . Personal success and fulfilment may come from synchronizing four philosophies. Personal reflection, personal habits, personal aspirations, and personal integrity come together to appreciate one's existence.
This is another book I needed earlier in life. It helps identify pitfalls of allowing other people giving poor advice and endgoals that hamper one's personal achievement . Personal success and fulfilment may come from synchronizing four philosophies. Personal reflection, personal habits, personal aspirations, and personal integrity come together to appreciate one's existence.
March 16, 2024
I am a fan! Having read several Anthony Raymond books, I can safely say: He is a great teacher. I highly recommend Ikigai & Kaizen. It is very practical. You will identify where you are now, where you want to go, and how to get there. Raymond pulls from a lot of different sources to build a rock solid offering!
September 17, 2024
Amazing!
Great book. Very comprehensive, and easy to understand. Yet it has continually had me thinking about the structure of my life, and how I really want to find my Ikigai. This life is beautiful, but fleeting. I want to harness it in a powerful way, reflected beautifully in this book.
Great book. Very comprehensive, and easy to understand. Yet it has continually had me thinking about the structure of my life, and how I really want to find my Ikigai. This life is beautiful, but fleeting. I want to harness it in a powerful way, reflected beautifully in this book.
November 22, 2024
It is a great read. The book explores well-known ideas and methodologies of continuous improvement, presenting them in a gentler and more approachable manner compared to books like Atomic Habits and Extreme Ownership. Highly recommended for anyone seeking practical advice without an overly intense tone.
March 13, 2025
2.25 stars. Started off great, explaining ikigai, hansei, lingchi and kaizen. Then rambled on about kaizen repeating itself and even using the same examples and multiple photos and references of some bloke from Toyota. Also for a book that quotes a lot of other people not many women were quoted and then ended with his liking of the Rocky film, random.
June 7, 2025
Wonderful book
A wonderful book enlightening the importance of daily improvement, in all the areas of your life, financially, physically and in relationships. Concepts of Ikigai, Hansei, Lingchi and Kaizen are introduced and how we can use them together for our self-improvement is discussed in detail, with references from different movies and researches.
A wonderful book enlightening the importance of daily improvement, in all the areas of your life, financially, physically and in relationships. Concepts of Ikigai, Hansei, Lingchi and Kaizen are introduced and how we can use them together for our self-improvement is discussed in detail, with references from different movies and researches.
November 12, 2025
Good and helpful explanations and good examples, though some parts got a little too into history or were not exactly relatable for my personal life. Decent amount of references to fitness and being "fat", which may be a trigger point for some. Overall, I'm glad I read it and hope to implement some of the points into my life.
February 5, 2024
Excellent must read!
The author covers the four important - Japanese philosophies - Ikigai, Sensei, Kaizen and the fourth is a Chinese derivative called Lingchii.
It’s a must read for all procrastinators too and has many inspiring quotes too!
The author covers the four important - Japanese philosophies - Ikigai, Sensei, Kaizen and the fourth is a Chinese derivative called Lingchii.
It’s a must read for all procrastinators too and has many inspiring quotes too!
February 14, 2024
I liked this book, I implemented some ideas of this. This book combines the two contents Ikigai and Kaizen and provides actionable advice to people who want a purposeful driven life while striving for personal and professional goals.
September 6, 2024
Change your life
Take a journey into your new self by taking the smallest steps towards your goal. That's the gist of this book but read the whole thing in order to understand how to improve your life with micro steps.
Take a journey into your new self by taking the smallest steps towards your goal. That's the gist of this book but read the whole thing in order to understand how to improve your life with micro steps.
October 22, 2024
Fue una lectura entrenida. Siempre me han gustado este tipo de temas de la filosofia japonesa. Anteriormente ya habia leido sobre el Ikigai y el kaizen. Es un libro lleno de referencias: casos explicados para sustentar cada capitulo, historias, libros ,peliculas, ect.Soy fan de libros que me ayuden a descubrir otros libros, pero a un medida justa. Lo que lo hace realmente interesante es con la sencillez que son explicados los temas. Es un libro que es facil de seguir y de leer.
November 23, 2024
Gently written with purity...
understanding and great truths of one's self. Easy to master these lessons with ease and to also apply to everyday life for the rest of your life. Well done...
understanding and great truths of one's self. Easy to master these lessons with ease and to also apply to everyday life for the rest of your life. Well done...
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