Ikigai: The Reward Beyond Recognition

“Once you achieve a state of blissful concentration, an audience is not necessary. You enjoy the here and now, and simply go on.

“In life, we sometimes misplace priorities and significance. Too often, we do something for the sake of rewards. If the rewards are not forthcoming, we are disappointed, and lose interest and zeal in the work. That is simply the wrong approach. In general, there are delays between actions and rewards. Even if you finish a good work, rewards are not necessarily forthcoming.

“Reception and recognition occur in a stochastic way, depending on many parameters our of your control. If you can make the process of making an effort your primary source of happiness, then you have succeeded in the most important challenge of your life.”

— Ken Mogi, Awakening Your Ikigai — How the Japanese Wake Up to Joy and Purpose Every Day