"Have the courage to be imperfect." - What this Japanese art of happiness can teach you about life and beauty…

Monday: Marketing Marvels FROM THE DESK OF MILES EVERSON: Happy Monday, everyone! I hope you all had a good rest and time with your loved ones during the weekend. As we kickstart a new week, we’ll do something different for the next 10 weeks. Instead of talking about outstanding individuals in marketing and business every Monday, we’ll have a break to focus on health and happiness. I’ll discuss this in the context of various cultures and traditions across the globe. Are you ready? Keep reading below to know more as we talk about the Japanese art of happiness and finding beauty in imperfection and transience. CEO, MBO Partners Chairman of the Advisory Board, The I Institute

"Have the courage to be imperfect." - What this Japanese art of happiness can teach you about life and beauty… How do you define “beautiful”? Perfect? Flawless? Transcendent? The saying, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder” is true. Different people have different definitions of what is beautiful, with some looking at the physicalities or the external, while others at the spirituality or the internal. … but how can we truly see beauty for what it is and not based on some standard imposed on us by society? As we embark on our Summer Happiness Series, we delve into the rich tapestry of cultural wisdom, beginning with the Japanese philosophy of Wabi-Sabi. In a world obsessed with perfection and permanence, Wabi-Sabi offers a refreshing perspective, celebrating the beauty found in imperfection and transience. Rooted in Zen Buddhism and deeply ingrained in Japanese culture, Wabi-Sabi invites us to embrace the inherent beauty of life’s fleeting moments, imperfect objects, and the passage of time. I learned this during my frequent travels to Asia and later on with my devotion to practicing yoga and learning about its history. At its core, Wabi-Sabi encourages us to slow down and appreciate the simple, understated beauty that surrounds us. It finds its expression in weathered objects, uneven surfaces, and asymmetrical designs, reminding us that TRUE beauty lies not in flawless symmetry but in the unique character and history of each creation. From the cracked glaze of a ceramic tea bowl to the weathered bark of an ancient tree, this principle teaches us to find joy in the patina of age and the imperfections that tell a story of resilience and authenticity. “Have the Courage to be Imperfect” According to the American Psychological Association, feelings of inadequacy and insecurity often lead to behaviors ranging from withdrawal to excessive competitions and aggression as a way to overcompensate. This feeling could be rooted in a real physical or psychological deficiency, or an imagined one. Personally, this data resonates with me (even breaks my heart) because I can remember being a young businessman trying to always be perfect. Back then, I always thought I needed to have perfect reports and presentations to never lose a deal with a client. However, the amount of anxiety and state of fear I lived in at that time actually blinded me to many things and made me mess up in various situations. I had to learn the hard way that I was not a perfect person, but rather a person that may have weaknesses or impurities, and who needed to learn to rely on a team and build my career by admitting my weaknesses and utilizing my strengths. This allowed me to connect not only with my teams but also with my clients. I realized we’re all humans, and our imperfections bring us together. What else? Wabi-Sabi extends beyond aesthetics to encompass a deeper philosophy of acceptance and mindfulness. By embracing the impermanence of all things, we cultivate a sense of gratitude for the present moment and learn to let go of attachments to material possessions and expectations of perfection—the essence of mindfulness. According to an article from Wellbrook Recovery, in today’s fast-paced world, where technology and information are constantly vying for our attention, it’s no surprise that the average human attention span has become a topic of interest. As of today, the average attention span of an adult is 8 seconds, shorter than that of a goldfish, which is 9 seconds. Such a short attention span also contributes to us living a hustle and bustle lifestyle. We’ve gotten so used to moving on to the next thing or task that we forget to savor the richness of the present moment. By practicing Wabi-Sabi, we are required to do a shift in our perspective, a change in our willingness—to see beauty where others may see flaws and to find joy in the fleeting moments that make up the tapestry of our lives. This could be in the form of savoring the simple pleasures of a cup of tea shared with loved ones, the delicate bloom of a cherry blossom, or the soft glow of candlelight illuminating a quiet room. In these moments of quiet contemplation, we discover a profound sense of peace and contentment that transcends the pursuit of perfection. I highly encourage you to embark on a journey into the heart of Wabi-Sabi! Open your heart and mind to the beauty of imperfection and transience. Through mindfulness, acceptance, and a reverence for the present moment, may you uncover the true essence of happiness and find fulfillment in the richness of life’s ever-changing tapestry. I hope this week’s topic inspired you to find happiness in the imperfections of being human! I also hope you will still join me next week as we travel to France and learn how they cultivate happiness through the famous mantra, “Joie De Vivre.” Hope you’ve found this week’s topic interesting and helpful.     EXCITING NEWS AHEAD The world of work has shifted, and there’s no going back. The barriers to entry have never been lower for talented professionals to work independently, and today’s massive external workforce is hardly a pandemic-produced fad. Business owners can only survive in the new work landscape by partnering with this deep talent pool. 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