“In life, your path is harder because your calling is higher.”

Talking about success is tricky: the risk of falling into clichés is always around the corner. There are no magic recipes or secret formulas. What you will find here is a set of simple yet profound reflections.

And right from the start I’ll tell you this: at the end of this journey we will discover something special — the Japanese secrets to fight laziness, a chapter that will give new meaning to everything you’ve read before.

What is success?

The dictionary defines it as “a positive or favorable outcome, a good result.” In real life, however, we often associate success with those who have achieved remarkable goals, a prestigious position, or an outstanding skill.

But at the core of the word “success” lies a key concept: the result. And if a result is the end of a journey, then success cannot exist without a path. Even achievements that seem accidental are always preceded by preparation, discipline, or training. There is no arrival without a departure.

The never-ending arrival

A common misconception is to think of success as a final destination. The truth is that those who achieve great results work every day to maintain them. An athlete does not “achieve success” by debuting in the major league: from that moment, a new path begins, filled with training and sacrifice. Likewise, a professional does not achieve success simply by obtaining a degree: he must build his reputation step by step.

The key word is constancy. Success has no fixed destination, only a horizon that keeps moving forward. In fact, we could say that a successful person is such even before great results appear: discipline, effort, and reputation define them more than the achievements themselves.

When results don’t come

When can we say we’ve done enough? When should we be satisfied? Success does not deliver immediate results — and it’s here that many give up. It is not a condition we can measure by ourselves: it is the recognition of others that defines us as “successful.”

That is why we need clear goals, focus, and the ability to stay on course. In short: goal, departure, path, effort, constancy, and focus. Accepting that it will take time is an essential part of the game.

Preparing your path with little

Do you truly want to achieve your success? Start by simplifying. Ask yourself the deep “why” that drives you. Then set small intermediate steps: milestones that will help you fight laziness.

Write down your current situation, compare it after two weeks of commitment, and then again after a month. This way you will train your focus day after day and keep your motivation high.

Looking behind the scenes

There is one aspect we often forget: the hidden work. A 10-minute video on the web can require hours of writing, shooting, and editing. Similarly, this article: just a few minutes to read, but hours of work to write.

Understanding what lies behind every result helps us put difficulties into perspective. You are not alone: everyone faces them, even the most talented. The difference lies in the ability to stay focused and not give up.

Japanese secrets to fight laziness

Here we are at the final chapter, promised since the beginning. Japanese culture offers precious tools to train focus and overcome laziness — our real enemy, which often comes from within.

• Kaizen (改善) – Small steps, big progress.
  
  Forget perfection. Aim to be just 1% better every day. Small victories accumulate over time.



• Shinrin-Yoku (森林浴) – Nature heals.
  
  Immersing yourself in the forest is about being fully present in nature, breathing deeply, and calming the mind.



• Shoshin (初心) – Beginner’s mind.
  
  Stay open, let go of the ego. Growth begins when you unlearn what you think you already know.



• Hara Hachi Bu (腹八分) – Eat light, feel good.
  
  Stop at 80% fullness: more energy, less laziness. Your body will thank you.



• Wabi-Sabi (侘寂) – Beauty in imperfection.
  
  Cracks, scars, faded pages: flaws tell a story and make things authentic.



• Shu-Ha-Ri (守破離) – Progressive learning.
  
  First follow the rules (Shu), then experiment and innovate (Ha), finally create your own path (Ri).



• Hansei (反省) – Self-reflection.
  
  Stop regularly to analyze what works and what doesn’t.



• Ikigai (生き甲斐) – Your “why.”
  
  The reason you get out of bed in the morning, the balance between passion, skill, purpose, and value.
  
  I found mine: the double bass. Becoming a better musician and dedicating myself to justdoublebass fills me with joy and pushes me to improve day after day.
  
  It’s what makes me wake up an hour earlier, without any alarm clock.

These are not magic formulas, but practical teachings that help us see progress as a process, not as an instant arrival.

Conclusion

Success is not a static destination, but a journey. Your road may be hard, but it is precisely because your calling is higher.
Your path is harder because your calling is higher.

And remember: every day is an opportunity to take one more step forward. Your journey begins today.