Shifting from "Trying Hard" to "Being Absorbed"

Hello. This is Tsukuda, a book editor and writer. In this note, I think about tips for easing the mind and summarize my thoughts on creativity.

This past month, I've been overwhelmed with fatigue from filing my tax return, doing writing work for the first time in a year, and having editing work pile up on top of that. As a result, my depression, which had been stable even if at a low level, flared up, and I was bedridden for about three days.

Trying too hard, pushing myself too much. I know it myself, but I can't seem to stop. On the other hand, my physical strength is steadily declining with age. I still haven't recovered from the fatigue, so I've realized that I've gotten older.

At such a time, I read a note by Yohei Sadoshima, an editor and the representative of Cork. At that time, I felt, "Oh, I might be marking time while thinking I'm moving forward."

It's a bit long, but I'll quote it.

When I was writing the manuscript this time, I felt like I had a writing high, as if my brain was overflowing with adrenaline. I was even surprised myself, wondering if that high tension meant my depression had turned into mania.

If I had to put it into words, I could only say "I tried hard," but I thought it might have been nothing more than an "exclamation mark of momentum that attempts to overcome challenges through mental excitement."

In fact, with the completion of the manuscript, the tension snapped, and fatigue rushed in. And as I mentioned earlier, I couldn't move my body for about three days.

However, I did have the feeling that I had given it my all.

On the other hand, I also felt at the time that a writing high might be on the other side of "trying hard," somewhere beyond it. Perhaps a "writing high" is a place you cannot reach just by trying hard. And if I were to put that into words, wouldn't it be "being absorbed"?

I often say "I'll try hard" or "I have to try hard" myself. But looking back, I'm just stating my determination, and if someone asked, "So specifically, what are you going to do and how?" I would get stuck and end up answering with mental arguments like "I'll just use my willpower."

That is why it is important to think carefully about "what to do and how to try hard." And I thought what is even more important is "what to try hard for and how."

Human potential is truly infinite.
However, the time and resources we have are limited.

To use them effectively, as Mr. Sadoshima states in his note,isn't it important to increase the resolution of what you "like" and clarify for yourself "what you like and what you are not good at"?It's what's called selection and concentration.

Then, the words that come out will be "being absorbed" rather than "trying hard."No effort can beat being absorbed.So, in what kind of environment can you be absorbed? Let's think about the mechanism for that, even if it's slowly. Then, the direction your heart is heading will change.

When I was young, I just ran recklessly. However, looking back at myself now that I'm over 40, over 50, and approaching 60, I've come to realize that it's difficult to keep going just like that.

"It's the 100-year life era, let's aim for a life shift."
That phrase has been said for several years, but I feel thata work shift from "trying hard" to "being absorbed"would be a source of happiness for all working people.

What are you able to be absorbed in? The things that remain after you cut away "I have to do it because I have no choice" or "I do it because I was told to"—that is "being absorbed." Whether it's your main job, a side job, or a hobby, it doesn't matter. Whether it's something big or something small, it's okay.Having something you can be absorbed in is precious in itself.I highly recommend living your life with absorption in your heart.

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