The "Three Circles" that Transform "Work" into "Purposeful Work"
In my previous article, I wrote about why I write the word "shigoto" (work) in hiragana. I want people to engage in "purposeful work" (shigoto) where they take action with their own will and purpose, rather than passive "work" (shigoto) where they serve someone else. I poured that wish into the expression "shigoto".
Previously, while discussing "shigoto" with like-minded members, we identified three elements of "shigoto" (although there are similar diagrams and others who have already said the same thing, we have been using this for over 20 years since we came up with it, so let's not worry about who said it first (laughs))."Will," "Can," and "Need." We represented these three elements as circles, and we decided to call the center where these three circles overlap "shigoto." That was the diagram.
1. Will (What you want to do/Philosophy) — The "Purpose" of work
The first circle is "Will," what you want to do. I hope it is not just something you want to do, but a "aspiration." Furthermore, I recommend placing your "philosophy," which is your ultimate purpose in life, here (I will discuss "philosophy" on another occasion).
There are ideas in the world that it is good to do what you can or what makes money. However, work done without this "Will" is not "purposeful work," but just "work." To put it another way, it might be called "tasks."
The accumulation of "work = tasks" where your heart is left behind will eventually exhaust you, won't it? Also, "life-sized 'work'" done with the mindset of "that's why it's life-sized" simply means working without overexerting yourself, and could be called a way of life that ends with your potential left unused. Neither seems likely to lead to the final moment of life I wish for: "dying with a smile."
I do not recommend a way of life that is just "doing what you can," but I do like the approach of "starting with what you can do." For those who say, "I don't have anything I particularly want to do," it might be good to start with this idea. I would like to write about this topic again someday.
2. Can (What you can do/Strengths and Weaknesses) — The "Means" of work
The second circle is "Can," what you can do and your strengths. What is interesting here is that not only your strengths, but also what you consider your "weaknesses" might be your treasure. The characters in the fairy tale "The Wizard of Oz" travel in search of what they lack (a brain, a heart, courage), but in the process of that journey, they actually overcame their weaknesses and grew through their own power.
Therefore, there is no need to lament that "there is nothing I can do." By taking a step forward and continuing to learn from experience, the circle of "what you can do" will grow without you even realizing it (I will write about "experiential learning" on another occasion).
3. Need (What is required/Necessity) — The "Outlet" of work
The third circle is "Need," what is required by someone. This is not just about following trends. It is the effort to keep imagining "what the other person really needs." As the famous "drill hole theory" teaches, what the customer wants is not a drill, but a "hole." Put yourself in the other person's shoes, think hard, and sometimes borrow the wisdom of those around you.
A state of only "Will" and "Can" without "Need" (a state where you can do what you want) is a "hobby activity." Only when "Need" overlaps does your action become "shigoto" that connects with society.
Why do you need to know the "three circles"?
I believe that "life-sized shigoto" is taking actions that fit your own size where these three circles overlap.
The reason I shared this overall picture at the beginning is that when many people feel that "my current work doesn't fit my life-sized scale," I want them to look back at themselves and wonder if the balance of these three circles has collapsed.
In particular, if you don't know where your "Will (philosophy)" lies, you won't have a standard for judging how far you should expand your "Can" or which "Need" you should respond to. For me personally, it took seven long years to derive this Will (philosophy). However, once the philosophy was found, my life-sized shigoto began to revolve without hesitation.
From next time, I would like to talk in detail about "Will = Philosophy", which is considered the most important and difficult to find among these three circles.
Thank you for reading until the end.
[Intro #03]
My book, "A Guidebook to Work That Fits Your Life," is now on sale.
Please consider ordering a copy if you are interested.
・CHAPTER 01 Work That Fits Your Life and Me
・CHAPTER 02 How to Make Your Work "Work That Fits Your Life"
・CHAPTER 03 The Three Essential Circles for Work That Fits Your Life
・CHAPTER 04 Conclusion
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