"Let's Talk About When It Was Hard to Live" by Soichi Noguchi - How to Deal with the Sense of Loss After a Major Achievement

Today, I would like to introduce a book by astronaut Soichi Noguchi.
At my local bookstore, it was ranked No. 1 and was displayed prominently in many places.

It's a title with a bit of depth and a heavy theme, but
the fact that this kind of book is being read... really makes you feel the times, doesn't it?

Despite having such spectacular achievements, Mr. Noguchi
spent 10 years worrying, thinking, "Am I not needed anymore?".

Why???

Thinking that, as I read on...

An unfillable sense of loss is caused by relying on the value standards of others.

It is super surprising that Mr. Noguchi, who went to space three times, was depressed for about 10 years!
The sense of loss and burnout after finishing a major space mission.
The gap between glorious achievements and experience.

After his first space mission, he was often asked, "Has your outlook on life changed?" and such,
but he could only give vague answers to suit the other person.
He said he felt his own immaturity.

It is also a fact that it is hard to feel a major change in your inner self right after a big job.
It takes time to digest achievements in your own way.
By facing yourself, things are given meaning, and values are matured.

Also, after a major achievement, there is a reaction,
a sense of loss thinking, "Am I no longer needed?"

Meeting the expectations of others.
A trap that serious people with a strong sense of responsibility easily fall into.

Meeting the expectations of others is a good thing, but
that alone cannot provide true fulfillment.

Athletes and people in their 50s and 60s reaching retirement age are also prone to this.
When I was over 50, I also felt a sense of being at a dead end, thinking it would be hard to expect any more achievements or growth. Perhaps it is a common worry in the second half of life...

You have to decide your own value and direction yourself.

Even if you seek value standards outside, your sense of satisfaction will not increase.

A journey to find yourself, your own identity.
Facing yourself firmly.
The inside of your own heart is further away than space.

Who am I, what am I
living for, where do I want to head in life,

a life without regrets...

Be honest with your own emotions
Both mind and body have times when they are in good condition and times when they are not.
It's impossible to always be in a good state,
don't overdo the pretense lol

From relative evaluation based on others' values to absolute evaluation based on your own standards

Instead of making meeting others' expectations your top priority or
being swayed by others,
take control yourself

Just be absorbed in what you love,
keep doing it

What are your own standards and identity?

Identity is
the recognition that I am myself, different from others,
that I am a human being with my own individuality

Important things for living without regrets

1. Decide your own value and significance of existence yourself

What do I "like,"
what can I "do,"
what do I "value"

Re-examine what you yourself can be convinced by

2. Take stock of yourself and determine what remains at the end

From your experiences, facts, thoughts, and feelings so far,

What remains after things given by others are lost
Uncompromising principles
Your own true feelings
Your naked self

Taking stock is also about accepting your own weaknesses
After acknowledging your weaknesses, what are the things you still won't compromise on?
Who are the people you want to support?

What are they?
Try to carefully put them into words one by one

3. Give meaning to your choices and life so far

Your unique experiences, the thoughts and feelings during the process,
learning, growth, and sense of achievement

Give meaning based on your own values, not others' expectations

Your own values and social values overlap; personal growth, solving social issues, and contribution.

Confidence and a sense of satisfaction increase.
Your sense of purpose and fulfillment in life will increase!

The "answer to happiness" lies within your own heart.

If you feel that life is difficult,
that is proof that you are doing things that differ from your true feelings, such as contradictions or reading between the lines.

Facing the difficulty of living → Finding your true self

Let go of the things you dislike, one by one.

Be prepared for risks and try taking on challenges.
There are things you can only see by taking action.

From Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

Thinking about your life's mission from Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs.

Deficiency needs (levels 1-4) and self-actualization (level 5).

"Self-actualization" means
maximizing your potential as your true, authentic self without lies or pretense.
Living honestly according to the desires and passions that well up from within you.
Reaching a state of supreme peace,
living true to yourself
.

Honestly,
naturally,
accepting facts,
focusing on issues,
valuing deep interpersonal relationships and unwavering value axes and philosophies,
and taking on challenges while exercising creativity.

Adults who dream.

When your vision resonates with society,
it is when you dream that you are
expressing your true self to the fullest.

A sense of being connected to society,
or even more,
a sense of being connected to the universe.
Since natural principles are my foundation, I cherish this feeling.

I think adults who are true to themselves and talk about their dreams
are cool, no matter how old they get.

Honestly, following my heart, and continuing to take on challenges.
That is how I will continue to live from now on.

Reference: Official note

This article was written by
Shigeki Kawahara, a "Future Realization Partner" who helps increase revenue streams
https://mousoubiz.com/
https://twitter.com/mousoubiz