What my father told me: 'Even if you're last, be number one!'
Hello! I'm Junichi Susaki.
(My profile is here).
Today, I would like to talk about something my father said to me when I was a child that influenced my life.
This happened when I was in the lower grades of elementary school. My father was very patriarchal and the type of person known as a "one-man manager." When I was alone with him, he suddenly asked me this:
"Is there anything you are number one at in your class or school?"
Being in the first or second grade of elementary school, I was bewildered by his words. Even when asked if there was "anything I was number one at," I had no idea what I should be thinking about at that time. I desperately racked my brain, trying to find something good that I could be number one at.
However, no matter how much I thought about it, I couldn't find an answer, and a silence fell between us. Then, my father grinned and said this:
"Isn't there anything you're number one at, even if it's something bad?"
I remember being startled by those words. Number one at something bad...? Being the one who is late the most, being the one who forgets things the most, or being the one who causes the most trouble for the teacher... Those were the only things that came to mind. When I was stammering, my father nodded with satisfaction, saying, "Alright, that's fine," and the conversation ended there.
At the time, I couldn't understand the true meaning behind my father's words as a manager. I didn't understand at all why I had to be number one, let alone why it was okay to be number one at something bad.
However, now that I am an adult, looking back on my father's words, I feel like I can see the true meaning hidden deep within them. Perhaps my father wasn't just saying "be number one," but was trying to convey, "Polish your unique edges so that you can be number one at something, no matter how small the field may be."
Generally, when we think of being "number one," we tend to imagine excelling in positive areas like academics or sports. However, it doesn't necessarily have to be that way. Even things you thought were shortcomings or flaws can become your own unique personality or strength if you change your perspective.
For example, a "student who is the most trouble for the teacher" can also be said to be the "student who gets the most attention from the teacher." Even in dirty, thankless jobs that everyone dislikes, someone has to take the initiative, and by being number one at that, you might be able to build work that only you can do and relationships of trust that only you can build.
Being "number one" at something isn't always glorious. However, taking everything seriously and finding your own "number one" might be the secret to making life richer.
Why don't you take a gentle look at not only the things you are proud of, but also the things that seem like shortcomings at first glance? You might make some unexpected discoveries.
Thank you for reading until the end!
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