Reflections From Japan

Hi there. This is probably the last newsletter that I am writing from Japan, knowing that our departure for the Netherlands is scheduled for next week. Today, I aim to discuss the contrast between expectations and reality, drawing from the lessons I've learned during our time here, but first..

Weekly Inventory Check

As we enter the final week of March, it's time to reflect on our progress and identify any challenges we've encountered. Take a moment to assess what's been working well and what hasn't. Then, consider how you can address any obstacles and improve your approach moving forward.

A helpful tip is to share your goals with someone you trust, who can help hold you accountable. Share your goals at the beginning of the month, and provide updates on your progress at the end of the month. This accountability not only holds you responsible for your results but also for the explanations you give.

Externalizing your goals and progress adds a layer of accountability that internal justification may lack. For example, while you might justify your overeating to yourself, you may find it more challenging to justify it to someone else, such as a spouse or friend.

Reflections From Japan

My wife and I set off on this trip with one main goal: to enjoy the stunning beauty of Sakura, Japan's famous cherry blossom season. We knew prices would be sky-high in April, the peak time for Sakura, so we decided to go early, hoping to see the blossoms before they were at their best.

Despite careful planning, we were surprised by a setback when the expected bloom time got delayed, leaving us stuck in the cold for longer than we'd planned. We were also let down by our lack of warm clothes and the stuff we packed for our daughter. Instead of the lovely stroll we imagined under pink blossoms, we ended up scrambling to find any spot where the Sakura was in full bloom, hoping to snap some good pictures.

This unexpected twist made us think about how our journey mirrored the ups and downs of chasing your own goals. Just like guessing the weather, setting and reaching goals can be tricky and full of surprises.

But amidst our disappointment, we still found moments of joy exploring Japan's bustling cities, trying out delicious food, and soaking up its rich culture. Even though we missed our main goal, we realized the trip was about more than just ticking boxes.

It reminded us that success isn't just about hitting targets—it's about the whole journey, the lessons learned, and the memories made along the way.

Want More?

Calm has an article published that discusses how you can manage the expectation vs. reality trap with 6 practical steps/tips.

Jo-Anne Gibson reflects on the decision making process and discusses bluntly how they can go wrong but most importantly, guides the readers into taking a better approach towards making a decision in order to reach your goals.

An article from St. John’s University discusses how people define success and how we can set up short term and long term goals to achieve what we desire.

Reel of the Week

Check out our reel of the week. A critical aspect of mastering time management involves not allowing the entire day to be derailed by a couple of setbacks or unmet expectations. This behavior indicates that your life is easily swayed by external circumstances, contrary to the intention of maintaining control. It's not just about salvaging the remaining 24 hours of the day; it's about ensuring that your life is not dictated by unforeseen events. By maintaining composure and adapting to challenges without letting them hijack your entire day, you assert control over your life and foster resilience in the face of setbacks.

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The Weekly Vasl Podcast

Our episode on Does democracy in Pakistan reflect the voice of the people or the power of elite? is out now! You can watch it below! With the recent Pakistan elections of 2024 still fresh in everyone's minds, discussions have surfaced about the legitimacy of the results amidst allegations of rigging and fraud – a scenario not unfamiliar in the political landscape of many Asian countries. This prompts a deeper exploration into the effectiveness of democracy in Pakistan and beyond. My conversation with this week’s guest, Mudassir, delved into whether democracy truly serves as the best governance model for Pakistan, especially when instances arise where the will of the citizens appears to be disregarded. The prevalence of political dynasties further complicates matters, with power often remaining within the same families despite democratic processes. This leads to a broader examination of the global impact of democracy and the challenges it faces in ensuring genuine representation. We both engage in a spirited debate, exploring alternative governance systems beyond democracy and authoritarianism. The dialogue invites listeners to contribute their perspectives, offering a platform for insightful discourse on the complexities of political governance worldwide. Join in to learn and share your thoughts on this thought-provoking conversation.

We are also on Spotify, Apple, Google, and wherever you listen!

Thoughts to Leave You With

It wouldn't be logical for us to return without fully experiencing Sakura, especially considering the premium prices we paid. Enduring the cold weather during peak season, compared to the more favorable conditions of off-season or summer, adds weight to this sentiment. All the efforts made to witness Sakura in its full splendor could have been invested differently otherwise. 

Therefore, the essence of this reflection lies in the realization that it would be incongruent to label this trip a success without experiencing Sakura as intended. This serves as an anecdote to illustrate that success isn't solely about meeting or missing specific targets; rather, it involves introspection and aligning our actions with the overarching goals of our lives.e22w2aq1