Japanese Philosophy of Oubaitori

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The Japanese Philosophy of Oubaitori:

• In Japan, four spring trees (Cherry, Plum, Peach, Apricot) bloom on different timelines, each at its own pace

• Oubaitori philosophy: Humans bloom on unique timelines just like trees - comparison is futile since everyone's growth journey is different

• Theodore Roosevelt: "Comparison is the thief of joy"

• Story illustrating the point: Friend celebrates selling his company with yacht trip, but moment deflates when someone admires an even bigger yacht nearby - "There's always going to be a bigger boat"

• Focusing on others' achievements diminishes your own

• Energy given to envy and jealousy will only make them grow and consume you

• Every ounce of energy spent obsessing over others' paths is energy you can't give to your own

• The saying "the grass is always greener on the other side" leads to convincing yourself everyone has it better

Key Takeaway: Stop comparing yourself to others. Turn inward, tend your own garden, and focus on your own growth. The grass is greener where you water it.