Chapter 1: The Parallel Between Life and Business

Recently, I've had a revelation: life resembles business in many ways. However, it's not just any business; it's akin to discovering a vibrant, untouched blue ocean. This concept, which is part of the Blue Ocean Strategy, struck me during a train ride. I thought, “Could this strategic approach apply to living life as well?”

In that instant, clarity emerged, and I pondered whether we could navigate life with a strategic mindset.

Take my friend Misaki as an example. She’s employed at a highly esteemed firm but constantly feels drained from excessive overtime, often lamenting, “I can’t take it anymore…” This scenario exemplifies a Red Ocean—a battleground filled with cutthroat competition where everyone is vying for limited resources.

One evening, over drinks, I inquired, “What’s your Blue Ocean in life, Misaki?” She gave me a puzzled look and responded, “Is that some new fragrance?”

That’s when I got enthusiastic and started to elaborate. “The Blue Ocean Strategy focuses on carving out a new market space devoid of competition. It encourages us to escape the intense rivalry of the Red Ocean and uncover a blue ocean that has yet to be discovered.”

Misaki blinked, intrigued, and said, “That’s interesting.”

Then, an enlightening moment occurred. She began sharing her recent passion for yoga. “For me, it’s like a blue ocean. I escape work-related stress, my body becomes more agile, and my heart feels lighter.”

Suddenly, it clicked for me. That’s precisely what a life Blue Ocean is—a unique space tailored to you, where you find joy and can also contribute positively to others.

From that point, I embarked on a quest to help everyone identify their personal “life Blue Ocean.” Like my cantankerous elderly neighbor, who turns out to be a fantastic pickler of nukazuke. When I suggested, “Granny, I want my colleagues to sample these pickles!” her face brightened up. Now, her pickles have become a sensation in my workplace, revealing a new blue ocean in her life.

Yet, discovering your life’s Blue Ocean isn’t as simple as it seems. We’re inundated with societal “shoulds” that represent those Red Oceans, like attending a prestigious university, landing a good job, or getting married.

I believe that our unique Blue Ocean lies just beyond those societal expectations. For me, perhaps my Blue Ocean is crafting these unconventional essays while working as a strategy consultant. I incorporate business concepts while striving to remain approachable. This slightly quirky mode of expression feels refreshing to me.

If someone happens to notice my Blue Ocean and thinks, “Maybe I should seek out my own,” that would bring me immense joy.

So, let’s embark on this journey together—the thrilling adventure of identifying our life’s Blue Ocean Strategy!

First, take a deep dive into your heart. Then, muster the courage to explore something distinct from the norm. I’m confident that a blue ocean, unseen by anyone else, awaits you. And as you navigate that sea, you’ll shine brilliantly.

So, what do you think? Are you ready to discover your life’s Blue Ocean alongside me?