What Is Ichigo Ichie? (And How to Practice It as a Solopreneur)
“For this time only, once in a lifetime.” or Ichigo Ichie is a 4-character Japanese idiom and cultural concept that teaches us to treasure the unrepeatable nature of a moment. Everything happens for a reason, every moment has to be treasured and made most of, and every opportunity must be seized.
In the journey of a solopreneur, there will be a lot of successes as well as disappointments. Opportunities will show up and times of idleness happen. The concept of Ichigo Ichie teaches you how to be mentally, emotionally, and spiritually prepared so that your business can thrive. Here are some of its main principles.
1. Live in the present and make it matter
Dwelling in the past gives the rise of regret. Thinking too much of the future makes you anxious. You can’t change financial losses nor guarantee a large profit. Instead, do what you do best now. Plan for the future, and when the future comes, let it decide for itself.
2. Free yourself from the irrelevant
Stop stressing yourself of what you should’ve done to earn those desire figures or what should’ve been if you did this and that. Those things don’t matter now. Let go of your distractions, the toxic relationships in your personal life, and the business partners that do nothing but take advantage of your kindness and bring you down.
3. Let go of expectations
Like I said, thinking too much of the future causes anxiety. It is good to have business plans but it is bad to set expectations. The future is unknown and fate is fluid. A failed expectation causes disappointments and disappointments cause a bad mental state. Your business will not survive if you foster a negative mindset.
4. Find a reason for every occurrence
A successful business approach or deal is a sign of a good choice to be repeated. Failure is a lesson that something is not to be performed again. You just have to find the reason and apply the correct mindset for your business to grow.
5. Treasure every moment and relationship as if it was your last
YOLO as we call it. Every moment of your life as a solopreneur is a gift and being alive to serve your customers and earn money is a gift. Disappointment is temporary. A mistake will fade away like smoke in the wind. Value the business partners and customers who are loyal and help you rise like they were your own family. In return, they will do the same for you.
6. Use your 5 senses and appreciate the world around
Be mindful of your surroundings. Stop to look, listen, feel, smell, and taste around. There are inspirations and answers for every business problem lying somewhere waiting to be discovered. Some might signal you to pursue, others for you to avoid.
7. Detach from the digital world
Social media is one way to boost your popularity, but that is just surface level. A majority of people like your own customers would prefer direct approaches or public exposures as a way to get close and know what your values are.
8. Respect everyone and be compassionate
Every person has their own upsides and downsides. Some are polite and others are rude. Either way, understand and treat them politely with care and kindness even if you expect not to see them again. They might see a kindred soul or a professional stature in you and would likely return to do business again (this time in a much more respectful manner).
To make most of everything in business is something that a solopreneur should do. Don’t get stuck in the past and stress about the future. Treat everyone with respect but be careful who you’re dealing with. Look around and appreciate your surroundings. Live in the present and do your best as if there was no tomorrow. Also, remember to rest!