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Introduction

Looking back on my corporate life after retirement, I realize it was like a long river journey. Along the way, there were unexpected events and difficulties. In the midst of these, I was often overwhelmed, physically and mentally exhausted, and lamented my circumstances. Through these experiences, I came to understand the importance of going with the flow. In this article, I’ll discuss how corporate life events progress with the flow, drawing from various perspectives based on my experiences.

The Big Flow Doesn’t Change

I believe there’s always a big flow in corporate life. This flow is shaped by our values, goals, and what could be called destiny. Even if we’re caught in waves or whirlpools at times, I’ve come to believe that this big flow itself doesn’t change. The flow isn’t determined by one’s will alone, but is formed by the intertwining intentions of many people, including those around us. It’s creating the overall flow of society – our “destiny”. Our corporate lives progress along this big flow.

Surrendering to the River’s Flow

If we compare corporate life to a river’s flow, it’s like swimming downstream. The river’s flow is sometimes calm and sometimes intense. It’s never calm all the way through. Instead of trying to go against the changing flow, by surrendering to it, we can progress more easily and quickly. During my corporate days, I often felt like I was being carried along. I experienced many times that fighting against the flow was futile. This idea aligns with Eastern philosophy. For example, the Taoist concept of “wu wei” (non-action) teaches the importance of living in harmony with the natural flow without resisting it. It’s best to just go with the flow and look forward to where it takes you.

Flowing Along as You’re Carried

The phrase “being carried along” might have a negative connotation. However, surrendering to life’s big flow is not a passive attitude. Rather, it’s a wise choice to accept the laws of nature and progress through life more efficiently and peacefully. By surrendering to the flow, we free ourselves from unnecessary resistance and conflict. Then, we can focus on what’s truly important.

No Need to Lament Misfortune

In corporate life, unexpected misfortunes and setbacks can occur. However, there’s no need to lament these. This is because they are also part of the flow of corporate life, holding the potential to help us grow and lead us to new opportunities. They are challenges for our growth. I’ve had several setbacks, and I now realize those setbacks were necessary periods. As the saying goes, “You’re never given a challenge you can’t overcome.”

Even with Wrong Choices, You’ll Reach the Sea in the End

If you surrender to the river’s flow, even if you make some wrong choices along the way, you’ll eventually reach the vast ocean. In corporate life too, small failures and mistakes are unavoidable. They are not fatal. Rather, these experiences bring us valuable lessons and become opportunities to develop wiser judgment. What’s important is to learn from these experiences and accumulate knowledge and experience. You can think of these failures as experiences that shape who you are after retirement.

No Need to Regret Wrong Choices

Regretting past choices won’t turn back time. And it’s difficult to judge whether a choice was truly “wrong”. We can’t know the future. Rather, we should focus on accepting past choices and learning from them. It’s because of the experiences from our past choices that we are who we are today. I too realize that I am who I am today because of those past failures and experiences.

What Will Be, Will Be

The phrase “what will be, will be” might sometimes sound like words of resignation. However, there’s deep wisdom hidden in these words. They teach us the importance of accepting the reality that there are limits to what we can do, and we can’t control everything according to our will. Most things in this world “will be what they will be”. Rather than regretting small things, it’s better to think that the destination is the same. Let’s take it easy.

Look to the Future Rather Than Regretting the Past

It’s important to look back and reflect on the past. However, if we’re too caught up in the past, we can’t move forward. What’s important is to learn from the past while always looking towards the future. The future is full of great possibilities. It’s better to focus on maximizing those possibilities, isn’t it? Instead of being trapped by past failures and setbacks, it’s important to use them as nourishment and build a better future.

Conclusion

Living True to Yourself by Going with the Flow
Surrendering to life’s flow is not a passive way of living. Rather, it’s a proactive attitude of understanding the laws of nature and living in harmony with them while being true to yourself. We sometimes face difficulties and setbacks. However, these are also part of life’s flow, holding the potential to help us grow and lead us to new opportunities. Reaching the final destination of corporate life – the “sea”, that is, reaching retirement – is the goal, and the process of getting there is all “inevitable”. It’s important to accept these and act positively. By going with the flow, we can lead a more peaceful and fulfilling corporate life. Corporate life is long. If you surrender to the big flow and live true to yourself, the “sea” is waiting for you. Why don’t you try surrendering to the flow of corporate life and living more freely and true to yourself? Then, a retirement that suits you will be waiting.