Lessons from a Ninja

I spent time with my some of my most favorite people this week.

They are people that inspire me beyond words, make me hurt from laughter, make me cry happy tears, and exhaust me more than I ever thought possible. You probably won’t be surprised when I tell you that they are ages 7, 5 and 4. Excuse me, 4 and a half.

One of the fun-to-behold things about these kiddos is their love of dressing in costumes…to the tune of multiple outfit changes a day.

We had been playing outside when the two youngest disappeared. A little while later I went inside and they were seated at the kitchen table drawing. Seeing that they had changed clothes I exclaimed, “Oh my, what are you?”

With an exasperated tone they replied, “Can’t you see?”

“Kitty-cat-ballerina-super-hero” (Discarded was her “I was born to sparkle” t-shirt.) Truly, I had no reason to ask because the pink sequined kitty-cat ears, pink ballet leotard and tutu were a dead give-away. The pink wonder-woman wrist bands threw me off. Captain America was a bit more straightforward.

Why am I telling you this? Trust me, there is a connection to your business AND your life…

Before this latest costume exchange with the little ones in our family I had just read an article about Japanese Ninjas. With a very specific all-black “costume” they were stealth fighters of the 15th and 16th centuries.

There is a renewed adult interest in the history of ninjas, given the commercial success of ninja kids movies. In Japan, ninja culture is a revered tradition and it is being aggressively promoted as Tokyo prepares to host the 2020 Summer Olympics.

What struck me in the article was this comment by the Japanese ninja “master,”

“There is much wisdom to learn from the ninja – they have skills to survive any situation. This is so important in life, to adapt to your situation, survive, and have success.”

So, so true. And his quote begs the questions:

• Where are YOU on this spectrum?
• Are you seeing your reality clearly?
• Are you adapting?
• Do you know what you need in order to adapt?

“Surviving” for most of us today means feeling like we are barely hanging on. Often, we need an adjusted perspective, a new way of seeing and thinking.

Adapting is imperative. Sometimes constantly adjusting is in order. Survive. Grow. Flourish. Thrive.

And when you can do this with decency and grace, keeping a sense of humor and not pulling everyone around you into a drama fest ….What else is there?

So grab your Wonder Woman wrist bands or your Captain America shield and consider where you need to adapt. Pink sequined kitty-cat ears and tutu optional.

Look forward to hearing your thoughts in the comments below…