https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/advice/7-japanese-concepts-that-can-improve-your-life/
in: Advice, Character
Brett & Kate McKay • July 18, 2023
7 Japanese Concepts That Can Improve Your Life
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Oubaitori: Avoiding Comparison to Others
The characters that spell out oubaitori represent four different trees that bloom in Japan in the spring: cherry, apricot, peach, and plum. Each tree blooms in its own way and in its own time, and each bears a distinct flower and fruit. Oubaitori as a concept grows out of this arboreal image and refers to the idea of avoiding the habit of comparing yourself to others and embracing your unique journey and timeline instead.
Theodore Roosevelt (another appreciator of Japanese culture) famously said, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” Boy, was he right. I’ve noticed that I tend to get most down in the dumps when I start measuring my success against the success of others. Whenever I start doing that, I just remind myself to practice oubaitori. The word serves as a trigger to shift my focus away from others and back to my own path.
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Hmmm, my own path? I’m not sure I have one. Or, ever had one. More like adrift on raft at sea.
Sigh!
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Posted by reinkefj 
Reinke Faces Life 