"Being of help to others" is the source of my energy!

In my twenties, I worked as a merchandiser for a major convenience store chain, responsible for developing new products and negotiating purchases.

"We will purchase 10 million of this product, so can you give us a 1 yen discount per unit?"
"Huh? That level of discount..."
"If that's the case, we won't do business with you anymore."

My mission was to pressure suppliers and finalize discount negotiations. I made demands without considering the other party's circumstances, leveraging the strengths of a major company, and I was promoted to manager at an unprecedented speed.

(Alright, I'm aiming for the top of the industry!)

At that time, I was working tirelessly, smoking three packs of cigarettes a day, with the goal of promotion and increasing my income. But my heart was not at ease.

The "Words of God" I read on my sickbed

After living that way for several years, in the winter of my 34th year, I contracted pneumonia and suffered greatly from high fever and difficulty breathing.
The doctor advised me to recuperate at home until I fully recovered, and one day, I picked up a few books from my desk.

These were books like 'The Spirit Messages of Christ' that I had found at a bookstore a little while ago and purchased out of interest. Spirit messages are the messages from spirits conveyed through the medium, Mr. Ryuho Okawa.

As I read, I was drawn in by truths I had never learned before, such as the "importance of love" and "the nature of the afterlife." And for some reason, tears began to flow uncontrollably.

(Ah, I feel like my heart has become lighter... I want to read more.)

Since then, I have read Mr. Okawa's works one after another and joined the local branch of Happy Science. I also began to participate in activities.

Work is about "making people happy"

At that time, the most "shocking" thing for me was the teaching I learned from the book 'Development Thinking' open_in_new (Note 1).

"Happiness does not come to those who think, 'As long as I can be happy, I don't care if I push others' happiness away.'"

It was said that wealth gathers around those who strive to enrich and make others happy, achieving wonderful work.

It was taught that making others happy is the true happiness for oneself and the path to success in work.

(I never thought about such things. I was only focused on my own achievements...)

I recalled the pained expressions and resentful gazes of the manufacturer representatives who had been forced to accept unreasonable demands in negotiations with me.

(Ah, I feel sorry for them... From now on, I will consider the other party in my work.)

I began to practice the teachings of Mr. Okawa that I learned from the books (Buddhist Law Truth (Note 2)). In business negotiations, I sought paths for mutual prosperity considering the other party's development, and in the workplace, I made it a point to speak kind words to those around me and to nurture my subordinates with care...
Gradually, work became enjoyable, and I began to feel a sense of purpose in life. Also, while thinking about "work that helps people's happiness," one day, this thought came to me.

(In our company, when opening 100 new convenience stores, 20 of them end up closing due to unprofitability, creating unhappy owners. Is there any way to change this...?)

So I set out to solve the problem and developed a "sales forecasting system" that could estimate customer attraction rates and profit margins based on store location conditions. As a result, the bankruptcy rate of new stores significantly decreased, bringing joy to many employees and owners, while also contributing to our company's performance.

(If I practice Buddhist Law Truth, many people will become happy, and companies will also develop—)

Note 1: 'Development Thinking' - Infinite Wealth to You - (by Ryuho Okawa, published by Happy Science) open_in_new
Note 2: Universal truths that guide humanity beyond time and region. The teachings of Happy Science as expounded by President Okawa.

To be of help throughout my life

My encounter with President Okawa's teachings completely changed my views on life and work by 180 degrees. In the book 'Winning Thinking' open_in_new (Note 3),

"It is recommended to plan your life assuming you will live to 120 years old."

Until then, I had only thought about promotion within the company, but "being of help throughout my life" became my life goal, and I wanted to devote myself to spreading this teaching to others.

However, as an employee, there were restrictions on my ability to engage in outreach activities, and I also had a desire to gain new experiences, so I decided to become independent. At 41, I became a convenience store owner. My life of running a store while doing outreach in the community began.

Additionally, I participated in Happy Science's training sessions at the temple (Note 4) once a month.

During these sessions, I received numerous inspirations regarding management, and I began to see the work I should challenge next. It was work related to "logistics."

(Currently, all companies are struggling with "increasing logistics costs." If I can solve this, many companies could develop further...)

For example, convenience stores are small, so products are delivered in small quantities multiple times a day, which places a significant burden on the manufacturers who pay for the shipping costs. Several manufacturers can reduce their payment amounts by jointly chartering trucks for "joint delivery," but there are still relatively few people coordinating this work compared to the demand. As I continued the temple training with this awareness of the problem, I gradually began to receive clearer inspirations.

"If we change the old methods and practices in the logistics industry, it will benefit many people. There are also business opportunities there—"

(Indeed, my next stage in life is "logistics." There must be a mission here.)

Having grasped this conviction, I put an end to my nine years of running a convenience store and began a new job search at the age of 50.

Note 3: 'Winning Thinking' - There is no defeat in life. - (by Ryuho Okawa, published by Happy Science) open_in_new
Note 4: The temple refers to the training and worship facility of Happy Science.

Started a business at sixty and doubled my income

Soon, a path opened up, and I was welcomed as the sales manager at a logistics company.

There, I developed a business model that could significantly reduce logistics costs. I grew it into a 300 million yen scale business. This became a turning point, and next, I was in charge of a new logistics business at a major general trading company. Over eight years, I was able to expand the business to over 2.2 billion yen.

(There is still a demand for this work. After 60, I will go independent.)

President Okawa teaches many principles for leading a "lifetime active life" aimed at the senior generation. Using these teachings as a guide, I continued to study for entrepreneurship, honing my analytical and presentation skills. Additionally, to maintain my health, I made it a daily routine to walk over 8,000 steps.

"Mr. S, your salary will be halved, but would you stay with the company until you are 65?"

The HR department said this, but I retired at 60 to realize my "senior entrepreneurship" and started a logistics consulting company the very next day. It was the beginning of a new life.

My job is to analyze the flow of goods for client companies and propose more cost-effective and efficient logistics systems.

And the sales work of developing client companies is handled by young partner companies with passion and skill. Thanks to such good connections, our performance has been steadily improving. My income has doubled since my time as a company employee.

President Okawa recommends in 'Ageless Success Method' open_in_new to become friends with young people, and I too am receiving a lot of stimulation and learning while working with young individuals. Thanks to this, I still feel like I am around 40 years old every day.

Since encountering the Science of Happiness, I have been able to walk the path to happiness with the guidance of deities at the crossroads of my life. I want to continue to devote myself to the mission of spreading the truth of Buddhism and work without being bound by age, and to lead a life of service.

(Repeatedly reading while marking, Mr. S's 'Development Thinking')

(Mr. S giving a speech at a training session for temple management. He shares how he has successfully practiced President Okawa's teachings and supports those wishing to start a business.)

Would you like to learn the power of the mind and turn your fate around?

How to Increase Passion open_in_new

Currently being disclosed at nearby temples and branches of the Science of Happiness.

Since its broadcast began in 1991, the radio program 'Angel's Morning Call' open_in_new has continued to be loved by many listeners.

How to Live a Life That Doesn't Lose open_in_new

Feel free to consult at your nearest branch.

Find a nearby branch or temple open_in_new

You too can start a happy story.

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