“継続は力なり” (Keizoku wa chikara nari).
Japanese Proverb
I’ve quoted this many times.
And for good reason.
It’s one of the simplest—and most powerful—truths you’ll ever hear.
“継続は力なり”
Keizoku wa chikara nari
“Continuance (Perseverance) is Power.”
This Japanese proverb reminds us that greatness isn’t built in a day.
It also teaches us that it is the journey that is important and not necessarily the destination.
By putting the correct systems in place that enforce discipline, execution, and continuous improvement, we learn to enjoy the journey itself.
That is where the magic happens.
Success isn’t a spark. It’s a slow-burning flame—fed by daily effort, discipline, and unwavering commitment.
Grand Gestures Don’t Build Legacies
In the age of instant gratification, it’s easy to believe success should be fast.
That we should see results immediately.
It’s natural for us to think that it doesn’t work quickly, so we must be doing something wrong.
That is what social media teaches us.
But that mindset is the enemy of excellence.
Real growth is quiet.
Real strength is forged in repetition.
Real discipline is choosing consistency over comfort.
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.”
Will Durant, interpreting Aristotle
In each one of my newsletters, I warn my readers to research what they are reading. Do not trust my words or other writers’ words blindly.
I had a boss many years ago who always said, “Say what you do, do what you say.” It is a simple phrase that represents the idea that words become powerful if followed by execution.
Small Wins Compound
The power of “keizoku” lies in what we often overlook—showing up daily even when we don’t feel like it.
We have all had days when we do not want to do the work.
We have to remind ourselves that there is no get-rich-quick potion, or a pill that will help you lose weight overnight.
- One workout won’t change your body.
- One book won’t change your mindset.
- One act of love won’t define your relationship.
We have to make a choice.
We have to make the choice to return each day, to build momentum instead of waiting for motivation— that’s how small wins become massive transformations.
Persistence turns daily actions into lifelong habits.
My success in Japan did not happen overnight.
It only came after many years of focus, failure, learning from failure, and the discipline to make success my reality.
Discipline Over Feelings
Feelings come and go.
Motivation is one of those feelings.
Earlier in my career, I thought it was all about motivation.
If I could find my motivation, everything would work out.
I read books.
I watched YouTube videos.
I even saw therapists in search of consistent motivation.
None of that worked because motivation is an emotion you cannot depend on.
Motivation is not the holy grail; discipline is.
Focus on discipline.
Discipline doesn’t care how you feel.
We cannot wait to feel ready.
We cannot depend on motivation.
We have to make the decision, honor the commitment, and get to work.
When life gets hard, when the pressure builds, when the results stall—we have to keep going.
That’s what separates the average from the extraordinary.
Obstacle or Opportunity?
Every challenge is a test:
- Will you quit when things get tough?
- Or will you adapt, persist, and rise stronger?
I am always amazed at how people give up, not knowing that success would have been right around the next corner had they run that extra mile, overcome that last obstacle in front of them, or knocked on the door of the next customer on their list.
Keizoku wa chikara nari teaches us that perseverance turns pain into purpose.
We don’t just survive hardship—we grow through it.
The obstacle becomes the path.
The resistance becomes your training ground.
The setbacks become the story you’ll later tell with pride.
Many years ago in Japan, I applied for a job I knew I was perfect for. I went through a typical Japanese recruiting agency. The response came back that “I was not the candidate they were looking for.”
This did not make sense. I could have given up, but instead, I decided to buck the system and try to contact the hiring manager directly.
It was the right move.
That one decision turned into a successful sixteen-year career.
That one decision.
That one obstacle I decided to face instead of giving up lead to:
- Meeting my wife
- Having two wonderful boys
- A beautiful home in Japan
- Friends who I am still in close contact today
- Travel across Asia Pacific
- A long list of invaluable life experiences
The Day Warrior Way
We don’t chase perfection.
We don’t wait for ideal conditions.
We don’t fake progress with noise and activity.
We pursue excellence through deliberate, disciplined, daily effort.
- One step forward.
- One task completed.
- One more reason to be better today than yesterday.
Reflecting on my Japan experiences, I realize that there were many opportunities where the first answer was no, but I pushed through when others would have given up.
The first time I applied to be a Japanese university exchange student, I was told no by my professor, but I continued to push until the answer was yes.
When I applied for jobs in Japan, everyone told me I was crazy. I pushed through until I was successful.
When I had trouble with my visa and thought I might have to leave Japan, many people said I was done for. Instead of giving up, I bore down and found a successful path forward.
Finally, in the example above, when the recruiter told me it would be impossible, I saw an opportunity. I found a successful path forward.
Day Warrior Call to Action
What is one thing you can start today to head down the path of becoming a better version of yourself?
Not to say that you are not great today, but there is always room for continuous improvement.
- Pick one thing to commit to for the next 30 days.
- Track your progress daily. Keep it simple—show up.
- Ignore the results for now. Focus on consistency.
- Remember: You are building something that can’t be taken away.
The world doesn’t reward those who start fast. It rewards those who refuse to stop.
The Day Warrior
継続は力なり
Stay disciplined.
Stay focused.
Keep going.
Become unstoppable—one day at a time.
The Day Warrior
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“Never blindly accept what you read online. Always challenge it with an open and critical mind.”
The Day Warrior
