Here is a Japanese motivational quote I’d like to share:
何も咲かない寒い日は、下へ下へと根を伸ばせ。やがて大きな花が咲く。
(なにもさかないさむいひは、したへしたへねをのばせ。やがておおきなはながさく)
“On cold days when nothing blooms, extend your roots deeper and deeper. Eventually, a big flower will bloom.”
This quote comes from Japanese athlete Naoko Takahashi, who won a gold medal in the marathon at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
There are times when, in any pursuit – whether it’s learning Japanese, training for a marathon, or learning to play the guitar – progress seems invisible, which can lead to a loss of motivation and feelings of disappointment.
But the key is to keep going, even with small, seemingly insignificant steps, even if it’s just a little bit at a time.
Even the smallest effort counts! Keep growing your roots!