There’s a documentary streaming on Netflix called “Jiro Dreams of Sushi.” It’s about an 85-year-old Japanese man who is considered the best sushi chef in the world. He runs a humble restaurant at a subway station in Tokyo but has such a reputation for perfection that his place is completely booked several months out (despite costing $300 a plate). He spends several hours each day going to the market to pick the best ingredients, preparing and continually perfecting his craft. He literally dreams about sushi and jumps out of bed with ideas.
I think he’s an interesting example of someone who has tremendous passion and always strives to be just a little bit better. It’s these qualities that makes his business successful and can carry you far with many things in life.
As I was watching it, I wrote down a few quotes:
- “Once you decide on your occupation, you must immerse yourself in your work. You have to fall in love with your work. Never complain about your job. You must dedicate your life to mastering your skill. That’s the key to success and is the key to being regarded honorably.”
- “These days people wants lots of free time and lots of money. They aren’t thinking of building their skills…. I don’t care about money. All I want to do is make great sushi.”
- “I continue to climb trying to reach the top, but no one knows where the top is….Always strive to elevate your craft.”
Check out the trailer than go watch it on Netflix: