Reflection on "What I Talk about When I talk about Running" by Haruki Murakami

 

What I talk about when I talk about Running

I recently read on the Korean version of "What I Talk about When I talk about Running" by Haruki Murakami. This was the first essay book I had picked up in years, as I usually don't finish many essay books.

People often ask me why I practice ballet as a hobby if I don't intend to become a ballerina. I believe we don't need to be professional athletes to enjoy sports as a hobby.

The author of this book, Murakami Haruki, is an avid runner. He was once a CEO with his own business in Japan and particitated in marathons across various countries. Eventually, he decided to become a writer, focusing soley on running and writing about running. He realized that maintaing his business would hinder his ability to concentrate fully on running.

Through his story, I learned that any hobby we love can teach and guide us in life. Murakami describes how he writes novels by running and keeping a running journal, illustrating the interconncectedness of his passions.

 

p.121

 

On page 121, Murakami writes about the importance of concentration and tenacity:

"The most imporant skill after talent is concentration. Without concentration, you can't achieve any goals. Here, concentration refers to the ability to focus your limited skills on the necessary area. If you know how to allocate your skills and energy to the imporant tasks, you can compensate for a lack of talent and weakness.

After concentration, tenacity is essential. Even if you can focus on your goal, if it only lasts for a week, you won't achieve long-term success.

If concentration is like holding your breath camly and steadily, tenacity is like learning how to breathe smoothly and continuously. These two abilities-concentration and tenacity-are not innate. You can develop and improve them through training. By concentraining at your desk every morning, your body will naturally absorb these abilities. It's similar to building muscle. By trying to focus every day, your body will remember that this is necessary. Gradually, you will push your limits without realizing it, thus strenthening your skills. For example, by jogging every day, your muscles will adapt and become stronger, just as runners shape thier bodies. The key is to stimulate and sustain. Again, stimulate and sustain."

 

I often lose my concentration and tenacity once I reach a goal. It's hard to regain that focus and drive. When I succeed, I revel in the moment, making it difficult to return to work. Trying to refocus is time-consuming and stressful.

However, dedicating two hours in the morning and two hours in the evening to training myself has made me stronger. I need this time back in my life to become more professional in my new career journey. I used to avoid essays thinking they were unhelpful. But after reading this book, I've learned many life lessons. Even if I fail, I will try again, just as Murakami did with his running and writing.

This book taught me how to persevere in my work, and I believe all books offer valuable life lessons. I want to continue posting daily about my knowledge of business, corporate systems, essays, and more. Writing in English also teaches me to think in two different ways.

In summary, "What I Talk about When I talk about Running" has been a source of inspiration, encouraging me to embrace concentration and tenacity in all my pursuits.