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Briefing Document: Teru Nakashima on Cultivating a Sense of Usefulness

Source: Excerpts from "Pasted Text" (Teru Nakashima)

Main Theme: This document outlines Teru Nakashima's approach to cultivating a "sense of usefulness," defining it as the feeling of being valuable to others and making a difference. Nakashima presents this feeling as the "fruits" of our being, contributing to abundance in our lives and the lives of those around us. He argues that this sense can be actively cultivated through specific exercises integrated into daily life.

Key Ideas & Facts:

• Sense of Usefulness as the "Fruits": Nakashima uses a "tree metaphor," stating that "the sense of usefulness represents the fruits." This emphasizes its importance as a tangible outcome of our being. It implies that a strong sense of usefulness is a desirable and attainable result of conscious effort.
• Categorization of Exercises: The document provides 10 exercises designed to foster a sense of usefulness. These exercises are systematically organized into four categories:
• Momentary & Self-driven: Focused on immediate actions initiated by the individual. Examples include:
• "Finding Contributions in the Now": Actively seeking opportunities to make small contributions in any situation.
• "3-Minute Value Offering Note": Quickly brainstorming potential value one can offer to others.
• Momentary & Other-driven: Relying on interactions and feedback from others in the moment. Examples include:
• "Gratitude Receiving Journal": Recording instances of gratitude received from others.
• "Usefulness Question": Directly asking someone how you can be helpful to them.
• "Momentary Gift": Sharing knowledge or experience with someone immediately.
• Habitual & Self-driven: Incorporating practices into one's routine to reinforce self-perceived value. Examples include:
• "Weekly Contribution Diary": Reflecting on and documenting instances of helpfulness during the week.
• "Morning Usefulness Declaration": Affirming one's intention to be useful through a specific action.
• "Regular Expertise Update": Continuously learning and expanding one's skills to increase potential value.
• Habitual & Other-driven: Seeking regular external validation and feedback on one's usefulness. Examples include:
• "Monthly Feedback Request": Regularly asking trusted individuals for feedback on one's helpfulness.
• "Gratitude Reporting Session": Sharing specific instances of helpfulness with friends or family.
• Importance of Small Actions: Nakashima emphasizes that cultivating a sense of usefulness "isn't really anything special." The exercises focus on small, manageable actions and habits that can be easily integrated into daily life. This makes the concept accessible and actionable.
• Inherent Value of Existence: Even when one loses sight of their own value, Nakashima reassures the audience that "just by existing, you are already being a light for someone." He uses the examples of a baby bringing joy simply by being born and a flower soothing hearts simply by blooming to illustrate the inherent value of existence.
• Call to Action: The document concludes with a direct call to action: "So, which exercise will you start tomorrow?" This encourages immediate implementation and emphasizes the potential for a positive cycle of abundance.

Teru Nakashima, All about Self-esteem