When thinking of famous Japanese figures, baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani is one of the first names that comes to mind. Have you ever wondered how he became such an extraordinary player or what his student life was like?
At the age of 17, Ohtani created a “Mandala Chart,” a goal-setting sheet that has become well-known in Japan.
Here is the original chart in Japanese.
Also, you can view an English translation on this website.
It has also been featured in the U.S., such as in The Wall Street Journal article titled “How Shohei Ohtani Visualized His Baseball Success.”
What is the Mandala Chart?
The Mandala Chart is a method for organizing and visualizing your goals. Here’s how it works:
- Write your primary goal in the center square.
- Surround the central square with eight smaller squares, listing the key elements required to achieve your goal.
- Transfer each of these elements to the center of a new 3×3 grid.
- Fill in the surrounding squares of each new grid with specific actions or strategies to accomplish those elements.
Ohtani’s main goal at the time was to be selected first in the NPB draft, with eight teams competing to draft him. The key elements he identified for achieving this goal were:
- Building physical strength
- Refining agility
- Improving control
- Achieving a pitching speed of 160 km/h
- Developing breaking pitches
- Enhancing luck
- Cultivating character
- Strengthening mental toughness
A Holistic Approach to Excellence
What struck me most was that Ohtani included not only baseball-related elements but also “luck” and “character” as essential factors. Even at the age of 17, he understood that luck could be influenced by his actions and that developing strong character was vital for success.
While many of us might think of Ohtani as someone naturally blessed with physical talent and ability, it’s clear that his accomplishments are also rooted in consistent effort and thoughtful planning.
The Effort Behind the Talent
According to Japanese media, Ohtani wasn’t always physically strong. Before entering high school, he was quite slender and had a small appetite. Yet, he consistently asked himself, “What can I do to become a better baseball player?” and never stopped working toward improvement.
Through tireless dedication to his growth, Ohtani has become the exceptional player we know today.
Inspired by Ohtani
Seeing Ohtani’s Mandala Chart inspired me to create my own. There is so much to learn from his example. It’s a reminder that daily effort is a crucial element for achieving success.
Ohtani’s story teaches us that greatness isn’t just about talent but about the persistence and determination to grow every single day. Why not try creating your own Mandala Chart and see how it shapes your path to success?