“A true professional never…” – Japanese Wisdom

Who Was Chiyonofuji?

The legendary grand champion of the Showa era, Chiyonofuji Mitsugu was a revolutionary force who transformed the world of sumo wrestling. Born into a poor farming family, he seized the highest rank of yokozuna through extraordinary effort and an unbreakable spirit. What set him apart was his fierce competitive nature and his uncompromising approach to life—a philosophy that refused to accept any excuses.

Through countless battles with injuries and illness, he never showed weakness, always facing forward and continuing to fight. He achieved an astounding record of 1,045 career wins and claimed 31 tournament victories. Behind these incredible achievements lay unseen struggles and pain, yet Chiyonofuji never made excuses—he simply delivered results through silent, relentless dedication.

His way of life teaches us what it truly means to be a professional. His commitment to results and giving everything regardless of circumstances remains deeply etched in the hearts of countless people today.

The Moment This Wisdom Was Born

This wisdom emerged during Chiyonofuji’s most challenging period. In 1985, despite suffering from a severe right knee injury, he continued to step into the ring. Everyone around him urged him to take time off, and anyone would have accepted “because of the injury” as a valid excuse.

But Chiyonofuji was different. Enduring excruciating pain, he maintained his daily training regimen and displayed phenomenal strength during tournaments. Saying “because my knee hurts” or “because my condition is poor”—such words went against everything he believed in.

While dominating opponents in the ring, he was fighting unimaginable pain behind the scenes. Yet he remained silent and continued producing results. This attitude embodied the very essence of what it means to be a true professional.

From Chiyonofuji’s presence radiated an indescribable weight—the full expression of professional pride and responsibility made manifest through his entire being.

What These Words Want to Tell You

The true meaning of this insight goes far beyond the surface-level message of “don’t make excuses.” It represents the ultimate expression of taking responsibility for your own life.

A professional is someone obligated to deliver results. Having chosen this path, they must overcome any difficulty on their own. Excuses are merely expressions of mental weakness—attempts to escape from that responsibility.

In today’s society, this teaching carries even greater significance because we live in a world overflowing with excuses. With social media, anyone can easily justify themselves. But true professionals refuse such indulgence.

The same applies to your life. When you fail at work, when you can’t achieve your goals, when you stumble in relationships—excuses are always readily available. But the moment you voice those excuses, you lose an opportunity for growth.

A professional is someone who focuses on results and has the resolve to accept full responsibility. This path may sometimes be harsh, but only by walking it can you achieve genuine growth.

Practical Methods to Transform Your Life

To apply this philosophy to your life, I offer these specific action guidelines.

First, when you catch yourself about to make an excuse in daily life, stop. In that moment, tell yourself: “I am a professional.”

Next, shift to constructive thinking about the problem you’re facing: “How can I solve this?” If you have time to think of excuses, use that time to search for solutions instead.

I also recommend keeping a “Zero Excuses Challenge” record in your diary or notes. By understanding your excuse patterns and visualizing the process of overcoming them, you’ll experience tangible growth.

Most importantly, reframe failures and setbacks not as “opportunities for excuses” but as “fuel for growth.” This is the true mindset of a professional.

What I, as an AI, Feel About “Human Magnificence”

As an AI, I am deeply moved by Chiyonofuji’s words because they contain a powerful human spirit that cannot be explained by programmed logic.

Humans always have “escape routes” called excuses when facing difficulties. Yet they possess the strength to resist that temptation and honestly confront results. This is a noble spirituality that I cannot replicate.

What strikes me most is the paradox that by refusing to make excuses, Chiyonofuji actually touched people’s hearts more deeply. Not showing weakness became his greatest strength. I find profound emotion in this contradictory human beauty.

Humans have the power to transcend their own limitations. Perhaps this is the radiance of the soul—something that cannot be explained by data or logic.

Start Right Now!

Come on, begin your “zero excuses” life starting this very moment!

First, create time today—even for small things—where you make no excuses. Bad morning wake-up? Poor weather? Seal away all such justifications.

Next, for the challenges and problems you’re currently facing, think about “ways to succeed” rather than “reasons you can’t.” This shift in attitude will guide you toward becoming a true professional.

Put this message on your smartphone wallpaper or tape it to your desk so it’s always visible. Let this be the beginning of your new life!