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When dealing with daily challenges and tasks, it is helpful be perceptive, and to think ahead. In Japan there is an old saying which relates to this: 鑿と言いえば槌 (NOMI TO IE-BA TSUCHI). 鑿/NOMI = chisel, 言いえば/IE-BA = if asked or told, and 槌/TSUCHI = mallet/hammer. As can be seen from the combined meanings of the KANJI (漢字) characters, if you are asked to bring a chisel to help with a building project, it would also be a good idea to bring along a mallet, since those tools must be used together. The importance of being thoughtful and prepared, is made clear by this simple and pithy Japanese proverb.

written by Goodfield