Why Celebrating in Advance Starts the Brain's Engine — The Science of Yoshuku

Let me examine our practice of yoshuku — celebrating in advance — from the brain's side. Honestly: "dream it and it comes true" is not supported by science; research reports that merely fantasizing about achievement can trick the brain into feeling it already has the prize, draining energy for action. Dreaming alone is a narcotic.

Is pre-celebration meaningless, then? The opposite. Studies suggest those who vividly picture the desired future and squarely face present obstacles — psychologists call it mental contrasting — act the most.

Our yoshuku takes exactly this form: we celebrate the future with companions, and by next morning we are back at the obstacle list and the blueprint. Celebration is the fuel; the blueprint is the vehicle. Dream — and look at the obstacles too. That is how pre-celebration starts the brain's engine.

What do you work for?