In my current life as a fortune teller and prosperity advisor, I often reflect on my past as a Ginza hostess. During those days, envy swirled constantly among my fellow hostesses, a group of seemingly glamorous women with seemingly equal qualifications. Yet, their sales performance varied greatly, sparking jealousy. ‘Why does she get it all? I’m just as beautiful!’ or ‘Why does she have a Birkin bag that I can’t afford?’ This dynamic, though perhaps to a lesser degree, can be observed in any typical workplace.
Why does this feeling of jealousy arise? It’s because the envious person feels stressed and burdened. They’re under pressure from work quotas, unreasonable demands from clients and superiors, and often carry personal challenges. There’s the weight of future anxieties, too. Even women with strong self-esteem can find themselves scrutinizing imperfections in the mirror, worrying about changes in their body, and feeling a sense of gloom. It’s easy to feel like you’re the only one struggling, while others (particularly women, as we tend to compare ourselves) seem effortlessly lucky and carefree.
But the truth is, this is a superficial interpretation, a skewed perspective. Those who shine brightly have consistently strived and challenged themselves. The envious focus on the dazzling aspects – the money, the designer goods – but overlook the effort and audacity behind it all. ‘But I work hard too!’ you might say. However, the reality is, the level of effort is often different, and the jealous party rarely takes those risks, those challenges. Recognizing this is crucial, as it’s the starting point to unlocking good fortune.
Take the Kardashian sisters, for instance. They’ve faced a barrage of criticism for their apparent lack of talent, yet Oprah Winfrey, a revered American talk show host, was struck by their work ethic during an interview. They worked tirelessly, from dawn till dusk. And then there’s David Beckham. Watching his Netflix documentary, ‘Beckham’, reveals, even with some embellishment, that his success is a testament to years of hard work and daring ventures. He practiced for hours longer than anyone else. His good looks are just one small part of the equation.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who holds the record for the most Instagram followers globally (over 600 million), is known for his unwavering commitment to fitness and his mind-blowing training regimen, earning the awe and admiration of his teammates. Among my friends and clients, including those in the entertainment industry, I’ve had the privilege of knowing many women who are often the envy of others. Those who have consistently thrived in the entertainment industry for years, without fail, have dedicated themselves to continuous effort and challenge. My close interactions with these individuals have given me valuable insights.
First, while it may seem obvious, they constantly hone their skills directly relevant to their profession. Second, they never forget to be kind and considerate towards others. And third, they always honor their commitments, be it time or money. There are numerous other details, but these three are the pillars. To sustain these three principles in the volatile entertainment industry, while seemingly simple, is incredibly demanding. Those who once rose to fame but faded into obscurity likely faltered in one or more of these aspects.
However, even more important than effort is the willingness to take risks, to challenge yourself. For an entertainer, that means auditioning. Aspiring YouTubers upload videos. Those who dream of being CEOs launch their companies. Failure is a possibility, but those who challenge themselves embrace the risks. Those who strive and challenge themselves recognize those qualities in others. Therefore, in the Ginza clubs, amidst a sea of seemingly similar women, those hostesses who dedicated themselves to effort and challenge were favored by successful clients who could discern these qualities. This principle extends beyond the entertainment and service industries, into everyday society. Those who have persevered through effort and challenges want to support and uplift those who embody the same qualities.
So, if you find yourself harboring envy towards someone, it’s time to re-evaluate the quality and quantity of your own effort. Then, dare to challenge yourself. As you persist, you’ll unlock the mechanisms of success. Transform the negative energy of jealousy into a powerful force for good fortune.
Yusetsu Fujishima, a former Ginza hostess and current fortune teller and prosperity advisor, author of “How to Become a Lucky and Beautiful Woman: A Former Ginza Hostess’ Guide” (published by Bungeishunju). Her ‘Awaken Your Love Power: Yusetsu Fujishima’s LOVE Fortune Telling’ column is featured on the TABI LABO website. Private consultations are available here.
