In today's episode, we explore the ideas presented in the bestselling book, "The Courage to Be Disliked" by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga. This extraordinary book explores the psychology of Alfred Adler, who postulates that our past does not dictate our future, and our happiness and success lie in our hands.

In "The Courage to Be Disliked," the authors present Adler's theories through a conversation between a philosopher and a young man. They discuss topics like the separation of tasks, vertical and horizontal relationships, and the courage to be disliked, thereby providing us with the tools to face life's challenges boldly.

The book emphasizes that you need the courage to be disliked to stay true to your values, even when under immense societal pressure. As an athlete, criticism and judgment are part and parcel of your career. Developing the courage to continue on your path, irrespective of other's opinions, helps maintain focus and determination.

Adler's principle of the separation of tasks is invaluable. Everyone has their tasks, and it is vital to understand what tasks are yours and what belongs to others. For athletes, your task is to perform your best, make efforts to improve, take care of your fitness, and remain mentally strong. Your coach's task is to guide you, while it's the fans' or critics' task to respond to your performance.

Finally, the concept of horizontal versus vertical relationships can help an athlete foster better connections. In a horizontal relationship, people interact as equals, regardless of their roles. This can help in fostering mutual respect and better communication with coaches, teammates, and support staff.

On the next episode, we'll delve deeper into these principles and discuss practical ways to integrate them into your athletic practice. Remember, the power to change your life lies within you. It takes courage, resilience, and, at times, the ability to stand alone, but the reward of fulfilling your potential is worth the struggle.