Source https://zenhabits.net/task-devotion/
By Leo Babauta
There is a coffee shop here in Tokyo (where I’m visiting this week), Bear Pond Espresso, that has been called the best coffee shop in the world. The owner and barista, Katsu Tanaka, is a master of his craft.
Tanaka-san only serves his world-famous espresso for two hours a day. When asked why, he said it’s because he tries to get every shot perfect and consistent, and it takes about three minutes of incredible concentration to make a single shot:
“My espresso is me. Imagine if you’re standing at the edge of a cliff, the Grand Canyon. You’re at the edge, right? If you have one mistake, you’re going to drop to the bottom … my focus is really 20 shots maximum at a time.”
Can you imagine giving something your full focus, so that it is like standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon? That is a devotion most of us very rarely give ourselves to.
On this Japan trip, as with all others, I’ve been in full admiration of Japanese people who have mastered their craft.
Whether the craft is making sushi, traditional swords, arranging flowers, making coffee, meditating or learning a martial art … there are Japanese people who have devoted their entire lives to perfecting their art.
When I watch one of these masters, I am amazed: they will do the same task over and ov…