The Effective Unicorn

I may not be a baseball fan (and technically, I should root for the Angels), but the buzz around Shohei Ohtani here in Southern California is hard to miss, especially last week when the Dodgers won the World Series. Known as a “unicorn” in baseball, Ohtani is praised as one of the best players ever given how he excels as both a pitcher and hitter.

But what’s his secret? Part of his success can be credited to a lesser-known self-development framework called The Harada Method. Here’s how it works and why it might just be a game-changer for us to implement.

THE THEORY

The Harada Method is a goal-setting system that helps you focus on one meaningful, long-term goal (your “North Star”). It was created by Japanese educator Takashi Harada, and it was initially used to motivate struggling students to become top athletes. The method’s backbone is the 64-Chart, which breaks down your main goal into eight supporting areas, each with specific, actionable steps. This approach emphasizes "self-reliance" as a central topic and helps you build daily routines to stay focused on your vision

Visualization and structure are essential to this method. By crafting a plan that combines large aspirations with small, daily actions, we keep the goal alive and manageable. For Ohtani, his 64-Chart included not only athletic training but also supportive habits like regular reading and maintaining a clean environment. These tasks helped build discipline and mental clarity. This approach makes the Harada Method adaptable for personal and professional growth. [Side note: Want to take a peek at Shohei Otani's 64-chart when he was in high school? Here it is and it is re-mar-ka-ble (to say the least).]

Unlike traditional methods like SMART goals or Kaizen, the Harada Method balances focus with depth. While SMART goals concentrate on measurable, short-term objectives, the Harada Method works on one long-term goal with smaller, practical steps to support it. Similarly, while Kaizen emphasizes gradual improvement, the Harada Method encourages a singular, life-shaping focus, with self-reflection and visualization helping to build resilience and motivation over time.

MY PERSONAL THOUGHTS

The Harada Method's long-term planning is inspiring, yet challenging. In today’s fast-paced world, sticking to a single, large goal can feel limiting. Experts suggest that the unpredictable nature of life can make strict goals feel too rigid, as new opportunities may go unnoticed if we hold ourselves too tightly to an initial plan. So, my personal thought (and caution) is that it’s wise to set goals, but that we also need to remain flexible.

This method resembles my “Big Rocks to Projects to Tasks” approach in my course. However, it's much more detailed, with an emphasis on one “ultimate” goal, supported by a visual map and clear paths. This method encourages us to pursue one larger vision but leaves room to adjust. When re-evaluating a goal, I recommend talking with a trusted mentor. This can prevent making poor decisions, like abandoning goals just because they are hard and ensuring our actions are strategic.

HOW TO PUT THIS INTO PRACTICE

1. Assess Your Self-Reliance: Answer these 36 questions to identify how self-reliant you are (here). This will help you establish a baseline and identify areas for growth.

2. Choose Your Main Goal: Reflect on your values and motivations, then select one long-term goal that excites you. It can be career or personal-related. [You can even pick a "unicorn"-style goal like Ohtani did].

3. Create Your 64-Chart: Place your goal at the center of a 64-Chart. Around it, identify eight supporting areas (e.g. health, learning). For each of these areas, list eight actionable tasks (e.g. under “Health,” you might list “15 minutes of stretching”).

4. Develop Daily Routines: Establish routines that support your tasks. This could include morning workouts or journaling. Each habit should feel achievable.

5. Monitor Your Progress Daily: Keep a journal to track your daily progress and adjust as needed. Reflecting each day helps clarify what’s working and where you may need to pivot.

6. Revisit and Revise Regularly: Refine your 64-Chart once a month. Life changes, and your plan can too. This flexibility keeps the method relevant and helps you stay on track.

7. Get support: Share your goals with a mentor. Discuss your progress and any potential changes with someone you trust, as this can help you stay grounded and intentional.

Shohei Ohtani is often called a “unicorn” for his unique skills and success. Perhaps what makes him truly unique is the dedication he applied to reaching his goals. By following this framework, you too can bring your own unicorn-level goal to life.

Dodgerly,

Jorge Luis Pando