About Me — John Cunningham
10Xing in Tokyo
Hello, and thank you for taking the time to read my story. I have written various introductory stories about my life. You can find one here and another one about living my Ikigai here. I live in Tokyo, Japan and have been here for the better part of 15 years. Here is my story about the last couple.
Many people thought 2020 sucked, but for me, it was transformational. 2020 was the year that everything I’d been doing and building on for most of my life came together. It is the year that I was given the opportunity of a lifetime.
It all started a year earlier when I read Grant Cardone’s The 10X Rule. Though I’d heard the concepts before of envisioning your success and shooting for the moon to land among the stars. Those were just words to me. This book had me visualizing what I wanted, and soon I was manifesting, in small batches, the successes that would get me there.
It started with being promoted to my dream job of corporate trainer and executive coach. Delivering seminars on topics such as conflict resolution, negotiations and effective presentations to people managing international teams and global projects was fantastic. I had the most satisfaction and success coaching senior managers and C suite executives. I intently listened to detailed explanations of the dilemmas these managers faced. Then, provided fresh perspectives. Helping them to rescue careers, persuade shareholders and build bridges between companies who were negotiating mega-million dollar deals.
I frequently worried about providing value to these clients as they typically paid upwards of $500 for a one-hour session. As a result, I decided to get a coach of my own. That way, I could better understand our clients’ expectations. At the end of 2019, I did just that, and by 2020 I had a clearer idea of client expectations. I also began writing regularly, intending to become a recognized subject matter expert in professional communication skills development.
Then in April 2020, COVID forced all of us to telecommute. That resulted in my working hours being reduced by 80%, and 10X took over. I initially envisioned playing the long game and developing a professional development firm over the next five to ten years. My intention was to continue work after forced retirement at 65. Instead, I began taking steps to speed up that process. Through vision, a shift in priorities, grinding on unexpected days off (working 18-hour days on more than one occasion), I accelerated my transition to just over 6 months.
Initially, to build my credibility, I wrote articles about effective communication and emotional intelligence. How to improve relationships and making virtual meetings more engaging. By the time I had 10 or so stories under my belt, I was hooked on writing.
During the summer, with some nudging from my coach, I decided to write a book. From then until now (February 2021), I have written at least one chapter every week and published those here on Medium. The response has been amazing. Now the book, the title is still under wraps, is in its editing phase. I am excited to say that it will be coming out later this year. The book shares tips and hacks I have used regularly to cope with stress, anxiety, and depression over my life. Who hasn’t experienced those things during these crazy times!?
I was forced to resign in December. Rather than be remorseful, I felt excited about the future. My coaching practice and writing career are just getting started. However, with the guidance of my coach, the advice of great writers here on Medium, and a little unbridled self-promotion, I believe, sooner rather than later, I will reach my 10X goal of living in an apartment in the sky and helping others to fulfill their 10x dreams, too.
I appreciate you taking the time to read my story and would love to connect with you. You can find me on LinkedIn, or via my website, the Effective Communicator.
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