View yourself as marketable product

Japanese author calls for raising self- worth

By Jin Yu-young

We currently live in a world that perceives employment as a means to secure our futures: one who has found a job and makes a steady income is seen as “successful” in the eyes of others. Japanese author Takahisa Nagai, however, challenges this notion in his book “How to Sell the Product of Me for a High Price” by claiming that it is not work that determines our fate, but rather, how much we recognize and invest in our own self-worth. The book, originally released in 2018, was recently translated into Korean by Noh Kyoung-ah.

Having worked for IBM Consulting in Japan for over 30 years, Takahisa shares personal experiences and gives readers advice on how to raise their self-worth. The book is divided into 10 parts, each explaining how a particular marketing strategy can translate to self-perception. By guiding readers through several concepts including product positioning and risk taking, the author demonstrates how readers can make the most profit by viewing themselves as marketable products.

How to Sell the Product of Me for a High Price” by Takahisa Nagai

For example, the author introduces the Sunk Cost Fallacy (continuing to invest in something because of previous investments, even when this is no longer beneficial). While many employees are dissatisfied with their current jobs, they hesitate to quit because they feel that they have put in too much effort already to start something new. They continue to allocate their energy towards an unfulfilling job rather than taking measures to find a better suited one. Takahashi urges these individuals to have the courage to move on and pursue happiness, as the longer we wait, the more reluctant we grow.

Another concept he explains is the “immersion experience,” which is when we reach optimal focus at work. This is achieved when there is a proper balance between task difficulty and ability potential. If a task is too challenging and out of our capability range, we become anxious and are more likely to give up. On the other hand, a task that is too easy will result in laziness. A job that pushes us beyond our comfort zone but is attainable within our skillset gives us the immersion experience, resulting in the best work performance. By finding work that we both enjoy and are challenged by, we are more likely to be satisfied and motivated at the workplace.

Through writing How to Sell the Product of “Me” for a High Price, Takahisa provides readers with tools to identify and leverage their strengths. He seeks to help audience members realize their worth beyond the confines of their occupations. In his final remarks, Takahisa says, “If we raise the value of our self-worth, society too will become a better place and the economy, currently suffering from recession, will revive. I hope that this book will play a small part in bringing about such a change.”

Jin Yu-young is a Korea Times intern.