How to find and sustain passion in your craft: Insights from Ned Johnson, Dr. William Stixrud, and Jiro Dreams of Sushi

Before we get started I want to urge you all to read the book, "The self-drive child" by Ned Johnson, Dr. William Stixrud, and watch the documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi.

If you’re looking for inspiration on how to find, and sustain, passion in your craft as a coach, I highly recommend watching Jiro Dreams of Sushi . The film offers a masterclass in discipline, attention to detail, and lifelong dedication to excellence, while the book provides powerful insights into fostering autonomy, motivation, and resilience. Together, they offer both the art and science of pursuing mastery, lessons that resonate deeply for anyone striving to grow as a coach and inspire others.

Finding passion in your craft is a deeply personal journey, one that requires introspection, commitment, and often, a shift in perspective. It’s easy to get lost in the hustle of your day-to-day schedule, strategies/plans, and outcomes, but how do you reignite that deep sense of purpose that first led you to your chosen sport, field, work, etc.? And how do you keep that passion alive even when the initial excitement starts to fade?

In this post, we’ll explore how anyone can reconnect with their passion, drawing not only on insights from experts like Ned Johnson and Dr. William Stixrud but also on a powerful metaphor from the culinary world, Jiro Ono. The documentary Jiro dreams of sushi, follows Jiro Ono, a legendary sushi master, and offers a profound look at the pursuit of mastery and the relationship between passion and excellence, principles that are just as relevant in the world of athletics as they are in the kitchen.

Understanding the Role of Motivation in Coaching

Before diving into specific strategies, it’s important to understand that passion is intrinsically tied to motivation. Motivation is the driving force behind your actions, and without it, even the most rewarding career can start to feel like a routine. In the works of Johnson and Stixrud, especially their book "The Self-Driven Child", motivation is shown to stem from three core psychological needs: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. These needs aren’t just theoretical, they’re central to the way we approach life, work, and personal growth. When these needs are fulfilled, motivation becomes self-sustaining, and passion follows.

Like Jiro Ono’s unyielding drive to perfect the art of sushi, a coach must find a source of motivation that transcends external pressures. This intrinsic drive: whether it’s a passion for helping others or a deep desire to continue growing, will be your guiding force in the long run.

1. Autonomy: Discover Your Own Coaching Style

One of the key takeaways from Johnson and Stixrud’s work is the importance of autonomy, being able to make choices that align with your authentic self. When you coach in a way that resonates with your values and strengths, passion naturally emerges. This is where Jiro’s story offers an interesting parallel. Jiro Ono didn’t become a master by copying others; he cultivated his own unique style of sushi making. His approach to mastery was driven by a need to create something of his own, based on his deep understanding of ingredients and technique.

As a coach, it’s important to cultivate your own style. Don’t simply follow the latest trends or adopt someone else’s approach just because it’s popular. Ask yourself:

• What kind of coach do I want to be?

• What are my values?

• What motivates me to show up every day?

• How can I combine my unique strengths with coaching techniques that speak to my athlete’s needs?

When you lean into your own authenticity, just as Jiro leans into his craft, you’ll find your passion will flourish. This autonomy is the foundation of sustainable motivation and growth, both for you and the athletes you work with.

2. Competence: Master Your Craft and Embrace Lifelong Learning

In their book, Johnson and Stixrud highlight the importance of competence, or the sense of mastery, in fueling intrinsic motivation. The more competent you feel as a coach, the more confident and passionate you will become. But this sense of competence doesn’t come from resting on your laurels; it comes from continuous learning and reflection.

Jiro Ono’s lifelong commitment to perfecting sushi, his pursuit of mastery in every single detail, from selecting the right fish to the precision of each cut, is a powerful reminder of what it takes to achieve excellence. Even at 90 years old, Jiro spends hours perfecting his technique. His pursuit of competence is not about perfection but about constant refinement.

As a coach, mastery means committing to continuous growth:

• Seek out new learning opportunities, whether through training, colleagues, mentorship, or athlete feedback.

• Reflect on your successes and areas for improvement after every session.

• Never stop refining your craft and adding new tools to your coaching toolkit.

Like Jiro, who is never satisfied with “good enough,” allow yourself to always strive for better. This commitment to mastery will not only enhance your skill set but also reignite your passion as you witness the results of your growth in your athletes.

3. Relatedness: Build Deep Connections

Johnson and Stixrud emphasize the importance of relatedness—the sense of connection with others. Passion for coaching grows when you are able to build strong, meaningful relationships with your athletes, and colleagues. When your athletes feel understood and supported, they are more likely to stay motivated themselves, creating a mutually inspiring relationship.

Jiro’s sushi restaurant is famously known for its intimate, focused environment. The relationship between Jiro and his apprentices is built on trust, respect, and a shared dedication to mastery. Even in such a small, high-pressure space, Jiro fosters a deep sense of connectedness with his team, guiding them not just in technique but in their personal growth as sushi chefs.

As a coach, take the time to build meaningful relationships with your athletes:

• Listen attentively and be present in each conversation.

• Celebrate their progress, no matter how small.

• Create an environment where they feel comfortable being vulnerable.

These relationships, built on trust and empathy, will inspire not only your clients but also reignite your passion for coaching. When you connect deeply with someone’s journey, you feel a sense of shared purpose and fulfillment that is unmatched.

4. Focus on the Process, Not Just the Outcome

In coaching, it’s easy to get fixated on the end result like achieving a specific goal or measuring success through accomplishments/rewards. Johnson and Stixrud emphasize that a focus on the process is far more fulfilling and sustainable. Passion often fades when the only focus is the destination, rather than the small wins and breakthroughs that happen along the way.

This idea of focusing on the process is evident in Jiro’s work. For him, sushi is not just about serving a meal; it’s about constant refinement and dedication to each small step. The pursuit of perfection is endless, and Jiro finds joy not in the final sushi piece, but in the process of creating it.

As a coach, find joy in the journey:

• Celebrate the small, incremental changes in your athlete’s growth.

• Appreciate the learning that happens during the struggles and setbacks.

• Engage fully in each moment, knowing that the process is just as, if not more meaningful as the outcome.

By shifting your focus from results to the richness of the process itself, your passion for coaching will stay alive and vibrant.

5. Self-Care: Prioritize Your Mental Health

Finally, Jiro’s example also teaches us the importance of self-care. While he spends long hours perfecting his craft, he also knows that his work requires discipline, focus, and resilience. Similarly, coaches need to prioritize their own well-being to continue thriving in their roles. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so make sure to take care of your mental, emotional, and physical health.

Some ways to practice self-care include:

• Setting boundaries between work and personal life.

• Taking time for rest and reflection.

• Engaging in activities that replenish your energy and creativity.

By caring for yourself, you’ll be in a better position to show up passionately for your clients, just as Jiro’s dedication to his health and well-being fuels his ability to create exceptional sushi.

Conclusion

Finding passion as a coach is not a one-time event, it’s a continuous process of growth, reflection, and connection. By following the principles of autonomy, competence, and relatedness, as outlined by Ned Johnson and Dr. William Stixrud, and drawing inspiration from the relentless pursuit of mastery exemplified in Jiro Dreams of Sushi, you can reignite your love for coaching and stay motivated throughout your career.

Just as Jiro finds joy and meaning in the process of creating sushi, you too can find deep fulfillment in the everyday moments of coaching. It’s about dedication to the craft, genuine relationships, and a constant commitment to growth—both for yourself and for the people you serve.

What motivates you as a coach? How can you adopt Jiro's mindset of lifelong learning and passion for the process to reignite your coaching journey?