From a young age, my mom would tell me that I am so one-track mind when my mind is set on something. Sometimes I would be focused on unnecessary issues or mistakes, and I would get affected negatively. On the other hand, when I focused on positive goals, I would often achieve them or go very far towards my goals. Over time, I learned to improve from my mistakes and accept my imperfection. When I was young this was very difficult for me, but I have greatly improved since then.
Thus, I have learned to better myself from my mistakes and accept my imperfection, and place intense focus on my positive goals. Since I was a little kid, I would dream away with goals I want to achieve and work at it constantly. Today, the same goes for my goals for Hawaii and the United States and my efforts in my campaign for political offices. I am so obsessed with my goals that I can’t stop thinking about them and working towards them. I am relentless, especially when the odds are against me. I like to take on overwhelming odds. It is stressful but exciting like a natural high.
Life is full of challenges. Sometimes, we can feel burnt out or even depressed. Don’t let the negativity take you down. My mom always told me since I was a kid, “Look at a half a glass of water as half full rather than half empty.” Below are statements I say or what other people say that inspire me and keep me going strong. I hope some of these quotes will help you when you are going through some challenging times.
“Let’s take it to the next level!” – Jon Riki Karamatsu
“Life life to the fullest!” – Jon Riki Karamatsu
“We can overcome negativity with positivity.” – Jon Riki Karamatsu
“When a majority of us are at peace, a majority of the world will be at peace.” – Jon Riki Karamatsu
“I don’t believe in no-win scenarios.” – James T. Kirk
“Let’s make the impossible possible.” – Jon Riki Karamatsu
“The longer we live, the more we can do.” – Brandon R. Mitsuda
“We get knocked down, but we get back up again” – Jon Riki Karamatsu
“We can come back a thousandfold stronger and nothing will stop us.” – Jon Riki Karamatsu
“Boys til we die!” – Jon Riki Karamatsu (I say this to my loyal boys)
“Not even death will stop us.” – Jon Riki Karamatsu (When we leave a positive impact while we are alive, we live on after death)
“We must keep death in mind at all times.” – Jon Riki Karamatsu (When you keep death in mind at all times, you appreciate life and make the most of it)
“We’re 24-7!” – Brandon R. Mitsuda
“I wish we didn’t have to sleep. Imagine how much more we could do?” – Brandon R. Mitsuda
“When our enemies are sleeping, we are still working.” – Brandon R. Mitsuda
“Taaarrific!” – Late Grandpa Tadao Sakai
“Study hard and Hollywood will beckon you.” – Late Grandpa Maurice Karamatsu (The last words grandpa Karamatsu told me.)
“Where there is a will, there is a way.” – Laraine E. Karamatsu (My mom always told me this since I was a kid)
“Do it once and do it well.” – Richard E. Karamatsu (My dad would always yell at me when I was young. I still mess up the first time. I learn from my mistakes and improve myself.)
“Jon, don’t forget your dreams.” – Late Representative Bob Nakasone (The last words Rep. Bob Nakasone told me)
“Always forgive.” – Speaker of the House Calvin K.Y. Say
JON RIKI KARAMATSU 