01/15/2026
What the Most Successful People Have in Common: Why Those Who Have It All Invest in Health Next
By Haruko Stanton
May 15, 2025( Jan 15、2026 Translate from Japanese to English)
Imagine someone who has the luxury of inviting a personal trainer to their home on a weekday afternoon, with a dedicated space just for exercise. Even in Japan, such people exist. For nearly 20 years, I have provided in-home personal training services across the country.
My Very First Client
She owned an entire building in the heart of Omotesando. We exercised together in her private residence on the top floor. I remember how happy she looked, sweating through the workout and admiring the new muscle definition in her arms. Seeing her joy made me happy, too.
Another client, a female CEO, once told me:
"Oh, you're young, but you're not just 'thin.' You have real muscle. If you were just skinny, I was going to turn you away."
At another home, a Porsche and a Tesla—one of only three in Japan at the time—sat side-by-side in the garage. The client was a woman who wanted to get healthy for the sake of her children; her husband was a successful investor.
The "Why" Behind the Vitality
They all wanted one thing: vitality. But I believe the "why" behind that desire is what truly matters.
Over the years, I have stepped into the homes of business moguls, university professors' spouses, investors' partners, doctors, corporate directors, and famous actresses. The moment I enter a home, a customized program flashes through my mind—whether it's strength training, yoga, or breathwork.
For one client, my program involved visiting early in the morning just to sit together on the engawa (veranda). I would teach the proper sitting posture and occasionally offer gentle manual corrections.
He once told me, "Because you came this morning and we sat together, I was able to be kind to my employees all day. Thank you."
These people seek vitality because they know that protecting what they love—their employees and their families—requires physical and mental stamina. At their core, they have a desperate, driving need to be well.
The Ultimate Investment
Those who have acquired wealth, status, and authority eventually turn their investment toward health.
Unfortunately, true health cannot be bought simply by taking supplements, going to spas, or getting stem cell injections. You have to move your own body. Those who have everything understand that they must personally invest their effort into their well-being.
In their busy lives, this is no easy feat. I believe they are able to commit to this investment because, at the foundation of it all, there is love.
Until next time,
Haru
