Ganbatte (gan-ba-tay) is a Japanese philosophy focused on doing the best you can with what you have. Though there is no direct translation, "Keep Going," and "Give it your all," embody the sentiments behind the word. Just as
wabi sabi shows the beauty of imperfection in life,
ganbatte teaches you how to get past obstacles and be motivated to keep moving forward.
In
Ganbatte! author Albert Liebermann provides an inspirational, yet practical guide to becoming more resilient the Japanese way. In 50 short chapters, some deeper and some more playful, Liebermann guides you through ways you can adopt the
ganbatte approach to achieve a happier, more fulfilling life-and a happier, more fulfilled self.
These include:
- Separating "difficult" from "impossible"
- Making use of failure
- Cultivating patience
- Working mindfully with a sense of awareness
- Continually improving
- Practicing meditation
- Pushing through a crisis
- Taking the slow route
Sprinkled throughout the book are "
Ganbatte Rules"-short, actionable steps you can take to move forward in a part of your life where you may be stuck (whether it's fitness, love or starting a business). A foreword by Hector Garcia, author of the bestselling
Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life, introduces the concept of
ganbatte and how he learned of its existence from one of Japan's centenarians.
While many aspects of life are beyond our control, how we deal with setbacks and difficulties is as much of a choice as how we approach everyday tasks. This book helps you tap into your own ability to persevere and encourages you to stay motivated and hopeful in difficult times. If you apply the tenacity and resilience of the Japanese in your daily life, difficult becomes easy, and impossible becomes possible.
Review
"In this enjoyable debut, philosopher Liebermann explores the Japanese principle of ganbatte (translated as "do your best and don't give up")…Readers who enjoyed Hector Garcia's Ikigai for its focus on finding meaning in everyday life will appreciate this comforting take on how to address life's inevitable failures." -Publishers Weekly
"Ganbatte!, breaks down the secret sauce to being happy …it'll give you something of value. From a student, office worker, driver, CEO, teacher, lumberjack, barista, or whatever, it'll give you some manner of food for thought as to how to improve your mindset." -Daddy Mojo blog
About the Author
Albert Liebermann is a writer and philosopher. He studied art and literature in Europe before moving to Japan, where he decided to put his musings on creativity and personal development down on paper. He enjoys playing the piano, traveling the world and hanging out with his cat.
Foreword writer Hector Garcia was born in Spain and worked at CERN in Switzerland before moving to Japan, his home of more than 15 years. In Japan he developed voice recognition software and the technology for young Silicon Valley companies to enter the Japanese market. His popular blog led to his internationally successful book, A Geek In Japan. Along with Francesc Miralles, he is the author of the bestselling Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life, The Ikigai Journey and Forest Bathing. hectorgarcia.org
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
"When we contemplate the work of a famous artist or admire an athlete's records, we tend to forget there was a time when they were children. We have the feeling they acquired their skills overnight, blessed by a miracle that filled them with talent. But in reality, there was a time when:<br><br> the professional pianist touched a piano key for the first time,<br> the famous painter, on that first day, gasped a paintbrush in their childlike hand, <br>the Olympic medal-winning athlete didn't know how to walk, <br>and the renowned novelist learned to read. <br> In Japanese, there is a saying: <i>Senri no michi mo ippo kara</i> ?????????, which means: "Even the longest journey begins with a first step." This saying reminds us that it doesn't matter what stage of life we are at; everything started with a first step and we are halfway to a future that we shouldn't feel overwhelmed by. If you are thinking about taking up a new hobby, embarking on a new relationship or making a career change, and you freeze at the thought of the chasm you will have to cross, the best thing is to focus on taking the first step. Sign up for that first class, send that text message or resume… take a step forward and start to walk. <br>That initial step is the hardest one to take, but once taken, it will give you self-confidence. Suddenly, you will feel able to move forward with a second step, then a third…until walking becomes instinctive. And if at any time you feel down, remember the word <i>ganbatte.</i><br>It will give you the impetus you need to carry on walking. You will soon look back and realize that what you began with a single step has now turned into a long journey. What's more—and this is the most important thing—you will no longer be the person you were at the beginning. You will have grown as a human being." —Liebermann, Albert. "The Longest Journeys Begin with a First Step."<i><b>Ganbatte! The Japanese Art of Always Moving Forward.</b></i> Tuttle Publishing, 2021, pg. 37-38.</br>
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