“Ganbatte”: the Japanese approach that will help you get ahead

Ganbatte It is a Japanese word that contains a philosophy of life. Many times we are faced with decisive moments or adverse situations and we do not know how to face them. On those occasions when everything seems to go wrong it is possible to apply this approach.

The Japanese have gone through multiple unfavorable circumstances. Despite this, they always know how to get up and, today, they are one of the great world powers. Therefore, we want to share more with you about his way of thinking and how to use it in difficult moments.

What does it mean ganbatte?

In Japanese, this word comes from the verb ganbaru. Ganbatte It means “do the best you can”, “try your hardest” or, also, “do your best”. The concept reflects a wisdom that can be understood as “not giving up despite adversity.”

It is a vision that has shaped the character of Japan, with its values ​​oriented towards hard work. Thus, promotes perseverance and resilience, Therefore, practicing this philosophy in daily life means not giving up in the face of misfortunes and making every effort to achieve one’s goals.

As indicated by a study of Juntendo Medical Journal, positive and encouraging words can unlock motivation. And that’s what happens with this term, which was used throughout Japanese history to encourage themselves and others.

In fact, the Japanese do not believe that luck has anything to do with the events that happen to them day after day. For them, it is the effort that determines success. That’s why, They usually use the expression ganbatte, ganbare either ganbaro when they give encouragement. They also use ganbirimasu to indicate that they will do their best work.

History of this Japanese approach

Now you know the meaning, but where does this philosophy come from? The reality is that Japan has gone through multiple misfortunes over the years. This had a great influence on the way the Japanese people are and how they express it.

From the atomic bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki in World War II, to the earthquakes and tsunamis in 1995 and 2011, The Japanese have gone through all kinds of catastrophes. As a result, different slogans emerged that promoted the tireless fight to rebuild their cities and culture.

One of these encouraging phrases was Ganbaro Nipponwhose meaning can be translated as “Try hard, Japan!”, according to a report by ProtoSociology. This family of words is linked to the belief that each person influences their destiny through effort.

Following the last earthquake and tsunami in 2011, which affected more than 600,000 people and caused 3.5% deaths, they undertook a series of measures to reduce risks and improve resilience to possible future events. This speaks about their ability to adapt and resist.

As mentioned by Jurnal Studi Hubungan International, This perspective is the embodiment of philosophy bushido from the time of samurai. From there they learn values ​​such as courage, honor, self-respect, self-control, self-esteem, hard work and responsibility.

Japanese values ​​in everyday life

We already mentioned that, despite all the historical events they had to face, the Japanese were able to move forward. Their strength and the values ​​taught to them since childhood influenced this.

In this sense, learning reciprocity is prevalent in this Japanese approach.. Think about others before acting, put aside selfishness and Cooperating are values ​​that are imparted to them throughout their lives. Likewise, loyalty and its corresponding benevolence towards others.

As the book indicates Understanding Japanese Society (2019), peer cooperation is stimulated by various activities. Examples are group sports over individual ones at school or activities between neighbors, such as campaigns or maintenance for the community.

The same thing happens at work. The success of companies depends on the cooperation between their employees. In turn, individual success lies in the success of the company to which they belong. Therefore, one’s own interests are usually put aside for the common good.

In the same way, effort and hard work are essential. Dedication, devotion to duty, discipline and responsibility are mandatory at all levels, especially at work. There, they must share responsibilities among everyone, a fundamental trait within their philosophy of life.

How to implement ganbatte?

You can apply that of giving your best in any circumstance of your life. Whether for small situations that hinder your plans or to take it as a more transcendent model, knowing this wisdom is very useful. We invite you to put the following tips into practice to achieve motivation.

1. Learn from experience and try hard

The fact that Japan is a country that has unfavorable geographical conditions, few natural resources and has suffered immense catastrophes, allowed its inhabitants to learn from experience. And this is one of the key factors to implement it.

To face evils, A good solution is to reflect on what the mistake was or what went wrong. From there, it is possible to innovate or apply resolution options so that it does not happen again. That is, make every effort to obtain favorable results in the next opportunity.

That hard work is linked to discipline, which is an essential part of Japanese culture, as we indicated. Even so, the demand has its limits and you must know when to stop. Stress or exhaustion are unwanted outcomes that you should avoid.

2. Be resilient

It is not always easy to adapt to adverse situations. However, many times this is necessary. The Japanese know perfectly well what it means to have resilience. The Japanese proverb is a faithful reflection of this: “If you fall seven times, get up eight.”

You can use this same attitude in any difficult circumstance. It is clear that it will not prevent you from going through challenges, but it will help you overcome them. Taking the initiative to overcome problems is essential. Therefore, if you leave the course of your life to destiny or luck, you will not be able to take its reins.

3. Accept the changes

There are times when you cannot change what happened or strive for better results in the future. At those moments It is necessary to accept the present and the emotions that accompany it. The Japanese phrase shikata ga naiwhose translation is “there is no other choice”, reflects this first step of acceptance.

In this sense, assuming these sensations is related to better psychological health. This is indicated by a study of Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. Therefore, instead of judging the feelings you have when facing changes, it is advisable to recognize them as something natural to move forward. Not accepting what surrounds you is living in permanent suffering.

4. Collaborate with others

In the face of hostile situations, The Japanese always collaborated with each other. It is possible to use that same attitude when others are having difficulties. Helping, listening or providing support when they need it is not as complex as it may seem.

At the same time, If you pay attention to others and collaborate with them in whatever they require, the most likely thing is that they will have the same attitude with you. It may seem selfish, but it is also useful to motivate you to do it.

Ganbatte through mindfulness and gratitude

Mindfulness aligns with this Japanese philosophy in several ways. By being present in the current moment and paying full attention to the tasks you perform, you apply the effort and dedication necessary to achieve your goals, central elements of this concept. Focusing on actions allows them to be carried out with greater efficiency and quality, which contributes to success and overcoming challenges.

Besides, Helps manage stress and pressure in challenging situations. Maintaining calm and concentration allows you to face obstacles in an effective and resilient way, in line with the idea of ​​not letting problems defeat you and moving forward.

On the other hand, The practice of gratitude is fundamental in Japanese culture and is related to the appreciation and value of what you have, even in difficult times. By doing so, you recognize the efforts of others and show respect for their contribution, essential aspects of the approach to cooperation and teamwork.

Gratitude can also help you stay positive and focus on what is going well, especially when you face challenges. This reflects the idea of ​​trying your hardest and maintaining a positive mindset, no matter the circumstances.

Ganbatte It’s more than a way to get ahead

Yeah, ganbatte It is a way of facing difficulties. But it is also a wisdom of life. The Japanese have practiced it since they were children for the rest of their lives and this allowed them to overcome the adversities they experienced throughout their history.

By practicing these tips it is also possible to get closer to this way of understanding life and solving problems. Perseverance and hard work are qualities that can be cultivated and developed over time. Like everything, it only depends on yourself.

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