First published 2021
Albert Liebermann explores ganbatte, the Japanese philosophy of doing your best with available resources. This approach means separating difficult tasks from impossible ones and finding motivation to continue despite obstacles. Liebermann structures his guide across fifty brief chapters that range from serious to lighthearted. He shows readers how to use failure constructively, develop patience, work with mindful awareness, and practice continuous improvement. The book includes meditation techniques and crisis management strategies. Throughout, "Ganbatte Rules" provide specific actions for areas where readers feel stuck, whether in fitness, relationships, or business ventures. Hector Garcia, who wrote about ikigai, contributes a foreword explaining how he discovered ganbatte through conversations with Japanese centenarians. Liebermann argues that while external circumstances remain beyond our control, we can choose how we respond to difficulties and approach daily tasks. The book helps readers access their natural capacity for persistence and maintain hope during challenging periods.
Genres: philosophy, self-help, personal-development, inspirational
Vibes: intimate, thought-provoking, uplifting
Tropes: overcoming-obstacles, self-improvement
Setting: Japan
160 pages · Hardcover · Tuttle Publishing