Each quarter, as part of our ongoing commitment to curiosity, reflection, and learning, we read a business book and review it as a team. Our business book club is open to everyone and if you’d like to join us next time for a discussion under Chatham House rules you can register here.
Last month, we explored Ganbatte!: The Japanese Art of Always Moving Forward by Albert Liebermann. A short read with a quiet power, it opened up a thoughtful discussion on effort, resilience, and how we approach setbacks – at work and in life. And, for some, on the running trails!
What does “Ganbatte” really mean?
Roughly translated, ganbatte means “do your best” or “keep going.” But in our discussion, we quickly uncovered multiple layers of meaning.
The idea behind ganbatte sparked plenty of conversation about what it takes to keep moving forward, even when the path isn’t clear.
“What I loved about Ganbatte was the encouragement to always try and give something a go, you may fail but in failure comes some of the best lessons.”
The fine line between resilience and burnout
Much of the book champions hard work, patience and effort over time. But we were quick to question whether ganbatte always leads to positive outcomes, or if there is a risk in pushing people too far. How do you know when to dig deep, and when to take a step back?
Some of us spoke about the difference between “productive perseverance” and grinding away with no purpose. We talked about the impact of hustle culture on our self worth, and what it means to slow down and find space and time to think, especially in an industry that is often moving quickly.
“One of my daughter’s school values is Resilience; as an adult I had perhaps lost sight of what an incredible life-skill that is to have, and cherish. In the pursuit of perfection we can often be afraid of ‘failing’ so instead sit more firmly within our boundaries – almost becoming grateful for the status-quo. I loved that this book reminded me that progress doesn’t require perfection, it’s more about perseverance – and to enjoy the lessons learnt along the way.”
Learning through failure
One of the most powerful takeaways from the book was the idea that failure isn’t the opposite of success – it’s part of the journey. Everyone in the group could recall a moment where falling short had actually opened a door to something better.
That mindset, where failure is a path to learning, is central to ganbatte. It’s not about being unshakable. It’s about getting back up, again and again, knowing you are wiser each time.
“I liked the general reminder that improvement doesn’t always have to be a massive makeover or punishing regime – it can be iterative. I’ve always liked Dave Brailsford’s marginal gains approach, that small, incremental improvements can achieve big overall gains, and this book echoed much of that.”
Motivation vs. discipline
When things get tough, what gets you through? For some, it’s sheer motivation, staying close to a clear goal or sense of purpose. For others, it’s discipline: setting systems that keep you moving, even when motivation runs dry. Unsurprisingly, we all landed somewhere in the middle. Discipline lays the foundation. But motivation keeps it meaningful.
A few of us shared practical habits: journaling, visualising progress, or breaking big goals into bite-sized steps. In each case, the common thread was this: start small, keep going, and forgive the off days.
Cultural context and what we can borrow
We also reflected on how ganbatte fits into broader cultural mindsets. Could Western societies benefit from a little more of this perseverance philosophy? Some argued that we already have it, just framed differently; think “grit,” “growth mindset,” or even “keep calm and carry on.” Others felt that ganbatte has a uniquely collective quality. It’s not just self-talk, but in the encouragement and support that we offer one another.
Putting it into practice
As the discussion wrapped up, we returned to where this philosophy shows up in daily life. A difficult deadline. A parenting moment. A tough conversation. The beauty of ganbatte is its flexibility. It’s just as relevant at your desk as it is on the school run or the running trails.
Ganbatte, team. We’re cheering you on.
