TLDR;
This video talks about the Japanese concept of "Gambaru," which means to persist, do your best, and never give up, even when things seem impossible. It shares the story of Kenji, a young man in post-World War II Japan who uses Gambaru to overcome extreme poverty and hardship. The video also touches upon the science behind persistence and encourages viewers to identify their current struggles and choose Gambaru to transform pain into strength and achieve their goals. Key takeaways include embracing pain as part of the process, developing a growth mindset, and understanding that the person you become during the struggle is more important than the end result.
- Gambaru is a Japanese concept that means to persist and never give up.
- The story of Kenji illustrates how Gambaru can transform pain into purpose.
- Science supports the idea that persistence builds mental strength.
- Embracing pain and struggle is essential for growth and transformation.
Kenji's Story [1:34]
In 1947 Japan, after World War II, a 19-year-old named Kenji lived in a small village with his mother, two younger brothers, and grandmother. His father had died in the war, and the family was struggling with no food or money. Kenji felt like a failure because he couldn't provide for them, despite working hard in the fields and taking on extra work. One day, after being turned away from a farm, Kenji broke down, feeling defeated. An older man named Teada found him and offered him a job at his carpentry shop.
The Transformation [6:28]
Kenji started working for Teada, learning carpentry. Teada taught him about "Gambaru," which means to persist and not give up. Kenji started to understand the concept and applied it to his work. He improved his skills and started to believe in himself again. Six months later, when Teada fell ill, he left Kenji in charge of the shop. Kenji faced a difficult order and felt overwhelmed, but he remembered Teada's words about growing through pain. He completed the table with dedication and care. The customer was impressed and praised his work. Kenji cried tears of victory, and Teada acknowledged that Kenji's success was due to his own effort and Gambaru. Kenji was able to earn more, provide for his family, and gained dignity and purpose.
The Science Behind Ganbaru [10:10]
The video explains that the ability to persist in the face of adversity is linked to a growth mindset, where people believe their skills can be developed through effort and practice. Neuroscience shows that when we persist through difficulties, our brains create new neural connections, making us mentally stronger. However, it's important to be resilient and adapt, not just be stubborn. Remembering your "why" is also crucial.
Your Gandbaru Moment [11:21]
The video encourages viewers to reflect on their current struggles and remember Kenji's story. Pain is a part of the process, and there is no growth without it. Embrace the pain and use it as fuel to transform from a victim to a protagonist. Gambaru is about carrying on despite feeling afraid or tired. It's about believing that it will be worth it in the end. The person you become in the process is more important than the end result. Even Kenji thought about giving up every day, but he learned to carry on despite the desire to quit. Success is about acting despite fear and transforming pain into strength. Choose Gambaru, persist, and use pain to your advantage.