On "encouragement" and its effects
A friend once told me about someone she knew, a person whom we might describe as "mentally weak of heart". Having realised that she wasn't suited for the job that she was doing at the time, this lady decided to try looking for another career. However, when a colleague tried to encourage her using the traditional Japanese word "ganbatte" (or it's variants), she would only get more disheartened.
When I first heard this, I was extremely puzzled. I didn't understand how something that is meant to cheer you up could have such a negative effect.
However, a seminar at school last week revealed the answer.
In these contexts, the English equivalents we typically use for "ganbatte" are "Good luck" or "Do your best!" The latter phrase in particular, really represents a positive way to live life. Don't worry so much about the outcome as long as you know you have done your best. However, that may be a phrase that works best to drive those who are extremely bright to greater ends, or for those who have found something within the sphere of what they can achieve that they are happy with.
For a person who is trying as hard as they can, but still hasn't been able to achieve what they want, "ganbatte" can have the opposite effect. It may suggest to them the subtext of "you can do more!" But these people already feel that they are trying as hard as they can, so "Why are you asking me to do more? I just can't do any more..."
What do you say to someone like that?
When I first heard this, I was extremely puzzled. I didn't understand how something that is meant to cheer you up could have such a negative effect.
However, a seminar at school last week revealed the answer.
In these contexts, the English equivalents we typically use for "ganbatte" are "Good luck" or "Do your best!" The latter phrase in particular, really represents a positive way to live life. Don't worry so much about the outcome as long as you know you have done your best. However, that may be a phrase that works best to drive those who are extremely bright to greater ends, or for those who have found something within the sphere of what they can achieve that they are happy with.
For a person who is trying as hard as they can, but still hasn't been able to achieve what they want, "ganbatte" can have the opposite effect. It may suggest to them the subtext of "you can do more!" But these people already feel that they are trying as hard as they can, so "Why are you asking me to do more? I just can't do any more..."
What do you say to someone like that?