The 14th installment of our "Book of the Day" series, which selects books perfect for camping or solo travel, features "To You Who Think 'It's Impossible': How to Truly Build Your Confidence" by Tsutomu Uematsu, who builds rockets in a small factory in Hokkaido.
I didn't just "discover" this book; I actively sought it out and bought it.
I first learned about Tsutomu Uematsu when I was around 27 years old, when a senior colleague at my company told me about an inspiring presentation he gave.
It was Tsutomu Uematsu's presentation at the world-renowned TED.
He speaks about his experiences in such a gentle tone, and I've watched this video repeatedly, at least once a month, from when I was 27 until today.
I've had countless experiences where I heard the dreadful phrase "It's impossible," leading me to be extremely afraid of failure.
When I tried to go to Australia alone at age 15, I was told that I was just infatuated with overseas travel and wouldn't come back speaking proper English anyway.
When I told people I wanted to be a fashion designer, close friends told me that my drawing skills were woefully inadequate, and only a handful of people ever become successful designers anyway. They said I, a high school student, was dreaming too much. There's no end to the number of disheartening things I've heard throughout my life.
Even after starting my career, I encountered various challenges.
When you're about to start something new and take that first step, the people who tell you "It's impossible" and try to undermine your confidence are precisely those who have never actually done "it" themselves.
It was Mr. Uematsu's presentation and this book that cut through all that and helped me regain my lost confidence. I wish I had encountered this book sooner.
This book begins with the following lines:
"First, just 'do' the simple things."
That will become your strength. It will accumulate. It will shine.
Life is easier to move forward if you jump the gun a little.
Ignore reasons why it's impossible, and just keep making your dreams come true.
