This saying continues as follows: “If there’s something that can’t be done, it can’t be done because of a person’s lack of resolve” or it means the reason why someone can’t accomplish something is because they lack the strength of will to do it. In other words, strength of will is the most important thing you need to accomplish anything. This proverb comes from UESUGI Yozan, who was Lord of Yonezawa (Yamagata Prefecture) during the middle of the Edo Era (17-19 centuries). After inheriting a poor domain, through wisdom and hard work he brought wealth to his lands. Because of his achievements, he was respected by the late American President John F. KENNEDY and other foreign leaders. Even today, many leaders are fond of this proverb. In addition, the similar proverb, “Do your best and leave the result to fate” is particularly loved by CEOs. In reality, even when you’ve done your best things don’t work out always as you’d hoped. Some CEOs have altered this proverb a bit, as they can’t do their best if they are expecting to accept an undesirable outcome. One of these is “Having faith in my destiny, I do my best.”