8 Japanese Techniques to Overcome Laziness and Boost Productivity
Ever feel like you can't get anything done?
Japanese culture has some awesome tricks to help you overcome laziness and boost your productivity.
Here are eight powerful methods that will change how you work and live, starting today:
1. Ikigai: Find Your Life's Purpose
Ikigai means "reason for being" in Japanese.
It's the sweet spot where your passions, talents, and the world's needs intersect:
When you know your ikigai, you'll feel more excited to tackle each day!
Steve Jobs found his ikigai at the intersection of technology, design, and user experience.
His passion for creating intuitive, beautiful products revolutionized multiple industries and changed how we interact with technology.
To find your ikigai:
Think about what you love doing.
List things you're good at.
Consider how you can help others.
Figure out how to make money doing it.
Want to learn more about finding your purpose? Check out my article on powerful Mindset Shifts by Tony Robbins.
Now that we've explored finding your life's purpose, let's look at how small daily improvements can lead to big changes.
2. Kaizen: Make Small Improvements Every Day
Kaizen means "change for the better."
It's all about making tiny improvements each day.
This way, big tasks don't seem so scary!
A great example of this is Toyota.
The company’s production system is built on Kaizen principles.
In one instance, a worker suggested slightly adjusting the position of tools, saving two seconds per car. While seemingly minor, this change resulted in massive time and cost savings when multiplied across thousands of vehicles.
Another mindblowing example: American Airlines saved $40,000 in 1987 by removing one single olive from each salad on their commercial flights.
Try these Kaizen tips:
Set small, easy goals each day
Celebrate when you achieve them
Look for ways to do things better
Learn more about good habits in my Guide to Successful People's Habits.
While Kaizen focuses on continuous improvement, the next technique addresses a fundamental aspect of daily life: eating.
3. Hara Hachi Bu: Eat Until You're 80% Full
Hara Hachi Bu is an eating habit from Okinawa, Japan.
The city has the world's highest percentage of centenarians.
Science showed that their practice of Hara Hachi Bu contributes to lower rates of heart disease, cancer, and dementia compared to Western countries.
Hara Hachi Bu means eating until you're almost full, but not stuffed.
This helps you stay energized throughout the day.
How to practice Hara Hachi Bu:
Eat slowly and pay attention to your food
Use smaller plates
Stop eating when you feel almost full
Moving from mindful eating to mindful living, the next technique is all about perseverance.
4. Ganbaru: Keep Trying Your Best
Ganbaru means to do your best and never give up.
It teaches us that good things take time and effort.
Take J.K. Rowling, the renowned author of Harry Potter.
She faced twelve rejections before a publisher accepted to give it a shot.
Her unwavering perseverance led to one of the most successful book series in history.
To practice Ganbaru:
Set goals you can reach
Be proud of your effort, not just the result
Learn from mistakes instead of getting upset
Want to learn more about overcoming challenges? Read my article on Embracing Failure.
5. Wabi-Sabi: Find Beauty in Imperfection
Wabi-Sabi teaches us to appreciate things that aren't perfect.
This can help you stop worrying about being perfect all the time.
A great example of this is Kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold lacquer.
It transforms flaws into unique beauty, symbolizing resilience and acceptance.
How to use Wabi-Sabi:
Be kind to yourself when you make mistakes
Focus on getting better, not being perfect
Find beauty in things that aren't perfect
6. Shoshin: Keep a Beginner's Mind
Shoshin means having a "beginner's mind."
It's about being curious and open to learning, no matter how much you already know.
The perfect example of this is Albert Einstein.
He kept a beginner's mind his entire life. He questioned and explored new ideas all the time.
This curiosity led to groundbreaking discoveries in physics.
To practice Shoshin:
Look at familiar things in new ways
Ask lots of questions
Be excited to learn new things
7. Shinrin-Yoku: Take a Forest Bath
Shinrin-Yoku, or "forest bathing," means spending time in nature.
It helps reduce stress and makes you feel better.
Many Japanese corporations encourage employees to practice Shinrin-Yoku.
Studies show it reduces cortisol levels, blood pressure, and heart rate, leading to increased productivity and creativity in the workplace.
How to do Shinrin-Yoku:
Spend time outside regularly
Use all your senses when you're in nature
Stay calm and relaxed while outdoors
8. Kakeibo: Budget Your Money Wisely
Kakeibo is a Japanese way of managing money.
It helps you keep track of your spending and save more.
Many Japanese households use Kakeibo to better manage their finances.
This practice has contributed to Japan's high savings rate and overall financial stability.
To start using Kakeibo:
Write down what you earn and spend
Group your spending into categories
Set goals for saving money
And That’s It
These Japanese techniques will help you boost productivity and also find greater fulfillment and balance.
The key to success is consistency and patience.
Begin with one or two of these ideas and see how they work for you!
And watch as these ancient pearls of wisdom transform your life.
Want more tips on being successful? Check out my guides on Success Lessons and Overcoming Procrastination Tips.
I'd love to hear from you! Have you tried any of these techniques? Share your experiences in the comments below.