Master these Japanese techniques to beat laziness and boost productivity
What's the story
Want to overcome laziness? Let's learn from the Japanese!
Per a 2022 report, Japan has a population of about 90,526 centenarians i.e. people aged 100 and above.
And the secret to this is some fool-proof techniques that keep them away from sedentary lifestyle issues like inactivity or laziness.
Here are five techniques that you can adopt to keep laziness at bay.
Technique 1
Ikigai
Ikigai is the Japanese way of living a long life. The word "Iki" means alive, while "kai" means worth.
The concept is all about having a motivating force (which could be your passion, mission, job, talent, or skill) that causes a person to jump out of bed in the morning and gets them excited to live.
It recommends doing activities that one enjoys.
Information
The 10 rules of Ikigai
Stay active, don't retire. Take it slow as hurrying is inversely proportional to quality of life. Never fill your stomach while eating. Get in shape and exercise. Live in the moment. Reconnect with nature. Surround yourself with good friends. Smile. And lastly, express gratitude.
Technique 2
Pomodoro technique
The Pomodoro technique can help you handle interruptions or distractions effectively and stay focused on what you are doing.
It involves working for 25 minutes and then taking a five-minute break. Repeat this process until you are done completing your task.
This helps you with time management, overcoming burnout, prioritizing what is important, reducing laziness, and avoiding procrastination.
Technique 3
Shoshin
Shoshin is a technique that suggests approaching a task with a beginner's mindset.
One should not worry about perfection or having the ability to know all the answers, but learn from your mistakes and try new things.
It is about showing openness, eagerness, and shunning preconceived notions when attempting a task.
Even if you are an expert, experiment with new ideas or approaches.
Technique 4
Kaizen
Another excellent Japanese technique to overcome laziness in life is Kaizen, which is about constant improvements to achieve your goals.
Meaning "change for better," it is based on the notion that small positive changes daily can reap bigger and more significant rewards in the future.
It also involves identifying trivial tasks and chucking them away to make room for what is important.
Technique 5
Wabi-sabi
Wabi-sabi is based on three simple realities: nothing is perfect, nothing lasts, and nothing is finished.
It is the Japanese way to look at perfectly imperfect beauty. It's about how acceptance is liberating, perfection is a myth, everything is beautiful, slow and simple living is the way to life, and contentment is real happiness.
It helps you learn, embrace, and find joy in reality.