Every day, we all face invisible opponents. Some of them challenge our self-esteem, some our sense of purpose, and some maybe even our motivation. But there is one in particular that has a nasty reputation for beating people down and trying to ruin people’s future. This same opponent thrives on our doubts and fears by convincing us to put off our dreams and settle for less. It whispers in our ears, making us question our abilities and the worth of our efforts.
All of us has faced this opponent at some point in our lives. I’m talking about laziness.
I realize that people have a lot of different definitions for it, but have you ever wondered what laziness is exactly?
I did, so I went down that rabbit hole to learn more. And I’ll explain why in a minute.
So, according to science, laziness isn’t just about being inactive. It’s often a result of decreased motivation, lack of interest, or even overstimulation (so much going on that you just say f*ck it and shut down). It’s really a complex mix of factors that can make it hard to get started or stay focused. It’s also our brain’s way of avoiding tasks that seem too challenging or overwhelming.
The good news is that there are simple techniques that are proven to help overcome laziness, and my hope is that when I explain them to you, their profound simplicity will stick with you.
Because they definitely stuck with me.
8 Japanese techniques to overcome laziness
I’m talking about the well studied, 8 Japanese techniques to overcome laziness that are rooted in centuries-old traditions. These concepts offer us a tremendous amount of common-sense wisdom that is designed to help us overcome modern challenges. Whether it’s topics we’ve already discussed in our newsletters like finding your purpose, or a concept like embracing imperfection, I felt compelled to share these practical strategies with all of you.
Ikigai: Finding Your Purpose. Ikigai is about discovering your reason for being. It’s what gets you out of bed in the morning, excited to start the day. How many of us struggle to find the motivation to get up day after day to go to a sh*tty job? By figuring out what truly excites you, the goal is to then channel that energy into your daily tasks that align with your purpose. If you’re afraid of starting because it will require major changes to your lifestyle, then I’m especially writing this to you today.
Kaizen: Embracing Small Improvements. Kaizen focuses on continuous, incremental improvements. It’s the mindset of not waiting for a big breakthrough, but instead focusing on getting 1% better every day. How many of you have always wanted to get fit but feel totally overwhelmed about the idea of making a complete lifestyle overhaul? F*ck that. Start with small changes and over time, these small steps add up. You know I always talk about the importance of small wins, and this is 100% aligned with that message.
Shoshin: Adopting a Beginner’s Mindset. Shoshin means approaching life with an open mind, a childlike curiosity, and no preconceptions. Remember that feeling when you we’re learning something new that fascinated you? You couldn’t get enough of it, could you? That’s the mindset you need to get back to! Just don’t get frustrated by your lack of expertise at something, just embrace the learning process. If you can find a way to enjoy the journey of growth, life is much easier.
Hara Hachi Bu: Practicing Moderation. Specifically, Hara Hachi Bu is the practice of eating until you’re 80% full, but this principle can be applied well beyond eating habits. I’ve always advocated for keeping the body at a slight caloric deficit to help the mind stay sharp. If you think it will negatively affect your energy levels, that’s only for the first few days. The body is amazing, it will adapt. I promise you that. And you’ll look and feel better.
Shinrin-yoku: Connecting with Nature. Shinrin-yoku, or what is known as “forest bathing” emphasizes the importance of spending time in nature. I realize this can be a challenge depending on where you live, but even a courtyard with some grass and trees is still a good thing. The science is there to back this up. Talking a walk in the park or spending time in a natural setting helps clear your mind, reduce stress, and boost your mood. Seriously, who doesn’t want that?
Wabi-sabi: Finding Beauty in Imperfection. Wabi-sabi (keep the wasabi jokes to yourself), teaches us to appreciate the beauty in imperfection. Let’s face it, our world demands perfection. Look no further than how people judge Olympic athletes. Wabi-sabi is there to remind us that flaws are part of what makes life great. Think about a friend or a family pet, or something in your life that had some quirks, but you loved it, and those quirks made that thing even more important to you? That’s the mindset I’m talking about.
Ganbaru: Persevering Through Challenges. Ganbaru means doing your best and persevering through difficulties. You don’t need me to tell you how challenging life can be, whether it’s career concerns, a personal setback, or if you suffered a loss, life can come at us hard. By adopting a ganbaru mindset, you commit to giving your all, no matter the obstacles. The idea is that this determination and resilience will help you push through the tough times and come out stronger. The key is finding purpose and something productive to focus on.
Gaman: Showing Patience and Endurance. Gaman is about patience and endurance, especially when things get tough. Imagine you’re working towards a long-term goal. There will be moments of doubt and frustration, but by practicing gaman, you learn to stay patient and keep moving ahead, even if the progress feels like it’s really slow.
Start Over with Shoshin
Regardless of who you are or where you’re from, these concepts are universal and can apply to anyone.
Not only that, they are practical, everyday tools that anyone can use to improve their life and boost their productivity. Whether it’s finding your purpose, embracing small improvements, or persevering through challenges, these concepts and mindsets are here to help you overcome the feeling of laziness. Remember, laziness is a feeling, and feelings can be changed with mindful effort. Just like we can go from feeling sad to happy, it means we can go from feeling lazy to motivated.