Kaizen, Shinrin-Yoku, Ikigai, Wabi-Sabi, Shoshin, Hara Hachi Bu, and Ganbaru this is a Japanese technique to overcome laziness Kaizen, Shinrin-Yoku, Ikigai, Wabi-Sabi, Shoshin, Hara Hachi Bu and Ganbaru. Today we’ll introduce philosophies and techniques from Japanese culture to overcome laziness and decreased productivity.
The Power of Small Improvements
Focus on 1% Better Every Day
Kaizen encourages us to focus on small, consistent improvements daily rather than seeking perfection from the start. Just 1% better everyday compounds over time. In one year, that’s a 37x improvement! By setting small, achievable goals we pave the way for lasting success.
Celebrate Small Gains
Part of Kaizen is celebrating small gains, which trains us to become more productive. Each tiny step forward is an accomplishment to appreciate.
Shinrin-Yoku – Forest Bathing
Reduce Stress by Connecting with Nature
Shinrin-Yoku, meaning “forest bath,” is not just a walk in the woods but a profound connection with nature that rejuvenates us by reducing stress and anxiety. Spending mindful time outdoors surrounded by nature’s healing embrace can transform our outlook.
Ikigai – Finding Your Reason for Being
Ikigai drives us to get out of bed each morning. The four elements provide a roadmap:
Four Elements of Ikigai
- Passion – What you love & what you’re good at
- Mission – What you love & what the world needs
- Profession – What you’re good at & what you can be paid for
- Vocation – What you can be paid for & what the world needs
Bringing these four together helps discover your Ikigai and personal growth journey.
Wabi-Sabi – Finding Beauty in Imperfections
Celebrate Flaws Instead of Seeking Perfection
Wabi-Sabi encourages finding magnificence in life’s imperfections instead of chasing perfection. For example, appreciating the beauty of a cracked ceramic filled with gold. In practice, don’t wait for perfect timing, just start. Our imperfections fuel our brilliance.
Cracked Ceramic Filled with Gold
The cracked ceramic filled with gold symbolizes the beauty found in flaws, a core philosophy of Wabi-Sabi.
Shoshin – Beginner’s Mindset
Possibilities vs Few Options
Shoshin calls to approach life with a beginner’s mindset. As Shunryu Suzuki said, “In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s mind there are few.” Keeping our minds open and receptive to endless possibilities allows creativity to flow.
Hara Hachi Bu – Stop Eating at 80% Full
Avoid Overindulgence and Lethargy
Hara Hachi Bu teaches stopping eating when 80% full. Avoiding overconsumption aims for satisfaction without the sluggishness from overeating. It’s a mindful approach to nourishing our bodies and brains while avoiding laziness.
Ganbaru – The Spirit of Doing Your Best to Overcome Laziness
Patience, Tenacity, and Commitment to Excellence
Ganbaru is the spirit urging us to persevere through challenges with patience, tenacity, and a commitment to excellence. Consistency is key to achieving goals. Small, intentional steps lead to a profound transformation in the pursuit of a fulfilling life. Kanzen
7 Japanese Techniques To Overcome Laziness from the article:
Technique | Meaning | Key Point |
---|---|---|
Kaizen | Continuous small improvements | Focus on 1% better daily; compound gains |
Shinrin-Yoku | Forest bathing | Connect with nature to reduce stress/anxiety |
Ikigai | Reason for being | Discover passion, mission, profession, vocation |
Wabi-Sabi | Beauty in imperfection | Appreciate flaws instead of chasing perfection |
Shoshin | Beginner’s mindset | Stay open to possibilities and creativity |
Hara Hachi Bu | Eat until 80% full | Avoid overindulgence and lethargy |
Ganbaru | Doing your best | Persevere with patience and commitment |
Conclusion
I challenge you to embrace the wisdom that resonates with you and let it be your compass navigating life’s complexities to overcome laziness. Go for a free masterclass on speed reading and memory improvement. Subscribe for weekly brain tips to level up your life and learning.
FAQs
What is Kaizen?
Kaizen is the Japanese concept of continuous small improvements leading to significant change over time.
What does “Shinrin-Yoku” translate to?
Shinrin-Yoku translates to “forest bathing” in Japanese. It refers to mindfully connecting with nature.
What are the 4 key elements of Ikigai?
The 4 elements of Ikigai are: Passion, Mission, Profession, and Vocation. Bringing these together helps you find purpose and meaning.
What does “Wabi-Sabi” mean?
Wabi-Sabi is the Japanese philosophy of finding beauty in imperfection, flaws, and incompleteness.
How can you apply Shoshin to your life?
Apply Shoshin by cultivating beginner’s mind, approaching situations as if for the first time so creativity and possibilities can emerge.