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7 Japanese Techniques to Overcome Laziness

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By Roshni Chakrabarty

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Struggling with laziness or lack of motivation? These 7 powerful Japanese techniques offer practical, time-tested ways to beat procrastination and get things done -- perfect for students and young achievers.

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Kaizen means “continuous improvement.” The trick? Start tiny. Study for one minute. Clean one corner. When small actions become habits, laziness naturally fades.

1. KAIZEN: START SMALL

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Ikigai is the Japanese concept of purpose. When students connect daily tasks with their larger “why,” it becomes easier to stay committed and less tempting to procrastinate.

2. IKIGAI: FIND YOUR WHY

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Though Italian in origin, Japan adopted and popularised this method. Work for 25 minutes, then rest for 5. This helps trick your brain out of laziness by making tasks feel manageable.

3. POMODORO TECHNIQUE

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Shu (learn), Ha (detach), and Ri (transcend). This mindset accepts that growth is a process. Laziness often stems from frustration—ShuHaRi teaches patience and discipline in skill-building.

4. SHU-HA-RI: MASTER THROUGH STAGES

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Part of the 5S system used in Japanese culture, Seiri means sorting or decluttering. A messy room can make students feel overwhelmed and lazy. A tidy space energises the mind.

5. SEIRI: DECLUTTER YOUR SPACE

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Gaman is about enduring hard things quietly and with dignity. Laziness fades when you train your brain to be okay with discomfort—whether it's studying or waking up early.

6. GAMAN: ENDURE WITH PATIENCE

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This principle means eating until you’re 80% full, but students can apply it to studying: stop before mental burnout. Regular, moderate effort is more sustainable than cramming, which fuels laziness later.

7. HARA HACHIBU: STOP BEFORE OVERLOAD

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