6 Japanese Habits to Combat Laziness and Elevate Your Life

By Chris Tipping, Marketing Director at The DM Lab

As we step into 2025, many of us are reflecting on how to improve our lives, both personally and professionally. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a business leader, or someone looking to make positive changes, developing habits that combat laziness and inspire action is key to success.

Recently, while listening to Chris Evans on Virgin Radio, I came across six Japanese habits that resonated deeply with me. These simple yet profound principles are designed to tackle procrastination, build focus, and foster discipline – all essential traits for entrepreneurship and personal growth. They inspired me to write this article and reflect on how these habits can help us all thrive.

As someone who juggles running The DM Lab (a multi-award-winning digital marketing agency), leading Belmont Wanderers FC CIC (one of the largest grassroots football clubs in Herefordshire), and serving as a trustee of The Hereford Veterans Centre, I know first-hand how important it is to stay disciplined and motivated. This year, I’m also challenging myself to take part in 3 x 100-mile ultramarathons and several smaller ones – a personal goal that requires unwavering focus and a strong mindset.

Here’s how these six Japanese habits can help entrepreneurs and individuals alike to elevate their lives:

1. Kaizen: Continuous Improvement

Kaizen is all about making small, consistent improvements over time. For entrepreneurs, this means focusing on progress rather than perfection, and for individuals, it’s about building habits that lead to steady growth.

How to apply it:

• Break big goals into smaller, actionable steps. Whether it’s growing a business, training for an ultramarathon, or improving your health, small daily actions build momentum.
• Reflect on what worked each day and identify areas for improvement.

By embracing Kaizen, you’re committing to progress, not procrastination – a mindset that’s invaluable in both business and life.

2. Ikigai: Finding Your Purpose

Ikigai translates to "reason for being" and lies at the intersection of passion, skills, needs, and value. For entrepreneurs, understanding your Ikigai helps you align your business goals with what truly drives you. Personally, it’s about living a life that feels meaningful and fulfilling.

How to apply it:

• Reflect on your “why.” For me, it’s building communities, supporting people, and challenging myself physically and mentally.
• Align daily tasks with your Ikigai. Knowing why you’re doing something helps combat laziness and stay motivated.

Understanding your purpose turns effort into something far more rewarding.

3. Shikata ga nai: Accepting What You Can’t Control

In entrepreneurship and life, there are always factors beyond your control. Shikata ga nai – “it cannot be helped” – is a reminder to focus on what you can change and let go of what you can’t.

How to apply it:

• Stop wasting energy on things outside your control. Instead, channel that energy into solutions and forward motion.
• Avoid overthinking. Not everything has to be perfect to be effective – take action and adjust along the way.

This mindset keeps you from getting stuck and encourages proactive problem-solving.

4. Osoji: The Practice of Cleaning

A clear space leads to a clear mind. Osoji – the habit of cleaning – is a ritual in Japan that promotes focus and productivity.

How to apply it:

• Start your day by decluttering your workspace. A tidy environment reduces distractions and sets a productive tone.
• Use cleaning as a mental reset. Feeling unmotivated? Take five minutes to organise something – you’ll feel recharged and ready to tackle your next task.

Whether it’s your desk, your schedule, or your mindset, a little “cleaning” can go a long way.

5. Hara Hachi Bu: Moderation in Everything

Hara Hachi Bu is the practice of eating until you’re 80% full, a principle rooted in Okinawan culture. It’s a reminder to practice moderation in all aspects of life – a valuable habit for avoiding burnout and staying balanced.

How to apply it:

• Set limits on distractions like social media or binge-watching. Balance is key to maintaining focus.
• Apply this principle to work. Work hard, but avoid overloading yourself to the point of diminishing returns.

Moderation helps preserve energy and ensures you can sustain your efforts over the long term.

6. Pomodoro Technique (Japanese Adaptation): Work in Focused Intervals

Although the Pomodoro Technique isn’t strictly Japanese, its adaptation fits well with their disciplined approach to productivity. It’s perfect for tackling tasks in short, focused bursts.

How to apply it:

• Set a timer for 25 minutes and work on one task without interruption.
• Take a 5-minute break, then repeat. After four cycles, take a longer 15–30 minute break.

This technique is ideal for staying on track and overcoming procrastination, whether you’re brainstorming ideas for your business or training for an ultramarathon.

Applying These Habits to Life and Business

As an entrepreneur, I’ve found these habits invaluable for staying focused and motivated. Kaizen keeps me progressing, Ikigai reminds me why I started, and Shikata ga nai helps me navigate challenges without losing momentum. Personally, practices like Osoji and Hara Hachi Bu keep me grounded and energised for the demands of business, football, charity work, and ultramarathons.

These habits aren’t just about being more productive – they’re about creating a life of purpose, balance, and fulfilment.

In Closing: What’s Your Next Step?

Chris Evans’ mention of these habits reminded me of the value of small, intentional actions. Whether you’re building a business, improving your health, or simply trying to make the most of your days, these principles offer a roadmap for combating laziness and finding meaning in what you do.

So, ask yourself:

• What small step can you take today toward improvement (Kaizen)?
• What’s your deeper purpose (Ikigai)?
• How can you clear your mind and environment (Osoji)?

Let 2025 be the year you embrace these habits and see the impact they can have on your life and business.

#Productivity #Kaizen #Ikigai #Entrepreneurship #TheDMLab #BelmontWanderers #HerefordshireBusiness