Japanese Philosophies on Productivity: Methods and Ideas to Make You More Productive

To find new ways of thinking about work, you should look at the broad range of Japanese philosophies on productivity available to you!

In the Western world, we tend to get bogged down on achieving as much as physically possible. We define productivity as doing more at work in less time.

But when you take a look at Eastern attitudes to productivity, you’ll find a more holistic approach, grounded in centuries-old ideas and philosophies.

In this article, we’ll explore four different Japanese philosophies on productivity, and how you can work them into your own life. We’ll also look at a list of resources where you can learn more about Japanese philosophies on productivity.

1. Kaizen (改善) / Continuous Improvement

Pronunciation: Kai-zen

Kaizen, literally meaning continuous improvement, is a philosophy that advocates for small, incremental changes over time. It emphasizes the idea that continuous, gradual progress is more sustainable and effective than sudden, drastic overhauls.

With origins in the manufacturing sector, Kaizen has evolved into a life philosophy, encouraging individuals to consistently seek improvement in all aspects of their lives.

If you’ve ever found yourself wanting to get better at something, you’ll have no doubt found that making a lot of little changes, over a long period of time, is much more effective than trying to make one huge change right away. This is Kaizen in action.

This way of thinking about life removes the focus on immediate results but instead attempts to shift attention to sustainable, long-term changes to achieve lasting change. This idea was adapted in James Clears’ Atomic Habits, where he discusses the concept of getting 1% better each day.

2. Ikigai (生き甲斐) / Finding Purpose

Pronunciation: Ee-kee-guy

In English, there’s no direct translation of Ikigai. However, you’ll often see it referred to as a reason for being. It’s a concept that explores the intersection of what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for.

By finding the balance between these elements, individuals can discover their Ikigai, leading to a more purposeful and fulfilling life.

Many of us struggle with this. We often feel like we’re not doing what we should be doing, and that there’s something better out there. The philosophy of Ikigai pushes you to find this better thing, but look for a profession that you love, that you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for.

The book Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life is a great place to learn more about this approach to life.

3. Mono No Aware (物の哀れ) / Appreciation of Transience

Pronunciation: Moh-no no Ah-wah-reh

Mono No Aware, or the beauty of transience, encourages an appreciation for the impermanence of all things. This philosophy teaches us to find beauty in fleeting moments, fostering mindfulness and gratitude for the present. By acknowledging the transient nature of experiences, one can develop a profound connection to the world.

By recognising that life is short, and that everything is impermanent, you may find yourself more motivated to pursue work and projects that align with your values. This can lead you to have more profound experiences through your work, and cultivate better relationships with those around you.

Additionally, Mono No Aware can encourage you to appreciate the now. By recognising that everything is impermanent, you’ll be inclined to focus on the present moment. For those who find themselves to be too focused on results, this shift in mindset can allow you to focus your attention on the process, not the outcome.

4. Wabi-Sabi (侘寂) / Embracing Imperfection

Pronunciation: Wah-bee Sah-bee

Wabi-Sabi celebrates imperfection, impermanence, and the beauty of the incomplete. Rooted in traditional Japanese aesthetics, this philosophy encourages individuals to find beauty in the flawed, the transient, and the unconventional.

For those who have too much of a focus on perfectionism (I find myself in this group all too often), embracing Wabi-Sabi can alleviate the pressure of chasing the often unattainable ideal of perfection. This allows us to foster a more authentic and accepting approach to work and life.

When you stop yourself from chasing perfection, you’ll find that you have a deeper connection to the work you’re doing. And more often than not, dropping the idea that you need to make something perfect will free you to create something much more authentic. Without that pressure, you’re free to be truly creative.

Books to Explore Japanese Philosophies on Productivity

If you’ve found the concepts listed in this article interesting, and are thinking of adopting some of them into your own life, I highly recommend you read through some of the below books on the subject.

Japanese and other Eastern philosophies have a lot to teach us in the Western world about what it means to live a good life. In the West, we often live fast, hectic lives, moving from deadline to deadline, without stopping to appreciate what it is we’re doing.

Adopting some simple Eastern ways of thinking can help us slow down, live less chaotic lives, and be more deliberate in our work.

To learn more about Japanese philosophies on productivity and life, here’s a reading list:

• Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles

• Wabi-Sabi: For Artists, Designers, Poets & Philosophers by Leonard Koren

• The Little Book of Kaizen: The Japanese Art of Transformation by Suzannah Butcher

• The Book of Tea by Kakuzo Okakura (Exploring the Japanese tea ceremony and its philosophical implications)

Conclusion

Incorporating these Japanese methods and philosophies into your life can bring about a transformative shift in how you approach productivity and wellbeing.

Whether through continuous improvement, finding purpose, or embracing imperfection, these age-old practices offer timeless wisdom for navigating the complexities of the modern world.

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