A Japanese Method for Overcoming Laziness Is Going Viral

I’ve found that the simplest way to beat laziness isn’t about huge leaps—it’s about tiny steps that anyone can take daily. The Japanese method called Kaizen, especially through the “One-Minute Principle,” is proving this in a big way.

The Core Idea

Kaizen means continuous improvement through small, manageable steps. It’s the opposite of trying to overhaul your life overnight. Instead, it asks you to commit to just one minute of a task you’ve been putting off. That’s it—one minute. This tiny commitment is so easy that it’s almost impossible to say no.

Why does this matter? Because laziness usually isn’t just about a lack of willpower. It’s about feeling overwhelmed and stuck. When you tell yourself you only need to do something for one minute, you lower the psychological barrier to starting. That one minute often turns into five, then ten, and suddenly you’re moving forward without that crushing resistance.

I’ve seen this gaining massive traction on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, especially with younger people who struggle to stay motivated. Robert Maurer, a psychologist who studies this approach, sums it up nicely: “The strategy of small steps really works — and works incredibly successfully.” Seeing it go viral isn’t just a trend; it’s evidence that this method resonates deeply.

Practical Steps

If you want to try this yourself, here’s a straightforward way to get started:

1. Pick one task that you’ve been avoiding because it feels too big or boring. It could be reading a book, tidying a corner of your home, or doing a quick stretch.
2. Commit to doing it for just one minute each day, ideally at the same time. This consistency helps build a routine without pressure.
3. Slowly increase the time as it becomes easier. After a week or so, try two or five minutes. The key is gradual progress, not rushing.
4. Track your progress by writing down your small wins or marking days on a calendar. Celebrating these tiny victories reinforces your commitment.
5. Add in related Japanese principles to boost your efforts:
   • Ikigai: Find your personal purpose behind the task. Knowing why you want to do something fuels motivation.
   • Hara Hachi Bu: Practice moderation. Stop before you’re exhausted to keep your energy steady.
   • 5S Methodology: Keep your workspace or environment neat and organized. A clean space makes starting less daunting.

As an example, I started by dedicating one minute every morning to organizing my desk. It felt silly at first, but eventually, that one minute became a full morning routine that set my day up right. I also found that reflecting on why I wanted a clean workspace (my own version of Ikigai) kept me going on days when laziness crept back in.

Why It Works

This method’s power lies in how it aligns with how our brains and habits work. Behavioral science shows that breaking big goals into “small wins” builds confidence and makes the task feel doable. When your brain experiences success—even tiny ones—it releases dopamine, the chemical that makes us feel rewarded.

This creates a positive feedback loop. The more you do, the better you feel, and the more you want to keep going. It’s not magic; it’s just how motivation works on a biological level.

There’s also research from Japanese workplaces showing that Kaizen helps people enter “flow states” more easily, especially those who struggle with anxiety or emotional blocks. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, they get engaged and focused through small, manageable actions.

Masaaki Imai, the leading expert on Kaizen, emphasizes that this isn’t about quick fixes. “You can’t do Kaizen just once or twice and expect immediate results. You have to be in it for the long haul,” he says. It’s the steady, consistent effort that pays off.

The effectiveness of Kaizen is backed by real data from Japanese industries, where it’s led to measurable improvements in productivity and engagement. This isn’t just theory; it’s proven in practice.

Conclusion

The Japanese method of overcoming laziness through Kaizen and the One-Minute Principle is spreading fast—and for good reason. It’s simple, accessible, and it works. By starting small, aligning your actions with purpose, and keeping your environment in order, you can break free from procrastination’s grip.

When I finally quit doom-scrolling on my phone, I used a similar approach. I told myself I’d look at the screen for just one minute, then put it down. That minute almost always turned into a few seconds because starting was so easy. Over time, I reclaimed hours of my day.

If you’re tired of feeling stuck, give this method a shot. It doesn’t demand willpower, just a willingness to start small and keep going. That’s how lasting change happens.