Photo courtesy of judsond The Lazy Man’s Guide to Getting Things Done
Article by Zen Habits contributor Jonathan Mead.
What if I told you that you could be totally lazy and irresponsible, and still accomplish just as much? What if you could slack off, loiter, and essentially do nothing and get more done than the average person. It’s a bit of an art, but you can master this skill with some practice.
Some of these things may seem like a lot of work up front, but that’s the price you have to pay to lounge around all day.
1. Be effective.
The indigenous lazy tribesman knows the value of hard work. But he also knows that he can get more done easily and more efficiently by being effective. That means focusing on the things that matter. What matters more to you, having a color coded underwear filing system, or writing that world dominating book you’ve been talking about for the past 12 years?
Focus on being effective, instead of trying do everything perfectly. Let things slide, let your house get a little messy, let your desk be a little less than immaculate. Let your email inbox *gasp* go unchecked for a day. Whatever it takes to focus on what actually matters.
2. Do your research.
This might not seem like something lazy people like to do, but it’s essential if you want to waste a lot of time doing things that, you know, you actually enjoy doing. If you want to work less, it’s important that you do your research. Study trends, follow what major movements are going on in your industry. If you know the right time and place to act, you can be miles above others that were simply working hard, hoping things would turn out for the best.
3. Act from your gut.
People that work hard and achieve little spend a lot of time thinking about the best course of action. They plan and plot incessantly. What eventually happens is these come up that they never could have planned for. The lazy man knows that planning is useful, but often overrated. It’s better to act from your gut then to have a highly detailed plant you’ll simply throw away later.
4. Know people.
A smart, lazy fellow understands the importance of connections. He knows that he can get more done by helping others and cooperating. It’s not always about what you can do, but about “who you know.” If you can focus on helping others as much as possible (being a mensch link) you’ll naturally create meaningful connections with other people. It’s always a lot easier to get help from other people who you’ve helped in the past.
5. Ditch meetings and other things that don’t matter.
Meetings are usually unproductive and a waste of time for everyone. They’re usually irrelevant to most of the people involved. The objective of most meeting can usually be handled with a simple email or phone call. If the meeting doesn’t require high level, strategic decision making, opt out whenever possible.
Whenever possible, cull whatever is not working. There’s certain things that just don’t make much of a difference when you spend twice as much time on them. There’s also things that don’t make sense to do at all. Try to focus only on things that produce the most results. Cut out the rest.
6. Focus on less.
If you’re lazy like me, you probably don’t want to spend unnecessary time churning out ineffective work. It’s much better to work on one amazing idea, than 20 mediocre ones. Focus on producing less. Don’t sacrifice quality to fill an arbitrary quota.
7. Allow things to happen.
Trying to force things to go your way is not only stressful, it’s not very intelligent. It’s better to guide things along, than trying to marshal them in like a dictator. Try to let things happen, instead of making them happen. Remember that a small rudder directs even the most giant ship.
8. Don’t do what works.
The number one dream killer is doing what works. We follow a template of what has worked for other people. But just because climbing a corporate ladder works, it doesn’t mean it’s the best idea for you. If you’re smart and you want to be lazy, you’ll follow your own path. You’ll work from your strengths, instead of trying to follow a predetermined pattern of effectiveness.
It’s a lot easier to apply your unique strengths, then to force yourself into an arbitrary mold.
These things might seem like they require diligent work, and they do. But they also allow you to free up the time to be as lazy and unproductive as you want to be.
This article was written by Zen Habits contributor Jonathan Mead of the Illuminated Mind blog. For more ways to defend your laziness grab a free subscription to Illuminated MInd.
—
Read elsewhere: How Getting Nothing Done Can Make You More Productive.
If you liked this article, please share it on del.icio.us, StumbleUpon or Digg. I’d appreciate it. :)
- Posted on 11 November 2008 in Productivity & Organization |
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Comments (123)
Tabitha (From Single to Married) Says:
November 11th, 2008, 17:52 pm
My favorite on this list is “ditch meetings and other things that don’t matter.” Oh how I wish I could do that sometimes! Especially regular work meetings as they often seem ineffective. Maybe I can show my boss this article? :)
Eric Hamm Says:
November 11th, 2008, 18:01 pm
“5. Ditch meetings and other things that don’t matter.”
I love this tip, Jonathan! 9 times out of 10, meetings are absolutely worthless. At least those that the common term refers to. Excellent post, my friend! :-) Eric.
Fit Bottomed Girls Says:
November 11th, 2008, 18:04 pm
That was awesome. I loved the tone of it…very Gen X if you will. :)
I feel like so many who are starting their own business, or doing anything really, think that they have to work, work, work. This is a good reminder that perfection is a waste of time and that you don’t have to do everything.
Thanks!
Bob Says:
November 11th, 2008, 18:06 pm
Interesting reworking of The 4 Hour Work Week et al.
HalibetLector Says:
November 11th, 2008, 18:29 pm
I just work through meetings on my laptop. If they need me, they can say my name and I’ll actually look up.
Ryan McLean Says:
November 11th, 2008, 18:29 pm
Haha this is a really interesting post. I don’t want to be able to work less so I can be lazy. I want to be able to work less so that I can spend more time with my friends and family. That is why I write an entrepreneurs blog. I have just actually started making some good money doing freelance writing. Soon I will be able to quit my boring sales job.
It is hard work making money online at the moment but I am passionate about it so I keep doing it. I don’t think you want to be lazy when you are so passionate about something anyway.
Kelly74 Says:
November 11th, 2008, 18:50 pm
We have had business meetings when half of the meeting is to talk about the next meeting, and what time works best for everyone. And we also have meeting where we talk about eliminating “waste” in our schedules…I just want to yel “hello…skipping this meeting would be a start”
Your Friendly Neighborhood Computer Guy Says:
November 11th, 2008, 19:04 pm
Hey Jonathan, another well written post!
I’m actually going to go against the grain and make a case for meetings. I think meetings can be wonderful time savers in many circumstances. I’ve had issues and been involved with projects that have stretched out for weeks with long email chains and marathon phone tag sessions that all could have been resolved in one 30 minute meeting. In fact…I think there is something to be said about an openly colaborative workplace where MOST of your time is spent in productive meetings.
Now, granted alot of work out there can be only completed by one person working at it alone, but “meeting” should not be a bad word. It’s the way the meeting is conducted that is key, and we need to train our leaders how to hold productive meetings without stopping them all together (so if you ever have an opportunity to lead a meeting, be concise, to the point, structured, and leave ON TIME….lead by example).
Just my two cents ;-)
FrugalNYC Says:
November 11th, 2008, 19:05 pm
I like point number 8, basically be different! Its hard for most of the world’s population though. Its funny I read this today, since I just updated my blog template so that its different from the average blogger account ;)
Raj Says:
November 11th, 2008, 19:21 pm
Great tips. I do try to follow no 5 as far as I can. I will try to add the rest to my repertoire :)
John Rocheleau - Zen-Moments Says:
November 11th, 2008, 19:23 pm
Learning to discriminate between the essential and non-essential — to you as an individual — is the true way to get things done.
Most people never realize, or even consider, what is important to them as individuals. Instead, they employ organizational and productivity techniques that make them efficient at being someone they are not, or for someone else’s agenda.
It really helps to make a few core decisions about who you are, what you want, and how you will get there, before you employ productivity techniques. Otherwise, you may wind up in a money trap: successful in a life and livelihood that you are unhappy in, but fearful to let go of.
Just some thoughts :-)
John
Seamus Anthony Says:
November 11th, 2008, 19:32 pm
From one Lazy Dude to another - amen brother, amen! (And thanks for the link - quite un-lazy of you actually, several clicks involved in that plus a measure of actual thought!)
Banji - LessonInLife Says:
November 11th, 2008, 19:35 pm
Nicely done Jonathan,
I was watching Amazing Race Asia the other day, and there’s one couple racing who just amaze me. They are very unfit, avoiding any physical challenge if they can, almost never run, but still they are in the top 4 out of 10 couple racing.
Maybe they have read this article before they entered the race :)
Christine Says:
November 11th, 2008, 19:41 pm
“But just because climbing a corporate ladder works, it doesn’t mean it’s the best idea for you.”
So true, it’s easy to get consumed by the ladder game and lose focus of what really makes you happy.
Matt Caldwell - 15 Minutes to Riches Says:
November 11th, 2008, 19:53 pm
@YFNCG
I certainly agree that sometimes problems arise which necessitate a quick meeting just to get things squared away. I think it’s the scheduled, repeating meetings that are usually so problematic. At least, those are the ones that tend to suck all my time (and soul) away. ;) The only counterexample I can think of is a daily scrum meeting for agile software development… when done correctly, these can actually be very effective. The problem is, you have to… do it correctly… I’m sure there are analogous types of meetings for other industries outside of software development.
Mary@GoodlifeZen.com Says:
November 11th, 2008, 19:53 pm
Hi Jonathan!
Once again a great article!
I was particularly interested in your point #2: Do your research.
I don’t necessarily agree with you there. My experience is that writing a deeply researched blog post is not exactly a task for a lazy person. Right now I’m writing a post about whether consciousness remains after death, and what that might mean for personal growth.
In the time it takes me to produce a post like that which needs extensive research (from scientific articles to personal stories), I could write about 5 opinion posts!
Jessica Stalley Says:
November 11th, 2008, 20:14 pm
nice article, jon.
I am a true lazy girl at heart!
I love your point about focus - its so true. lately I’ve been like a screaming banshee trying to keep my house looking perfect (im sick of living in a big mess) but as a result ive done NO work on my novel and NO blog posts! What do i want to be remembered for, a killer novel or a nice neat kitchen?
thanks for the reminder of what actually matters :)
A Dawn Says:
November 11th, 2008, 20:18 pm
This article reminds me of an article I wrote some days ago. Here is the beginning - Imagine that an undergraduate engineering student is doing the following:
Taking a year off
Quitting school not once, but twice
Skipping 85% of his classes
Failing first-year English three times
If he is in a class of 250 students, what would you expect him to rank? The last possible rank (the 250th) or maybe the 150th? -
This is a true store of International Best-Selling author Ernie Zelinski. The rest link is here - http://adawnjournal.com/2008/08/19/the-joy-of-not-working/
Cheers,
A Dawn Journal
Tim Brownson Says:
November 11th, 2008, 20:42 pm
Good stuff JM, although I’m bound to disagree with 8 ;-)
Modeling is the fastest way to success bar none. I know what you mean in terms of don’t just follow the beaten path up some corporate ladder (mixed metaphor alert) for the sake of it. However, there isn’t much new in life and if somebody has done successfully what you want to do, for gods sake don’t go reinventing the wheel just for the sake of it, copy them!
Even if what you’re doing is unique there will be elements that aren’t and we can always benefit from others experience imho.
Angela Brooks Says:
November 11th, 2008, 20:47 pm
#5 Oh Yes Ditch the meetings - you have one meeting to decide when to have the next one…and then lunch.
Valeria | TimelessLessons Says:
November 11th, 2008, 21:13 pm
For me, overcoming the resistance to doing what I need to do is really the key. I sometimes find myself creating excuses so that I can delay action, while feeling nervous on the inside, and potentially guilty for having waited.
Why do we put ourselves through that? Why do you think our natural inclination is to resist?
Anna Says:
November 11th, 2008, 21:27 pm
Like several other commenters, I agree that meetings are often a big waste of time. I feel like half of my work week is filled with unnecessary meetings!
“Don’t sacrifice quality to fill an arbitrary quota.”~This is something I struggle with at work daily. I am a therapist and have a quota of face-to-face time for each month. I disagree with this approach of therapy, I think it should be about the quality of the therapy, not the quantity.
Leo Says:
November 11th, 2008, 21:46 pm
Meetings can be done well, but they rarely are. Just about every meeting I’ve ever been to, especially when I was an employee, was a huge waste of time. Cutting them out of my schedule freed up 1/4 of my day.
Jonathan Mead Says:
November 11th, 2008, 21:59 pm
@ Ryan: Feel free to switch out “lazy” with purposeless. Not those things don’t have a purpose, but they’re not really means to an end, like most things we label productive.
@ YFNCG: I agree that certain meeting are necessary. I think it’s just the fact that there are so many meetings in the business world that are completely pointless, it creates this stigma. We end up resenting meeting and have to go to another extreme to balance things out. I wish it didn’t have to be that way.
@ Mary: Those posts that require a lot of research are definitely worth it. I guess my point was more that if you follow trends, or spot trends before they reach a tipping point, you can capitalize on them.
@ Tim: Can I ever write a post and you just agree? Geez. =)
@ Angela Brooks: My favorite is the meeting after the meeting to discuss how the meeting went.
Evelyn Lim Says:
November 11th, 2008, 22:02 pm
I like tip#8. Well said…just because the path has proven successful for someone else may not be the case for ourselves. We need to find our own.
johnlazy Says:
November 11th, 2008, 23:07 pm
Hahahahahah spot on, this is my favorite post because it says a lot to me. That’s why im johnlazy, I don’t want to work hard to earn more, I’m just a lazy individual.I want to work on something i love while enjoying.
Van Scott Says:
November 11th, 2008, 23:53 pm
I like this one! As a fellow lazy man, my strategy is to only do 2 things every day.
Now I have to figure out what my next one is…..
Jonathan Drain, Dungeons & Dragons blogger Says:
November 12th, 2008, 0:49 am
As a lazy programmer, I approve this message.
Success Professor - Danny Gamache Says:
November 12th, 2008, 1:03 am
Hi Jonathan,
Some great ideas. I particularly like your thoughts on being effective, and doing your research; these are vital.
While I agree with you that acting from you gut is a good idea, it shouldn’t rule out having a plan to work from. It is amazing how much time people can save by simply taking five minutes to make a plan before you start your day or project.
Eugene (Editor, Varsity Blah) Says:
November 12th, 2008, 1:54 am
I’ve found that the best way to manage my time (and my stress) has been to focus on things that really matter. It’s about knowing what I absolutely have to do and what can either be postponed, delegated, or done away with altogether. It’s about knowing what to take seriously and what to let slide. It’s about taking care of the big things so the little ones take care of themselves and the really little ones don’t bother me at all.
DanGTD Says:
November 12th, 2008, 4:08 am
I usually take 25% of my time “off” from my work/business.
Not because I am lazy, but because doing this forces me to think on how I can structure my activities for better productivity.
Hugo Says:
November 12th, 2008, 4:45 am
Interesting article Jonathan! I agree with almost everything, although I have to say a clean desk is important for me to work pleasantly.
Not emptying your inbox for a day seems like no problem to me as long as you don’t look at it all the time :)
The Daily Click Says:
November 12th, 2008, 4:48 am
Planning - a procrastinator’s excuse for not doing what they know they should. From someone who use to spend time trying to plan every step I now say have a rough plan and just do it. Not only will you get more done but you will get it done sooner.
Mark McGuinness Says:
November 12th, 2008, 5:02 am
“Some of these things may seem like a lot of work up front, but that’s the price you have to pay to lounge around all day.” That’s the key to it — if you’re lazy from day one you have to pay the price later. But work for work’s sake is just as bad — you never get off the hamster wheel and live your life.
Maybe we could call it ‘artful laziness’? Several of the things on the list require a lot of skill to execute effectively. A real artist is skilful enough to create maximum effect with minimum effort.
Thanks for referencing my post on Lateral Action, much appreciated.
Chris (from Lifestyle Project) Says:
November 12th, 2008, 5:33 am
I find that being lazy also helps my creativity. When you constantly try and occupy your time with productive time you don’t give your brain the down time to process information. I find that in down time, when I am least expecting is when I come up with my best ideas. Allowing yourself to switch of may well be the best way to switch on your creativity.
Great post as usual Jonathan.
J.D. Meier Says:
November 12th, 2008, 5:46 am
One of the most important things I do is let stuff slough off. It’s not that it wasn’t important. It’s that there’s something more important now. I always find that the best question I can answer is, what’s the next best thing I can do, right now? That simple question serves me well.
Alex Fayle | Someday Syndrome Says:
November 12th, 2008, 6:34 am
When I had my hands-on organizing business I would focus on teaching my clients how to be efficiently lazy - doing work up front and getting rid of the details so that they could relax and just focus on the big picture later.
#3 is my downfall - I use planning to procrastinate.
Dumb Darwin Says:
November 12th, 2008, 7:50 am
Nice article but I beg to disagree with the general idea that you can be lazy and still get things done.
Vincent Says:
November 12th, 2008, 9:07 am
I agree on the point, act on your gut. Sometimes too much analysis will only cause you to have analysis paralysis. Go with your gut feeling, just dive in and let life unfold.
Cheers
Vincent
Personal Development Blogger
Kelly Says:
November 12th, 2008, 9:24 am
Simplify and the messy desk will not even occur. Less is more in everything - work, play, all aspects of life.
Joe Says:
November 12th, 2008, 10:02 am
I think what is most interesting is just how many people agree/disagree with the whole meeting thing. it seems to be the largest area of interest Hmmmmmmm
Ross Says:
November 12th, 2008, 10:15 am
Wow, “don’t do what works”. I had to stop and think about that one for a while. Working from our strengths rather than other’s is a great tip. It’s also a key message for entrepreneurs - following the path of others is no way to be creative and think laterally. Cheers.
Abram Says:
November 12th, 2008, 10:59 am
8. Don’t do what works. From what I read, sounds as if you mean. Don’t do what works for others. Do what works for you! Did I interpret that correctly?
nommo Says:
November 12th, 2008, 12:05 pm
Hmm.. I think perhaps the use of the term ‘lazy’ was to add some appeal to the blog title ;-)
Lazy is being ‘disinclined to work or do anything requiring effort’ - it’s not about getting work done with the least amount of effort, which is what I think most of the commenters here are attempting.
That is called efficiency… I presume that people aren’t *actually* aspiring to be stoners on welfare? Maybe not.. hehe - but it *is* over-rated.
Is it not more about knowing *when* and *how* to act? How to ‘do’ without ‘doing’ ?
“A good teacher teaches the student that they already know the answer.”
How many Subgenii/Discordians are reading this btw?
Joel Says:
November 12th, 2008, 12:28 pm
This isn’t being lazy. Lazy people don’t accomplish squat! This is simply being efficient and focused or being in the flow. It may seem clever to call it lazy, but isn’t the truth. I think that a lot of what you say makes sense. I have worked this way for years. I believe that what people need to know is that you really can’t get something for nothing. There are no short cuts in life. All successful people have worked hard for what they have achieved. You can work from home in your pajamas but you still work hard, sometimes harder and longer than those who go to work everyday.
Hard work and effort should be celebrated. Overwork and not having a work-life balance should be challenged. But let’s not go overboard and praise laziness.
Sam Moon Says:
November 12th, 2008, 12:34 pm
You forgot to add one more: Write bullet points and lists, instead of essays that require real thought.
Lee Ann/Living Introverted Says:
November 12th, 2008, 12:47 pm
“Act from your gut”! I am the biggest planner/plotter in the world! And I am pretty sure that while it’s not necessarily bad to be a planner, it get’s me into trouble sometimes. I need to try acting from my gut - I think I will…. :)
Thanks!
Ficcionista Says:
November 12th, 2008, 13:06 pm
For sometime now, i’ve been seeing a lot of posts around the net talking about doing things, geting things done, etc. and i never understood them.
Honestly, i don’t understand the GTD cult, movement, whatever you want to call it. If i want something done, i just do it. I don’t create to-do lists, i don’t use organizers, heck i barely use my Outlook task manager. People around me (in my reality, that is) always complain about not having enough time to spend with their families and friends and i simply don’t get it.
I work nine hours a day, on a shift based schedule, in one week i’m working from 07am til 04pm, the next week i may be working from 02PM to 11PM. In the midst of those crazy schedules i always find time to be with my wife, my daughter and my cats. We’re always spending time together, be it dishwashing, cooking, cleaning the house.
So by my experinece i think that the problem is not a lack of time, but a lack of knowing how to take advantage of the time available.
Jonathan Mead Says:
November 12th, 2008, 13:09 pm
@ nommo: I don’t think this article is for someone that’s really truly lazy. It’s just for the people that want to do things more effectively (as you said) to have the time to be as lazy as they want to be. That’s my goal.
@ Sam Moon: Sometimes you have to write a list when you want to convey numerous points in a structured way. I mentioned all of those points in a paragraph/essay form it would likely get jumbled.
Pace Says:
November 12th, 2008, 13:18 pm
Yes! Work smarter, not harder! This post reminds me of what Larry Wall says about Perl: that one of the virtues of a good programmer is to be lazy.
Tess Marshall Says:
November 12th, 2008, 14:11 pm
Dithching things that don’t matter is good. Sometimes when I’m stuck or fearful I focus on things that don’t matter as a way of procrastinating. Great article.
soulshine Says:
November 12th, 2008, 14:27 pm
“It’s a lot easier to apply your unique strengths, then to force yourself into an arbitrary mold.”
This quote/advice is important in *so* many aspects of life - not just work & productivity. Great post - thank you!!!
Tim Brownson Says:
November 12th, 2008, 14:52 pm
@ Jonathan - Yes and no. If I agree I’ll probably not say anything, so think of all those posts where I’ve not commented and you can presume I agree!
You know I’m not one to simply comment to say I agree, where’s the fun in that I ask you? ;-)
Healthy Gaming Says:
November 12th, 2008, 15:41 pm
Thanks Jonathan, nice article!
I also like to divide big tasks in smaller sub-tasks. If I don’t, it looks overwhelming, and I end up procrastinating.
Having a simple to do list with bite size sub-tasks really helps fight my laziness :)
Tim Rosanelli Says:
November 12th, 2008, 16:08 pm
I used almost everyone of these pieces of advice when I worked at a corporation and obtained above average raises every year (top raise was 23%).
I think the idea is to focus and work like an Olympic athlete on the important things and too slack on everything else.
Everyone in the corporate world should do three things starting tomorrow -
1. Spend one hour on the single most important task - Usually the most important task is something that will produce great benefits in the future i.e. that special project you’re boss want you to complete but you’re too busy. Hint ~ This task does not have to do with answering phones or e-mail.
2. Highlight your performance - Write a victory book of all the important things you accomplished this year at work. Each victory should be measured by dollar saved, dollar earned, or time saved for the company. For example, Created cross selling system that generated an additional $100,000 in sales.
3. Have a terrific attitude - Bosses love people with terrific attitudes towards their work and give these people more leadway then their negative counterparts.
Tim Rosanelli
View my blog at
Sensei Talks
Join our sit-up challenge at
60 Situps in a Minute Challenge
Clay Says:
November 12th, 2008, 17:47 pm
Good tips. Like most, I especially agree with the ditch meetings part. Having had to sit through way too many pointless meetings I feel that pain. Tim Ferriss’ book 4-Hour Workweek is a good source for other tips like this, very similar to this post.
Jess Wilder Says:
November 12th, 2008, 17:57 pm
LOL soudns like an article my super lazy teenager would love to read!
Jim R Says:
November 12th, 2008, 18:08 pm
“Being lazy” is not “not doing work.” Every thing we do is work, from eating, sleeping, recreation, fantasising, reading, watching TV, even during sleep our bodies are working hard to repair the body. Being lazy is just a type of work that is not valued by the person or segment of society utilising the label of laziness. Laziness is usually attached to activities such as resting, recreation, socialising etc. Are any of those things bad? No, except in excess. And so is the type of work we call “work” which is what we do to earn money if it is done to excess or at the expense of fundamental human needs such as rest, sleep, eating healthily, socialising, time spent spiritually etc.
Benoit David Says:
November 12th, 2008, 18:12 pm
Very true. I often say to people: “I’m a firm believer in the law of least effort”, which ultimately, in the end, aims at producing more… not less. And of course, one has to keep in mind that quality is the objective, not quantity. …cut the crap and concentrate on important things.
Jim Painfull Back Says:
November 12th, 2008, 18:16 pm
Too lazy to read, can you phone me up and read it to me? preferably a shorter version?
Beth Partin Says:
November 12th, 2008, 18:29 pm
I like number 5 the best–act from your gut–because it’s the hardest one for me to do. I loooooooooove to ponder things. It’s a hard habit to break.
Terry Morawski Says:
November 12th, 2008, 18:29 pm
This is great. Cutting out anything that is not getting you what you want is a great first step. Thanks again.
@morate
highdude Says:
November 12th, 2008, 18:34 pm
This is the original list.
1. “Nose Goes!” Before any significant action must be done. Note: anything that requires the least bit of energy falls under this category like fetching the menu for delivery food.
2. “Beer Me”
3. “I’m ovs” The literal interpretation of “I’m over it.”
I’m ovs. To Be Continued…
Random Mike Says:
November 12th, 2008, 18:35 pm
Wow, you’ve pretty much pegged my life. Only one point in here that I wasn’t doing already, and it’s a good idea. Thanks.
Carlos Says:
November 12th, 2008, 19:17 pm
I AM TOO LAZY TO READ THIS. HAVE NO TIME. IS THERE ANY CHEATSHEET OR REFERENCE CARD FOR THIS?
I am going to bookmark this article with the tags “gtd” and “toread” Delicious.com (formerly del.icio.us) and maybe I would read other user’s comments for this permalink URL.
Maybe I would take a quick look at the comments. Maybe I even make a fast read at the important points of this article.
thlu Says:
November 12th, 2008, 19:35 pm
Talking about lazy, how about testing your layout on Firefox?
It displays well on IE, but on FF, 1/2 of your text is on this blue background on the left, making it totally unreadable.
Robert A. Henru Says:
November 12th, 2008, 19:41 pm
In fact, one article say, that diligent people are good at middle mgmt, but lazy people are good at top mgmt. I guess, in some ways lazy can be good, only if it makes you think of being effective. Just like what you said in the first tips. Very useful post, Jonathan!
j hova Says:
November 12th, 2008, 19:59 pm
thank you sir! you just summed up my life practice.
Don Webb Says:
November 12th, 2008, 23:15 pm
Great ideas about getting things done, the lazy man’s way. Like the popular posts at the bottom of your page also.
I would love to link your page to mine, the URL listed. Is it possible to get the HTML for your page, so that I can copy and paste it to mine. There are a lot of people in the Squidoo community that would love to read your ideas. I would like them to be able to click on your button on my page and go to your site. Let me know what you think.
Pearl Says:
November 13th, 2008, 1:55 am
I really like this list, however I think #6 should be “focus on quality”, not “focus on less.”
Focusing on creating more when working on a creative endeavor is better than focusing on less because it gives you more possibilities to sift through to get the end product.
If you focus on creating less, the inner censor tends to creep in and demand to know why a particular idea is worth working on.
One of my favorite stories to keep in mind when I’m writing music is that Brian Eno wrote 84 different 6 second pieces when he was requested to create the one “Microsoft Sound” for Windows 95 startup. Hardly a waste of his time, in my opinion.
Angel Cuala Says:
November 13th, 2008, 2:03 am
A great contribution here, Jonathan. I love most the last one. I remember I made a post about blogging tips that “we should not listen to experts, instead studying them and use them only as a guide”.
We can’t be a Darren Rowse, but we can be better than him.
Natas Says:
November 13th, 2008, 3:12 am
I’m pretty lazy, haven’t read the article can someone summarize please. My wife tells me I’m lazy and says that I never finish anyth
lex Says:
November 13th, 2008, 5:45 am
Great tips. I do try to follow no 5 as far as I can. I will try to add the rest to my repertoire :)
nommo Says:
November 13th, 2008, 8:10 am
@ Jonathan - no I didn’t think you meant dictionary lazy.. you don’t seem the lazy type.
You mean doing work quicker, more effectively to leave time for its polar opposite - play. A sentiment I entirely agree with. I do however have some trouble with play-creep in my work life ;-)
Pete Says:
November 13th, 2008, 9:46 am
nice article
maybe number 9 should be; Proof read zenhabits posts.
Patrick Says:
November 13th, 2008, 10:27 am
Lazy people should learn the difference between the word “then” and the word “than”.
Stephan Miller Says:
November 13th, 2008, 10:43 am
I love it. I always attest my use of software to laziness. It is also one of the major reasons I chose a job online. There is a fine line between productivity and laziness. Laziness will make you search for productivity tools. Finally someone hsa put this into words.
Midla Says:
November 13th, 2008, 10:47 am
Being a lazy person myself I can say your list is pretty spot on. Why you giving away our secrets?
Man Overboard Says:
November 13th, 2008, 11:26 am
11. Do things in the right order. Do Task B before you do Task A and Task C may become unnecessary.
C payne Says:
November 13th, 2008, 12:15 pm
I’m not lazy
craig hanzel Says:
November 13th, 2008, 12:18 pm
I HAD A DREAM! that all people should be lazy.
It is a great idea to not attend meetings. This provides time for other important activitys.
mike Says:
November 13th, 2008, 12:19 pm
i really like the bit about ditching meetings. the best advice is probably stay ahead of the trends it really is a hue time saver. good blog.
ME Says:
November 13th, 2008, 12:20 pm
A peace of advice that is interesting about this article, is that it says to ditch meetings which is weird because you should go to meetings…
C payne Says:
November 13th, 2008, 12:21 pm
I don’t agree with the idea behind laziness. Lazieness will get you a job at McDonald’s.
Diondra Oliver Says:
November 13th, 2008, 12:22 pm
I disagree with the part about lazy people.
caleb Says:
November 13th, 2008, 12:22 pm
lazy is not a good thing. It will get you no where unlike work. hard work will get you far. work=money
mario Says:
November 13th, 2008, 12:24 pm
i like how you you said you can be lazy and still get work done. It shows that even if you slack off you can be very successful in life. I would go wih do your research. Research is important, beause it helps you better understand what your learning.
erichansa Says:
November 13th, 2008, 12:24 pm
Holy crap the dude in the pic looked exactly like me about 5 minutes ago.
Man it’s so awesome laying in bed with your laptop instead of having to go through the incredible effort of having to sit at a desk.
morgan davis Says:
November 13th, 2008, 12:24 pm
i though skipping meetings was a little to much.
David M. Dick Says:
November 13th, 2008, 12:25 pm
I thought that it was interesting how it basickly a guide to half do every thing and still be sucsses full. Like ditching meetings. I think that I will ditchmeetings. I dissagree with doing recearch befor hand i think that you should just recearch as you go.
Nichole Says:
November 13th, 2008, 12:28 pm
I agree that being organized is important becuase I work better in a clean enviornment and to me organization is most important
Allison Says:
November 13th, 2008, 12:29 pm
I was suprised that it said to ditch meeting.
dylan phillips Says:
November 13th, 2008, 12:33 pm
this article was very motivational to our youths society only if they decide to use the information presented. unfortunately our age group is to lazy to use it appropriately
Kid Krawlie da gangsta my wanksta Says:
November 13th, 2008, 14:48 pm
“Act from your gut”! I am the biggest planner/plotter in the world! And I am pretty sure that while it’s not necessarily bad to be a planner, it get’s me into trouble sometimes. I need to try acting from my gut - I think I will…. :)
Thanks!
James Downing Says:
November 13th, 2008, 14:48 pm
I will use act from your gut advice because i want the best of things. I like to plan things and be organized but sometimes things happen and you have to pick the best choice and its better to act from your gut then to have highly detailed plans because you have to go with the flow
Garrett Says:
November 13th, 2008, 14:50 pm
I disagree with the skipping meetings part. I think this because if a meeting is called then you should go.
Taylor Says:
November 13th, 2008, 14:51 pm
I was realy surprised by the “Ditch meetings” tip Most people will tell you right off the bat to be there and on time for every thing. Not that I dissagree. I too find them to be a complete waste of time!
JD Says:
November 13th, 2008, 14:52 pm
I would use the be effective message. You have to do work proper and efficiently.
Jaysha Says:
November 13th, 2008, 14:52 pm
I find the “Ditch Meetings and other things that don’t matter” the most affective advice. I would definitely say that most meetings are pointless and a huge waste of time and energy. Especially if you can just “handle the problem with a simple email of phone call.” If there are easy ways to do things, then why do them the hard way?
lacee Says:
November 13th, 2008, 14:53 pm
i think that the ‘dont do what works’ section is very good advice, and very informative, rather than going by what you are told is the most effective, because you wont get anywhere doing things that are supposed to be effective, if youren ot good at them.
justin Says:
November 13th, 2008, 14:54 pm
i like how he skips meeting and still is sucsessful
Kenny Gulley Says:
November 13th, 2008, 14:55 pm
I like how he ditches meeting’s and is still successful
Jonathan Mead Says:
November 13th, 2008, 14:57 pm
@ Jaysha: Totally. I think some people are addicted to meeting because they fear results. Haha.
Chris Cairns Says:
November 13th, 2008, 19:56 pm
While leveraging relationships can help you get places more efficiently and effectively than most other methods, don’t be naive to think that it doesn’t take work. Trust me, I work in an industry where people’s careers are built on connections and relationships — and it takes work. How much time do you spend just maintaining your Facebook, shooting chat messages back-and-forth, and so on all in the name of relationship maintenance?
Darla Says:
November 13th, 2008, 21:45 pm
I enjoyed this post and was glad to be the first Digg it.. Checking back I see that 969 people Dugg it as well.
My favorite is #1 - don’t try to be perfect, be effective.
Mary Says:
November 14th, 2008, 11:25 am
Lazy people make great programmers - they’ll take time to write a couple lines of code that will save them from doing a task (or writing the same lines) over and over. OOP extends this principle even more.
Takumi86 Says:
November 14th, 2008, 13:21 pm
Great tips for the lazy one but i found out that doing this step could take your job done much longer
Sean Nieuwoudt Says:
November 14th, 2008, 17:41 pm
This was a really nice read! thanks
Cyril Says:
November 14th, 2008, 23:52 pm
I love this post. I really think that’s a good list for productivity 101.
Rick Says:
November 15th, 2008, 14:53 pm
Most “Zen like” points are “Allow things to happen” and “Act From the Gut”.
Basic tenet of Buddhist philosophy (as it appears in the # noble truths). Sudfering (stress) is caused by trying to control that which we cannot. Do not push away the “bad” or grasp at the “good”.
I’ve found this extremely valuable in business. Anything but high level planning is a waste of time and energy. The details never go as planned. Find a wholesome direction based on uncluttered thinking (gut feel) and then nudge things that way without trying to control all the little stuff.
I’ve fou